Posts in category: Dating Tips, Guide and Advice

Individuation in psychology is the process that people go through as they achieve a distinct, separate identity. This idea was introduced by the psychoanalyst Carl Jung, who suggested that this was a central process in human development.

What Is Individuation?

When discussing human development, individuation refers to the process of forming a stable personality. As a person individuates, they gain a clearer sense of self separate from their parents and others around them. Carl Jung used the term “individuation” extensively in his work on personality development.

In Carl Jung’s work, he suggested that this was a self-realization process. Throughout life, people are prone to losing touch with certain aspects of their true selves. Through individuation, they are able to integrate these aspects of themselves with all of their new learning and experiences that they gain throughout life.

Signs of Individuation

Individuation occurs throughout life, but it is an important part of the tween, teen, and young adulthood years. When individuation occurs:

Seeking Privacy

During adolescence, tweens and teens may want more privacy. During this time, parents or caregivers should get used to the idea of their children wanting to spend time alone in their bedrooms.

They may no longer be as open about what happens during the school day or in their friendships. They also may have romantic relationships or crushes that they keep to themselves.

Focusing on the Self

They may focus on themselves more than others. Adolescent egocentrism may arise due to the individuation process. Teenagers are often focused on their own concerns and may struggle to see things from the perspective of others.

Going Against Norms

People may rebel against the family or cultural norms. Young people undergoing the individuation process may also seemingly rebel against their parents. If their parents are conservative Christians, for example, the child may begin to develop an interest in Buddhism or announce their interest in atheism. The child may reject conservatism to embrace liberal politics.

Changing Appearance and Style

They may personalize their appearance. During this time, children may dress, style their hair, or listen to music their parents object to. Parents should not take these style decisions personally.

Impact of Individuation

The individuation process can be challenging and sometimes lead to turmoil and conflict for some people. Suppressing or denying the authentic self can, however, lead to distress and problems with self-identity.

Poor individuation can lead to a number of problems. Some of these include:

Children who don’t develop a healthy sense of self may become depressed as adults or have an existential crisis. They may wonder why they chose the career they did or the spouse they have and question if they were really supposed to lead a certain lifestyle. Did they make these choices consciously or listen to what others (namely their parents or caregivers) told them to do?

If people are not sure what they want, they may seek relationships that lack appropriate boundaries and support. They may feel unable to pursue their own interests and goals and instead simply go along with what others want them to do.

Coping With Individuation

Whether you are dealing with a rebellious teen or struggling to get back in touch with your true self, there are things that you can do to help make it easier to cope.

It’s important that parents or caregivers allow children to undergo the individuation process. While parents may want children to live the same way that they do or embrace the same values that they have, they must recognize and respect the fact that their children are unique individuals with their own paths in life.

Create a Safe Space for Exploration

As a parent or caregiver, provide kids the security, space, and support to try out new things. For adults who are looking to reaffirm or reintegrate parts of their identity, work on trying new things before making drastic life changes.

For example, seeking new friendships, trying out new hobbies, or exploring new places can be a way to test out changes you might want to make in your life.

Consider Therapy

Therapy can be a helpful way to address problems with individuation because it involves analyzing and discovering things about yourself and your relationships with others.

In therapy, you’ll be able to:

• Learn to express your feelings
• Identify negative thoughts
• Practice communicating your wants and needs
• Develop skills that will help you express your identity
• Treat underlying problems with stress, anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns

Recognize That It’s Normal

It’s important to remember that individuation is a completely normal developmental process. Teens and young adults need to explore and try new ideas, styles, beliefs, and attitudes to determine what’s right for them and their lives.

And while this is common during adolescence, it’s something that we go through at other points in our lives as well. It may be particularly likely during big transitions of your life, such as when you move, get married, start a family, or begin a new job.

When to Intervene

There are times when parents or caregivers may need to intervene during the individuation process if teens and tweens are engaging in dangerous or destructive behaviors. Adolescents are known to take risks as they develop into independent people.

