Category: Community

By Bhargavi Venkataraman

What is Asperger’s Syndrome?

Asperger’s syndrome is a developmental disorder that is characterized by difficulty with connecting with others socially, as well as inflexible and repetitive behaviours and thinking patterns.

Although children and teens with Asperger’s are generally able to converse with others and perform in school settings optimally, they have trouble when it comes to nuanced social situations and forms of communication (e.g. body language and sarcasm).

Lastly, those with Asperger’s can get fixated on a specific topic or set of interests to the point that the obsession interferes with their normal lives. Although many people still use Asperger’s to refer to this syndrome, it is important to note that its name has been officially changed, and it is now part of a condition called Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

What is ADHD? 

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most prominent neurodevelopmental disorders in children. It is characterized by difficulty with paying attention, managing impulsive tendencies, and hyperactivity. There are three key presentations of this disorder:

1. Predominantly Inattentive Presentation – The individual has trouble with:
   • Completing a task 
   • Paying attention to details 
   • Keeping up with instructions and conversations
     
2. Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation – The individual has trouble with:
   • Sitting still 
   • Paying attention 
   • Listening to directions 
   • Controlling impulsivity
3. Combined Presentation – The individual displays symptoms of the other two presentation types equally.

Although the causes and risk-factors of ADHD cannot be fully explained, genetics, brain injury, alcohol/drug use during pregnancy, and low-birth weight are all thought to play key contributing factors.

It is critical to note that, despite commonly held views, research shows that excessive sugar intake, television watching, poor parenting, or other social/environmental conditions do not cause ADHD.

Getting a Diagnosis 

Diagnosis for both of these disorders should be made by professionals. If you, your parents, teachers, or peers frequently notice any of the above symptoms, it is recommended that you seek these professionals for additional guidance. 

Some options include pediatricians, child psychologists or psychiatrists, neurologists, and therapists. They can help find ways to cope and manage symptoms, build a support system, and consider potential treatment options.

Getting Treatment for Asperger’s Syndrome

For Asperger’s syndrome, individuals could consider social skills training and occupational therapy to learn basic life skills, and educational therapies for a more structured education curriculum. 

There is also a range of behavioural and communication therapies to aid in the social, language, and behavioural issues associated with Asperger’s and medications.

Getting Treatment for ADHD 

For ADHD, the main treatment course involves a personalized combination of medication, educational and skills training, and formal psychological counselling. 

Common types of medication prescribed include stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamine, non-stimulants such as atomoxetine, and specific antidepressants like bupropion.

Common types of psychotherapies are cognitive behavioural therapy and family/marital therapy, so that the individual’s loved ones can better learn to support them.

Finally, it is vital to recognize that both the disease causes and treatment plans differ largely according to the individual’s personal background, preferences, and overall situation. Although there is no “cure” for either disorder, it is important to recognize that they are treatable. Early diagnosis and action are crucial in making the treatment process better. Remember that both conditions vary according to the individual’s personal background, preferences, and overall situation. Building a good support system with friends, family, and helpful professionals will help. Keeping a positive mindset and knowing that there are options out there is key!

 

Resources

1. Adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)—Diagnosis and treatment—Mayo Clinic. (2018, January 6). https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/adult-adhd/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350883
2. Asperger’s Syndrome: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment. (n.d.). Retrieved September 3, 2022, from https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/conditions/aspergers-syndrome
3. Autism spectrum disorder—Diagnosis and treatment—Mayo Clinic. (2019, June 22). https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/autism-spectrum-disorder/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352934

What does it take to be happy?

Well, this can be a great conversation point, and we have the whole month of March to have this discussion. In fact, March 20^th is the United Nations International Day of Happiness, a global celebration launched by Action for Happiness, which is a non-profit group of people spanning 160 countries.

The road to having an International Day of Happiness was rather a long one. It started back in 2011 when the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution which established happiness as a “fundamental human goal” and called for “a more inclusive, equitable and balanced approach to economic growth that promotes the happiness and well-being of all peoples.”

In 2012, the first-ever UN conference on Happiness happened, and the UN General Assembly decreed that the International Day of Happiness is to be observed annually on the 20^th of March. In 2013, the day was celebrated for the first time ever.

We’ve been weighed down due to the pandemic and other troubles, and it could be straining to focus on happiness when we all have questions about our health and everyone else’s. So how exactly can you build back happier? Here are great tips to start with:

1. Reach out to family and friends.

Having a quick chat with your loved ones about how your day is going can make a difference between a good and bad day. So make it a habit when you get free time between your studies and your work to check in with your family and friends whom you don’t regularly get to talk to or meet up with. It’s always great to catch up with each other, and you have the reassurance that someone’s always there, ready to give you a big hug.