Maintain Boundaries

While parents need to respect the differences between their children and them, it’s not necessarily a good idea to give your child too much freedom during this time.

Let them know that you respect that they’re growing into adults, but that recklessness at their age has real-world consequences that can affect them for the rest of their lives.

Set Boundaries

Set boundaries for kids, even as they undergo the individuation process. Children can find a sense of self without resorting to drugs, alcohol, promiscuity or other behaviors that put them at risk.

Seek Help If Needed

As an adult, there are also times when you should seek help if individuation is contributing to risky behaviors. If you are experiencing symptoms of a mental illness such as depression or anxiety, it is important to talk to your doctor. Such conditions may worsen over time, so addressing them early on can help you cope and get back on track.

A midlife crisis is a shift in identity that sometimes affects middle-aged adults between the ages of 40 and 60. At this halfway point in life, people tend to reevaluate their lives and confront their own mortality. For some, this becomes a significant issue that affects their relationships and careers.

This crisis can affect self-concept and self-confidence, leading to changes in moods, behaviors, emotions, and relationships as people cope with the transition to midlife.

It’s thought that aging leads to feelings of depression, remorse, and anxiety. And a midlife crisis is a phase that helps people feel youthful again as they struggle to come to terms with the fact that their lives are half over.

But, the emotional turmoil some people experience during midlife doesn’t always lead to major lifestyle changes that involve the desire to be young again. In fact, a midlife crisis could turn into something positive.

Are Midlife Crises Real?

Some researchers believe the notion of the midlife crisis is a social construct. And it’s the belief that you’re supposed to have some sort of crisis in your 40s that leads some people to say they experience a breakdown.

But not everyone experiences a midlife crisis. In fact, studies show a midlife crisis isn’t an issue for people in many parts of the world.

A national survey of Midlife in the United States conducted a poll to determine how many people experience midlife crises. Approximately 26% of the participants reported having a midlife crisis.

That raises the question about whether these crises were truly related to midlife since midlife is typically considered age 45.

Out of the 1 in 4 people who say they had a midlife crisis, the vast majority say it was brought on by a major event rather than age. Factors that triggered the crisis included life changes such as divorce, job loss, loss of a loved one, or relocation.

Signs of a Midlife Crisis

Since a “midlife crisis” isn’t an official diagnosis, it’s a difficult concept for researchers to study. Researchers often disagree on what constitutes a midlife crisis.

Much of the research depends on individuals’ answers to questions about whether they’ve experienced a midlife crisis. Of course, what one person defines as a crisis may not be consistent with what another person considers to be a midlife crisis.

While it’s typically thought that a midlife crisis involves the fear of mortality or the desire to be young again, the emotions experienced during a midlife crisis may not be all that much different from the distress someone might experience during any other type of life crisis.

Are You in a Midlife Crisis? Take the Quiz

This fast and free midlife crisis quiz can help you figure out if you’re just in a bit of a rut or may be in the midst of a full-blown crisis.

This quiz was reviewed by Rachel Goldman, PhD, FTOS

Causes of a Midlife Crisis

For many people, midlife is a time when relationships and roles are changing. Some people may need to begin caring for aging parents during midlife. Others may become empty nesters—or they may feel as though their teenagers are growing up too fast.

The aging process becomes more apparent than ever during this time as well. Some individuals may develop illnesses, while others may begin to notice a decline in their physical abilities.

For some individuals, midlife may be a time of immense reflection. They may look back over their years and question what their lives might have been like if they’d taken a different path. Some people may regret not choosing a different career path or not creating a life they once dreamed about living. Others may reflect on the happier days in their lives.

For goal-oriented people, there may be less reflection and more action. Rather than look back on years gone by, they may begin scrambling to accomplish bigger goals in the second half of their lives.

The Happiness Slump

Many studies indicate that happiness is U-shaped. A gradual decline in happiness begins during the late teen years and continues until an individual is in their 40s. Happiness begins increasing again in an individual’s 50s.

Data on half a million Americans and Europeans found this trend to be true. Individuals in their 60s reported they’d never been happier, but people in their 40s felt like they were at an all-time low.

This U-shaped curve doesn’t appear to be universal, however. It’s more prevalent in high-income nations. A gradual decline in happiness may explain why some people seem to hit a midlife crisis—they’re in a happiness slump.

Midlife Crisis vs. Depression

Some people may experience depression during midlife and refer to their depressive state as their midlife crisis. Women between the ages of 40 and 59 in the United States have the highest rates of depression (12.3%) of any group based on age and gender, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Suicide rates are highest during middle age—among White men in particular. People between the ages of 45 and 54 are more likely to die by suicide than any other age group.

Does a midlife crisis cause depression? Does depression cause a midlife crisis? Or, is the depression people experience during midlife simply referred to as a midlife crisis?

Similarly, does a midlife crisis increase the risk of suicide? No one knows for certain if a midlife crisis is separate from a mental health crisis that might simply occur during any stage of an individual’s life.

Positive Aspects of a Midlife Crisis

A 2016 study published in the International Journal of Behavioral Development found an upside to the midlife crisis—curiosity. Researchers found that people who were experiencing a crisis—whether it was a quarter-life or a midlife crisis—experienced enhanced curiosity about themselves and the wider world around them. 

The distress and uncertainty participants experienced brought about openness to new ideas, which could bring insight and creative solutions. That curiosity could lead to new breakthroughs or new opportunities, which might be the silver lining in the midst of a crisis.

When to Get Help for a Midlife Crisis

Midlife turmoil might bring about positive changes that don’t require professional help. Perhaps you become more spiritual or maybe you decide to begin volunteering so you feel as though your life has more meaning.

But it could also take a toll on your well-being. If you find yourself experiencing a psychological crisis during midlife, you shouldn’t treat it differently than any other emotional crisis. If you experience distressing symptoms that impair your functioning, seek professional help.

If you’re thinking of making some major life changes, like ending a long-term relationship, switching careers, or relocating—and your desire to make those changes stems from inner turmoil related to midlife—it could be a good idea to talk to a mental health professional before taking the leap.

How to Help Someone Experiencing a Midlife Crisis

If you suspect a friend or family member may be experiencing a midlife crisis, there are several things you can do to be supportive:

• Be a good listener: Let your loved one talk about their distress. Listen in a nonjudgmental way and hold off on offering advice in the beginning.
• Express your concern: Avoid saying things like, “You seem to be having a midlife crisis.” Instead, ask questions that don’t shame or place blame. Say something like, “You don’t seem like yourself lately. Are you OK?”
• Talk about the importance of getting help: Encourage the person to talk to their physician. Keep in mind that there could be a medical issue behind the changes you see. A thyroid condition, for example, might cause a change in mood. Or, you might be seeing early signs of dementia. A physician can rule out medical issues and determine if a referral to a mental health professional is warranted.
• Get help for yourself: If someone close to you refuses to seek help, get help for yourself. Talking to a mental health professional can help you develop a plan that allows you to be supportive of the other individual while also setting healthy boundaries for yourself.
• Seek immediate assistance if someone is suicidal: If someone is threatening to harm themselves or other people, intervene immediately. If necessary, take the individual to the emergency room for an evaluation. If the person refuses to go to the hospital, call an ambulance and do not leave the individual unattended.

Prozac (fluoxetine) is a popular medication used in the treatment of major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic attacks, and some eating disorders. Fluoxetine—the active ingredient in Prozac—is also available under the brand name Sarafem for treating premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).

If taken as prescribed, the risk of Prozac overdose is low. If a person takes more than prescribed either accidentally or intentionally, however, an overdose is possible.