2. Practice gratitude in your daily life.

Most people think that you need to be happy to be grateful, but it’s the other way around. Being grateful leads to happiness. It can be a wonderful gesture of writing thank you notes to those in your life who’ve been there with you through the hard times, or something simple like letting them know how thankful you are you have them in your life. Incorporating the practice of gratitude in your life helps, too. Always say thank you to the Uber driver who delivers your food or the transit driver who lets you off at your designated stop.

3. Volunteer your time for a cause you believe in.

Reaching out to an organization which promotes a cause you have a strong belief in can help you build happiness back. It can be a food bank or a pet shelter. When you put others’ needs ahead of your own, you’ll feel a sense of happiness that can’t easily be replicated by material things like a new purse or a concert ticket to a favourite music artist. Your time is valuable, and when you choose to spend it to help others, it’s your way of saying you value them and they’ll be grateful for the gesture.

4. Take care of yourself.

You can’t be happy on the outside if you’re feeling rotten on the inside, and this can be caused by an unhealthy lifestyle. Binging on shows and movies way into mid-morning, filling yourself with nothing but junk food, and staying seated on the couch even when it’s a good day to take a walk outside are negative habits that won’t do any favours for you. Allotting a screentime schedule and sticking to it, opting for healthy snacks, and going for a walk are great ways to kick off a healthy lifestyle, and before you know it, you’ll start feeling good inside.

5. Don’t forget about the little things.

You don’t need to be booking a vacation to Ibiza or getting a purse ahead of its market release to feel happy. Sometimes, looking into the little things that we already have can bring that much-needed burst of happiness. It can be something as simple as drinking a cup of coffee prepared by a friend, or the bar of chocolate you forgot you stashed in your backpack for a much-needed sugar fill. Stopping to smell the roses is a cliché for a reason. Sometimes you really do need to take a step back and look around you to get an idea of what you truly have, and you’ll feel happy.

Thinking about being happy during these times of lockdowns and restrictions can be emotionally draining, but it’s actually possible if you allow yourself to make the effort. Now, which of the tips above would you start with to build your happiness back?

 

Sources 

Borad, Shubh. “Five New Things That Make Me Happy During COVID.” Western University. https://www.uwo.ca/se/thrive/blog/2021/five_new_things_that_make_me_happy_during_covid.html

Brower, Tracy. “Gratitude Is A Key To Happiness: 4 Reasons Why.” Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/tracybrower/2021/04/25/gratitude-is-a-key-to-happiness-4-reasons-why/?sh=3d9755f0347c

Happiness.com. “When is the International Day of Happiness?” https://www.happiness.com/magazine/inspiration-spirituality/international-day-of-happiness/

Law, Tara. “5 Ways to Feel Happier During the Pandemic, According to Science.” Time. https://time.com/6130871/happiness-wellbeing-pandemic/

 When you think about the winter season, you might think about the cold weather, and its shorter and darker days. During this season, it is very important to remember that you should still stick to your usual routine, even if you have to change it up a bit. Taking care of yourself and your health may be difficult if you aren’t feeling too motivated.

Take Care of Your Health

As it gets colder, you may think you’ll feel better if you curl up under blankets while eating your favourite comfort foods. Although it is perfectly okay to take some time to “chill”, it isn’t something you should be doing all day, every day. It is important to take care of your health by engaging in physical activity and eating healthier and more nutritious foods. Food that contains Vitamin B can help the brain produce serotonin. Serotonin is a chemical that helps balance moods. Exercising also releases good chemicals called “endorphins”. Endorphins are chemicals that can help you feel happy. If you want to exercise at home, you could find fitness videos online and follow along while playing your favourite upbeat music in the background. Or if you think you’ll feel more motivated by leaving the house to work out, you could sign up for exercise classes

Practice Self-Care

Self-care is a good way to feel relaxed. You can take care of your mind, your skin, and your body. Meditating and practicing mindfulness can make a big difference in your mood and your thoughts. Taking care of your skin can also help you feel better. In the winter, your skin tends to become drier. Making sure to alter your skincare routine during this time is a good idea. Taking a bath is a cozy way to merge skincare and mindfulness. Surrounding yourself with certain essential oils and candles can help keep you relaxed while you practice self-care.

Socialize

During the winter season, it is common for people to isolate themselves from the cold weather outdoors. Since most people spend time indoors, they don’t engage in many social activities. Staying isolated from others can affect your mood and make you feel unhappy. It is important to stay engaged in social activities during the winter. You could make plans with friends and enjoy the seasonal activities, such as skating and signing up for any classes offered during that time.