What Is Considered an Overdose of Prozac?

Several factors—including age, weight, current state of health, and whether the person has also taken any other drugs along with Prozac—will determine whether any given dose will be harmful to an individual. 

This makes it impossible to generalize about what particular dose would be considered to be an overdose. It is quite possible that one person will make a complete recovery from a particular dose while another may not. 

In general, however, if a person has taken more than what they have been prescribed, especially in the presence of overdose symptoms, they should seek out immediate medical attention.

Symptoms of Prozac Overdose

The most common symptoms of a Prozac overdose include:

• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Fever
• Hallucinations
• Loss of consciousness
• Nervousness
• Rapid, irregular, or pounding heartbeat
• Uncontrollable shaking
• Unresponsiveness
• Unsteadiness

Possible Complications

Some of the possible medical complications that can occur following an overdose include:

• Abnormal heart rhythm
• Disseminated intravascular coagulation (widespread blood clotting in the
  small blood vessels, leading to tissue death and organ damage)
• Kidney failure
• Respiratory failure
• Rhabdomyolysis (rapid skeletal muscle breakdown, leading to the release of substances into the bloodstream which can cause kidney failure)
• Seizures

While rare, some people may experience seizures as a result of a Prozac overdose. In some cases, this may be the result of serotonin toxicity.

Getting Medical Assistance

Due to the fact that emergency room visits can be quite expensive, people will often hesitate to seek emergency help for a possible overdose, especially if the person does not seem to be experiencing any symptoms. One very good resource for these cases is your local Poison Control Center.

Information to Have Ready

When you are calling either Poison Control or emergency services, you should have the following information available, if possible:

• Amount of time since they took the medication
• Any other drugs or substances that they might have taken
• How much of the medication they may have swallowed (actual amount or your best guess)
• Information about whether the person might have had suicidal intent
• A list of their symptoms
• The person’s age, sex, and weight
• Their prescribed dosage

Prozac Overdose Treatment

If the overdose occurred fairly recently, then the emergency room will probably pump the person’s stomach to remove any remaining medication. They may also give them activated charcoal to absorb any remaining traces of the drug.

Since no antidote for Prozac exists, the goal of treatment is to monitor and support the patient’s vital functions—such as heartbeat, breathing, and blood pressure—until the person has recovered. Treatment may also involve counteracting any complications that have developed, such as seizures.

Next Steps After Overdose Treatment

After a person has received treatment for Prozac overdose, there are common questions such as how to prevent future overdoses, what to do if the overdose was intentional, and whether the person can continue taking Prozac.

Preventing Future Overdoses

You can prevent future overdoses by always taking your medication exactly as prescribed. Avoid combining Prozac with alcohol or illicit substances, which can make overdose more likely or worsen any adverse effects that you might experience. Also, be careful to take your medication at the same time each day and never take two doses at the same time to make up for one that you missed.

An Intentional Overdose

If the overdose was on purpose, it is important to get help from a mental health professional to address suicidal thinking and behavior. If there is an immediate danger of self-harm or suicide, hospitalization and stabilization may be necessary.

Further treatment depends upon your doctor’s or psychiatrist’s advice but may involve the use of another type of antidepressant, psychotherapy, or some other treatment.

Continuing Prozac After an Overdose

Whether you continue on your medication depends upon your doctor’s recommendations. In many cases, you may need to continue taking your medication for a time as you gradually reduce your dose while your body adjusts.

Embarrassment and shame tend to surround the issue of watching porn. For some people, that arises from the suspicion that it constitutes cheating. But for others, watching porn is a positive, healthy way to enhance the couple’s sex life. Whether porn is cheating or not is ultimately up to the partners involved. The key is to discuss the issue openly.

For Monogamous Relationships

A monogamous relationship is one in which you and your partner are the only parties. So if one of you is watching other people have sex, does that count as infidelity?

Dr. Jaclyn Gulotta, PhD, LMHC, qualified parenting coordinator and Florida Supreme Court-certified family mediator, says that it depends on a person’s expectations of the relationship.

“If the couple has a mutual agreement regarding the use of porn and one partner strays from those limitations, then porn may be considered cheating,” says Gulotta.

This can be tricky, because many couples don’t discuss porn-watching. Janice Miles, LMFT, says it depends on the established rules of a relationship. For example, some couples discuss the issue and agree that each person can do it on their own. Or, they may agree to watch it together.

However, if a couple has never discussed watching porn, problems can arise if one person assumes the other never watches it. They then might feel like the partner has been cheating on them when they find out about it. Although this scenario might seem uncommon, about three-quarters of men and one-third of women in monogamous relationships watch porn alone.

For Non-Monogamous Relationships

You might assume that, if your relationship involves other people in addition to your primary partner, watching porn can’t possibly be cheating. This isn’t the case at all. Again, it’s all about the boundaries you set as a couple.

Gulotta stresses that establishing rules determines how all people in a relationship should behave in relation to watching porn.

A non-monogamous couple might have an open agreement about watching porn, whether alone or with other partners. In this case, doing that isn’t ever cheating. But just as in monogamous relationships, if one partner feels it’s cheating, the other doesn’t, and no one has discussed it, hurt and confusion can result.

Can Watching Porn Be Emotionally Healthy?

Gulotta says that sharing a few porn videos as a couple can be a healthy experience that brings a couple closer and fosters communication about their sex life.

“Watching porn together can improve their communication in the bedroom and make them feel closer intimately,” she says.

Watching Porn Can Be a Form of Self-Care

Additionally, she notes that watching porn can be a part of a self-care routine. All couples need space and time alone, and porn-watching can be a harmless, even helpful way to decompress.

What About Cam Situations?

Even if everyone in a relationship has agreed that they’re allowed to watch porn without the involvement of anyone else, watching porn can actually still be cheating. That’s because nowadays, porn may be live, and viewers can become involved to some extent.

If a person uses porn in a secretive manner to connect with someone besides their partner, it can be considered cheating, according to Gulotta. She says that the other person in the relationship might feel betrayed when they learn about that happening, which can cause a disconnect in a relationship. She says it may be considered a breach of trust and may significantly damage a relationship.

Communication Is Key

As with every other part of a relationship, when it comes to watching porn, communication about it is key. You might consider it a harmless activity, but if your partner disagrees, you could cause them serious emotional pain by doing it. How can you know how you should behave about something if you never discuss it?

Have an Open Discussion

“Having an open discussion with your partner will help you both to share your feelings. If you listen to understand your partner, then you will both feel validated in your emotions and feel heard,” says Gulotta.

You can start the talk simply by asking how the other person feels about porn.

“The best questions to ask always start with, how do they feel about this, and what are they comfortable with,” she says.

Talking and setting up boundaries each person feels comfortable with, everyone can move forward in a more relaxed manner. Because couples who communicate openly experience more relationship satisfaction than those who don’t, this is a good practice for you and your partner in general.

How to Deal With Feelings of Betrayal

In an ideal world, you’ve talked with your partner about watching porn before you find out that they’re doing so. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. If you discover your partner has watched porn and you’re taken aback, know that feelings of betrayal are understandable and valid.

If you feel uncomfortable initiating the conversation, Gulotta recommends speaking to a trusted friend, family member, or therapist. Or, talk about this with your partner and a couple’s therapist. This can be key to establishing healthy boundaries and can facilitate a productive conversation. Each person can and should be clear about what is right for them both individually and as a relationship partner.

Cultural shame is uncomfortable, especially surrounding personal or intimate topics. That can make discussing porn with your partner difficult—but it’s important. If you’re feeling betrayed by your partner’s viewing habits, reach out to someone you trust as soon as you can. The quicker you can begin the journey of establishing rules and boundaries in your relationship, the better its chances of success.