Get An Indoor Hobby

Just because the winter months are rolling in doesn’t mean that you have to abandon your interests and sit around sulking all day. There are several hobbies that you can add to your day. You could learn how to bake new treats, paint, read a new book, learn a new language, and more! Having a hobby to do in the winter can help keep your mind occupied and add some excitement throughout your winter days.

Vitamin D

During the winter, the days are much shorter and colder. Most people leave for work or school very early in the morning when it is still dark and come back around the time the sun begins to set. Since the sun is out for less time than in the summer, you are not exposed to the sun as often. One way to get as much sun as possible is to leave your curtains open and stay near windows where it’s possible. Another way to give yourself the vitamin the sun provides is to take Vitamin D supplements or eat many foods that contain that vitamin. Although the sun has its benefits, it can also be harmful. On that note, don’t forget to always apply SPF even if you are not going outside!

Now that you have a few ideas about how to keep yourself healthy and busy throughout this season, you’ll have a fun and healthy winter!

Resources:

https://www.tcmworld.org/tips-transition-winter-time/

https://claritychi.com/preparing-early-combat-winter-blues/

https://www.realbuzz.com/articles-interests/health/article/10-ways-to-beat-the-winter-blues/

Depression – What is it?

Depression is a very common and serious mental disorder that can affect anybody. It can negatively impact an individual’s way of thinking, feeling and acting. Oftentimes, it can feel like a heavy weight on someone’s shoulders. About twenty percent of teenagers suffer from depression, and only 30 %  of them seek treatment. It is said that those who have depression often feel sad or don’t feel anything at all; in other words, they are numb. Depression can create emotions of not only sadness but anger, loneliness and irritability. Many people believe that there needs to be a logical or reasonable explanation as to why someone is depressed, but it can be more complex than that. Depression is not easy to understand, especially if you’re not someone suffering from it. It is only recently that the world has begun to openly discuss mental health in hopes of reducing the stigmatization around it.

Depression in Today’s Society

Mental health in general is a difficult topic to discuss. It can be sensitive to some and threatening to others. Even mentioning any form of mental disorder causes the stigma around it to increase. In today’s society, more people are aware of it and increasingly gain a better understanding of what it really is. There are a number of youth groups, medications and treatment programs that anyone can attend.

Today, adolescents react differently to how they cope with depression. Some easily share their story on how it affects them, and others hide their emotions out of shame or embarrassment. Luckily, many people have come to terms with the fact that there is nothing to be ashamed of, and that message is constantly being spread through social media and other platforms.

Unfortunately, individuals resort to negative coping mechanisms such as self-harm or self-isolation. If this is ever the case, it is understandable, and it’s nothing to be angry about. This coping mechanism is indeed unhealthy, but it is also temporary, even though it doesn’t feel like it is.

Today, teens tend to look for ‘a way out’, meaning, they want to do something about their depression, whether it be seeking treatment or simply finding a distraction from it. Teens today tend to rely on music to help them escape the world around them. Other people enjoy creative writing or journaling. Some enjoy the arts (painting, drawing, sculpting) or even dance in order to loosen any tension in them. These are only some of the healthiest coping mechanisms.

How to Tell if an Adolescent is Depressed

If there is somebody in your life who you love, whether it be a friend, child, relative or acquaintance, and you have a feeling that they are not acting like themselves, they are more distant, or they seem too happy, it may lead people to question why that individual is behaving a particular way. If someone is worried about another individual who may be depressed, it is good to be observant of how they act and how they look. Some signs include:

• Withdrawal from friends and/or family
• Having a lack of motivation or energy
• Loss or increase in weight/appetite
• Poor self-esteem
• Sudden acts of anger
• Strong feelings of sadness
• A lack or an increase of sleep

Looking for the Serious Signs

Being depressed can impact the individual in a number of ways. If the individual is showing signs of depression, it is always a good idea to make sure that they are in a safe environment, both mentally and physically. Self-harm is a major consequence and is very dangerous, as is substance abuse from antidepressants that are often prescribed. Serious signs to look for in an adolescent in terms of their safety include:

• Wearing long sleeves and pants in hot environments to hide self-injury
• A bottle of antidepressants is being emptied faster than usual
• Suicide threats (direct or indirect)
• Finding sharp objects hidden around the house

Conclusion

Depression is a common mental disorder that affects more teenagers every day. Mental health is slowly becoming more common to discuss, which helps others along their journey to wellness. If we all worked harder to understand each other, maybe mental health would be viewed more as a priority in our world today, rather than stigmatized and seen as a taboo subject.