Psychodynamic therapy is a form of talk therapy focused on learning how the person’s subconscious thoughts, feelings, and memories are affecting their current behavior. With this deepened insight and self-awareness, they can develop coping techniques and achieve therapeutic goals such as improving relationships and making better choices.

Psychodynamic therapy is rooted in psychoanalytic theory but is often a less intensive, shorter process than traditional psychoanalysis. Whereas psychoanalysis places much emphasis on the patient-therapist relationship, psychodynamic therapy also looks into a patient’s relationships with other people.

Uses

Although similar to psychoanalysis, it is often less frequent and of shorter duration. Like other forms of therapy, it can be used to treat a variety of mental health concerns, such as:

Although cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a popular and effective approach, evidence suggests that psychodynamic therapy can be just as effective for many conditions. Online psychodynamic therapy may be as effective as online CBT.

Important Characteristics

People sometimes act or respond in ways they don’t understand. Psychodynamic therapy helps people come to understand the sources of their feelings and thoughts by:

• Identifying patterns. Psychodynamic therapy helps people learn to recognize patterns in behavior and relationships. People often develop characteristic ways of responding to problems without really being aware of these tendencies. Learning to spot them, however, can help people find new approaches to coping with problems.
• Understanding emotions. Psychodynamic therapy is useful for exploring and understanding emotions. This new insight helps people recognize patterns that have contributed to dysfunction and then work toward change.
• Improving relationships. Relationships with others are a key focus of psychodynamic therapy. In working with a therapist, people can come to understand their responses to others.

The therapeutic relationship itself can serve as a way to look into relationships through a process known as transference. This helps people explore their typical responses to others and find ways to improve their relationships.

How Effective Is It?

Assessing the efficacy of psychodynamic therapy presents some challenges, but research does suggest that it can be useful in the treatment of a variety of psychological problems.

While it is relatively easy to measure changes in specific acute symptoms, it is much more difficult to measure underlying personality changes, noted researcher Jonathan Shedler in a press release by the American Psychological Association (APA).

Despite this difficulty, research supports the efficacy and use of psychodynamic therapy to treat a variety of conditions.

• One notable review published in the journal American Psychologist concluded that the evidence supports the efficacy of psychodynamic therapy.
• Another study found that psychodynamic therapy could be at least as effective as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).
• A 2017 review published in the American Journal of Psychiatry concluded that psychodynamic therapy was as effective as other established treatments. However, the authors of the study suggested that further research was needed to determine who benefited the most from this type of treatment.

What You Can Expect

If you decide to try psychodynamic therapy, you may meet with your therapist weekly to a few time each week. Each session typically lasts for around 45 minutes and you will continue to see your therapist for several months. In some cases, you may keep having sessions for a year or longer.

During psychodynamic therapy, people are often encouraged to talk about anything that might be on their minds. This might include things they are currently experiencing or memories of things that have happened in the past. 

One form of psychodynamic therapy known as brief psychodynamic therapy is designed to produce results more rapidly, often in 25 to 30 sessions. In this shorter-term form of treatment, people may initially determine a particularly emotional area where they want to focus on.

Living with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can be challenging for any person, but children with ADHD may have a particularly difficult time. They haven’t yet learned life skills for basic living, let alone developed the ability to work through common ADHD challenges.

Because of this, condition management typically becomes a parent’s job, and an ADHD diet is one direction some turn to in that journey. Learn what an ADHD diet is and whether it can help children. We also share which foods to include, which ones to avoid, and additional tips when implementing an ADHD diet for kids.

What Is an ADHD Diet for Kids?

There is no scientifically specific ADHD diet. Instead, there are several ways to approach changing a child’s diet to better manage their ADHD symptoms. The following are three general focuses, all of which can be used separately or in combination.