Sources

Warning Signs of Mental Illness, www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/depression/what-is-depression

Borchard, Therese J. “Why Are So Many Teens Depressed?” Psych Central, Psych Central.com, 8 July 2018, psychcentral.com/blog/why-are-so-many-teens-depressed/

Greenfieldboyce, Nell. “If You’re Often Angry Or Irritable, You May Be Depressed.” NPR, NPR, 4 Feb. 2019, www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2019/02/04/689747637/if-youre-often-angry-or-irritable-you-may-be-depressed

Before Ryan Murphy catapulted into fame and became an award-winning mega-producer, he was the brains behind “Glee,” the highly rated TV show on the highs and lows of a high school glee club. “Glee” shone a spotlight on LGBTQ character representation through the love story of Kurt and Blaine, which fans followed ardently through six seasons. However, Murphy also had a chance to portray characters with disabilities accurately through the show, but missed out on the chance, hiring a well-abled actor to portray Artie, the always positive glee club member who injured his spinal cord due to an accident when he was eight years old.

Fortunately, by the later seasons, Murphy realized he had to make a wrong right, and he did so with the talent competition show inspired by “Glee,” “The Glee Project.” Through this show, a real-life disabled, talented actress, Alyson Mackenzie Stroker, was discovered, moving on as a finalist and even appearing on a few episodes of the hit show. Stroker went on to be a Broadway star, even winning a Best Featured Actress in a Musical at the 2019 Tony Awards for “Oklahoma.” At the same time, Stroker continues to inspire people with different abilities with her involvement in numerous causes, including Women Who Care, which supports United Cerebral Palsy of New York City, of which she is co-chair.

Stroker’s success story is one of the few; however, as Hollywood continues to overlook the talents of differently abled actors and actresses, but the upside is that more people are becoming aware of the problem.

For example, Bryan Cranston, an multi-award-winning actor for the acclaimed TV show “Breaking Bad” is undoubtedly not lacking in talent, but he, along with the movie, faced a backlash with the 2017 release of the movie “The Upside,” a Hollywood remake of the French blockbuster “The Intouchables,” a dramedy featuring a Black caregiver and a millionaire quadriplegic. Movie fans took to social media and expressed their disappointment with Hollywood’s missed opportunity of accurate representation of people with disabilities. Their cries were heard as the movie, despite being top billed by Cranston and Kevin Hart, performed below expectations at the box office.

Moviegoers are slowly learning their lesson. Two years prior, a movie focusing on a quadriplegic created a storm at box offices worldwide, “Me Before You,” despite the criticism it faced. Based on a best-selling book, the movie was accused of selling the message that a life with disability isn’t worth living and romanticizing euthanasia.

Last year, Hollywood proved it’s trying to change things with the 2019 release of “The Peanut Butter Falcon” featuring Zack Gottsagen, an actor with Down syndrome as the main star, supported by Shia LeBeouf and Dakota Johnson. The film went on to garner numerous nominations in the awards circuit, and Gottsagen even got to present at the Oscars telecast in February this year.

In the same vein, an independent film from 2019, “Give Me Liberty,” gave movie audiences a truthful glimpse of the lives of people with disabilities through the eyes of a medical transport driver, Vic, who was the main character. Vic has his own problems, but goes out of his way to lend a hand to those who need it, including Tracy, one of his passengers. Tracy was portrayed by actress influencer Lolo Spencer, who has Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. The film felt so real and inspiring that those who saw it at the Cannes Film Festival reportedly gave it a 10-minute standing ovation.

The TV world isn’t lagging behind in terms of bringing disabled individuals to the forefront. “Speechless,” a TV show which ran for three seasons, centred on the DiMeo family as they navigate the challenges that came their way. One of the sons, JJ DiMeo, was afflicted with cerebral palsy and was portrayed by Micah Fowler, who himself has cerebral palsy. The TV producers made sure Fowler was comfortable on set, providing him with a trailer with a ramp off the back. Fowler remains active in the limelight and also devotes his time to promoting awareness of cerebral palsy as an ambassador for the Cerebral Palsy Foundation.

These are a few portrayals of people with disabilities, and there will be more to follow. While there’s still a lot to do, it’s getting there for sure.

SOURCES:

https://www.metrotimes.com/the-scene/archives/2019/09/26/give-me-liberty-producer-discusses-why-a-movie-about-the-disabled-community-changed-his-life

https://disabilityhorizons.com/2018/05/what-do-you-think-of-how-people-with-disabilities-are-portrayed-in-films-and-on-tv/

https://www.forbes.com/sites/andrewpulrang/2020/02/13/disability-movies-arent-what-they-used-to-be-thats-good