High Nutrition

Studies have linked ADHD symptoms in children with low levels of nutrients such as magnesium and vitamin D. Making sure kids eat foods that are higher in nutrition can help ensure that they get all the vitamins and minerals they need.

Elimination

An elimination diet is used to discern if a person has food sensitivities. It involves cutting out most foods for a short period and then reintroducing them one by one. The idea is that if a specific food is causing an issue, it will be identified when reintroduced into the diet.

Studies have shown that eliminating and then reintroducing foods may prove useful in identifying food items that affect ADHD. That makes this a viable approach to try if there is concern that certain foods may be contributing to a child’s ADHD symptoms.

Supplementation

It can be hard to get kids to eat highly nutritious food. Because of this, some people give their children supplements to make sure they’re getting the vitamins and minerals they need. But it’s important to speak with their pediatrician first.

Most children get all the nutrients they need from their diet—even if they’re picky eaters. This can make dietary supplements unnecessary. An ADHD-focused dietitian can also help decide if supplements may be needed for a child and, if so, which ones.

Effectiveness of an ADHD Diet

While diet is not believed to be a cause of ADHD, research indicates that it can impact a child’s symptoms. If a child has an allergy or intolerance to the food, for instance, eating it can affect their behavior. Foods can also affect their behaviors through its impact on the gut-brain axis.

Other studies support using an elimination diet to reduce ADHD symptoms in children. One piece of research indicates that more research is needed in this area, but these diets appear to be one of the “most promising dietary interventions” for this purpose.

Foods to Include In an ADHD Diet for Kids

The following food groups are believed to be most beneficial for children with ADHD.

Protein

Protein is an important macronutrient for children with ADHD. Eating protein enables their bodies to make the neurotransmitters (chemical messengers in the brain) needed for focus, attention, and calmness.

Whey protein is one protein type that has been proven to help reduce ADHD symptoms. Since whey protein is from cows, it may be contaminated with herbicides or pesticides. For this reason, it’s best to seek grass-fed, pasture-raised, organic products. Plant-based proteins are another option.

Complex Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates can positively impact ADHD by helping the brain release serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that regulates mood.

While all carbohydrates help promote the release of serotonin, complex carbs are the best choice. They are full of fiber because they are left in their natural (or close to natural) state. More fiber slows digestion which, in turn, slows the release of serotonin into the system. This can help avoid feeling quick highs and lows.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are vital for brain health in all people. However, people with ADHD, including children, tend to have lower levels in their systems. Increasing these levels can help improve ADHD symptoms.

Foods to Avoid in an ADHD Diet for Kids

As much as some foods can help improve and reduce symptoms of ADHD in kids, others have been shown to have the opposite effect. That makes avoiding or at least limiting these foods helpful for managing ADHD.

Refined or Simple Carbohydrates

Refined carbohydrates, also referred to as simple carbs, are processed and therefore less nutritious than their natural counterparts. They’re often the main ingredient in packaged snack foods for kids, such as chips, crackers, and fruit snacks.

Sugar, a simple carb, has been positively linked with ADHD symptoms. Some studies even suggest that one of the effects of consuming a lot of refined sugar is an increased risk of developing ADHD.

Other refined carbs, like white flour, help our bodies produce serotonin but lack the fiber needed for it to be a slow and steady release. Instead, they create a spike and crash effect—also having this effect on blood sugar.

Caffeine

Caffeine is found in coffee, tea, many sodas, and energy drinks. Since it can increase focus in people who do not have ADHD, it may be tempting to let a child with ADHD have some too. Yet, it may not have the desired effect.

Research indicates that regularly consuming high levels of caffeine over time is associated with a greater number of ADHD symptoms. This study further indicates that another consequence of excessive caffeine intake for people with ADHD is lower well-being.

Food Additives

Food dyes have been shown to cause some troublesome outcomes in children, such as worsening ADHD symptoms. Both red and yellow dyes may have problematic effects on children’s behavior and neurology.

Blue is another artificial food color (ACF) that can have adverse effects on ADHD symptoms in children. One review of four studies suggests that three potential reasons for this are that ACFs change neurotransmitter levels, they contribute to nutritional deficiencies, and they may instigate allergic reactions.

Avoid any foods with additives and choose whole foods that have minimal ingredients, whenever possible. This means choosing foods that have mostly (if not all) recognizable foods listed as the ingredients.

Additional ADHD Diet Tips

Changing a child’s diet completely may not be a pleasant experience for them, even though it can potentially improve their ADHD. One way to make it more enjoyable is to offer them healthy treats so that they don’t feel punished by their new diet.

Johns Hopkins recommends including foods from two or more food groups in these snacks. Greek yogurt with berries is a nutritious snack that provides both protein and fruit. Carrots dipped in hummus is another option that provides veggies and protein.

Other ways to help children get excited about developing healthy eating habits include:

• Focus less on restricting certain foods and more on choosing foods that offer nutrition and joy.
• Set aside time for breakfast each morning to refuel their body’s energy levels and stabilize their moods.
• Help the child learn how to recognize their body’s cues, such as when they’ve had enough to eat.
• Encourage them to stay hydrated, such as by giving them a water bottle that makes them want to drink more.
• Nurture the child’s independence and foster their ability to make healthy food choices by asking them for help with food prep, meal selections, and grocery shopping.

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) can affect many areas of life, but people with the condition can and do go on to have successful, satisfying careers. Here, you’ll learn how BPD can affect your work performance, how to navigate your symptoms, and how to cope with job-related stress.

How BPD Symptoms Can Affect You at Work

BPD symptoms can vary with workplace settings, but here are some of the most common ways they can affect your work.

• Self-image: If you have BPD, your self-image, goals, and even your likes and dislikes may change frequently, and committing to one career path can be difficult. This unstable self-image can cause you to miss out on promotions and opportunities linked to seniority.
• All-or-nothing thinking: Many with BPD see people and situations as all-good or all-bad. This all-or-nothing approach is commonly referred to as splitting. For example, suppose you landed and now love what you view as your dream job, but you’ve just received a poor performance review. If you have BPD, you now might view the job, the company, the people, etc. negatively.
• Unstable relationships: Frequently changing feelings and all-or-nothing thinking can also cause problems with workplace relationships.

Finding the Best Job for You

There is no “best” job for people with BPD; it depends on each person’s unique situation and symptoms. The goal is to find a job that works for you. Here are some things to consider.

• Creativity: Many people with BPD thrive when given the opportunity to be creative. A career that challenges your creativity might help you stay interested.
• Schedule: If you must take time off for appointments, other work, or family obligations, a job with a flexible schedule is a good option. Working during daytime hours is best because it facilitates a healthy sleep schedule.
• Work environment: Some people do best in a quiet, relaxed workspace where they can concentrate. Others work well amid background noise and activity. Choose a job with a work environment that supports your efforts.
• Self-knowledge: Knowing yourself—your interests, limitations, skills, strengths, and values—is crucial to finding a good fit.

How to Cope With BPD in the Workplace

Some ways to cope with day-to-day demands include:

• Avoiding stressful situations. Taking a step back from potential confrontation can help you see a situation more clearly. It also gives you the opportunity to use positive communication skills, which is especially important in work relationships.
• Taking your medication and keeping your appointments. This is vital, even if you think you’re feeling better. Always consult your doctor before stopping or changing your medication. Work with your therapist to balance work with your scheduled sessions.
• Trying relaxation exercises. Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and meditation can help you maintain your stability in a stressful situation.

If you’re worried about how your symptoms will affect your job performance and career satisfaction, speak with your therapist. They can offer career suggestions and useful strategies for managing your symptoms. And remember: People with BPD have been successful in every possible profession, and BPD does not define you.