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Self-Help News
May 2005
 

Greetings!

In this issue...

Anorexia: A Battle Worth Fighting

While all eating disorders pose a serious risk to one’s health, those who suffer from anorexia nervosa may face the most severe medical consequences – even death. Anorexics are so obsessed with losing weight and dieting that it often leads them to the point of starvation.

Read on..

 
Clear Your Space and Your Head


Many of us know that we need to get rid of clutter in our lives but are overwhelmed by the thought of it. You may be surprised to find that once you take the plunge the emotional payoff will be more than you could have imagined!

Read on...

The Hunger - A Poem by Margot Sampson

I'm weary of filling the void in my life, anxiety is devouring my soul
I numb myself from hand to mouth, the hunger is taking its toll

But if I stop to see who calls will fear have locked the door?
Where is the key to that part of me that knows life is so much more?

Read on...

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Anorexia: A Battle Worth Fighting

While all eating disorders pose a serious risk to one’s health, those who suffer from anorexia nervosa may face the most severe medical consequences – even death. Anorexics are so obsessed with losing weight and dieting that it often leads them to the point of starvation. As a result, they may be plagued with the following symptoms:

  • Delayed physical growth and sexual maturation
  • Heart problems
  • Dehydration and kidney failure
  • Liver problems
  • Nervous system damage
  • Abnormal skin conditions
  • Hair loss
  • Gastrointestinal Problems
  • Muscle loss and weakness
  • Decreased bone density

Treatment is Key to Survival

Effective treatment for anorexia requires a multi-level approach, including medical intervention to treat the physical symptoms, psychotherapy for mental and behavioral issues, and nutritional counseling. Antidepressants may also be prescribed. Once in treatment, those who suffer from anorexia may also benefit from the added support of self-help books and programs and moderated support groups.

Challenges of Denial

Individuals who suffer from anorexia are often unable or unwilling to admit they have a problem, and thus resist treatment. They cling to their behavior as an escape and/or self-punishment. Unfortunately, many do not end up getting treatment until they are clinging to life.

Worth the Fight

Those suffering from anorexia are challenged with making significant changes in order to heal physically and emotionally. It is a slow and sometimes painful process. But while the journey may be slow, and setbacks can be expected, they will eventually learn to free themselves from this devastating illness, love and accept themselves, and go on to live healthy and peaceful lives.

Top of newsletter

Clear Your Space and Your Head


Many of us know that we need to get rid of clutter in our lives but are overwhelmed by the thought of it. You may be surprised to find that once you take the plunge the emotional payoff will be more than you could have imagined! The critical thing to remember so that you can get to this place is to set goals for yourself that you can easily achieve.

Clutter can be an emotional as well as physical drain in our lives. It takes extra time to sort through all the clutter when you need to find a particular item. You may find that you are buying items you already own because you can’t locate the original. Also, it can be frustrating when you are trying to do daily household tasks, like clean the house or cook a meal, and have to use extra energy just to get around all the clutter.

Try to create a realistic system of organization that works for you and your family. As you begin, keep in mind the following:

Getting rid of the excess means living with what you need.

As you become more aware of what you need and want to keep in your space, you will become more confident about making everyday choices that will keep your space stress-free.

Think about what you have and be grateful.

Accumulating and holding onto material things because you are afraid of being without is no way to live. Remind yourself of the people and memories that will be with you after the material possessions are gone.

Be patient with yourself.

Don’t be too hard on yourself. Organizing your surroundings and letting go of possessions can be a daunting task. Take small steps, and if you find that some items are too difficult to part with, give yourself time.

Ultimately, you will find that getting rid of the material clutter in your life will help you to clear your mind and experience new emotional blessings.

Top of newsletter

The Hunger By Margot Sampson


I'm weary of filling the void in my life, anxiety is devouring my soul
I numb myself from hand to mouth, the hunger is taking its toll

But if I stop to see who calls will fear have locked the door?
Where is the key to that part of me that knows life is so much more?

It's buried deep as deep can be beneath the layers of pain
My inner light is barely bright for my heart is drenched with rain

We all have our methods of coping, we all have our weapons of choice
If we cast them aside and get off the ride can we free our inner voice?

We have much for which to be grateful, yet at times it seems we don't care
Our inner berating and self-medicating consumes us with despair

We cannot fight this battle alone or we're sure to lose the war
If we retreat we're admitting defeat without knowing what it was all for

If we close our eyes and open our minds we'll open ourselves to joy
And bit by bit without knowing it, ego we'll start to destroy

And as its hold on us loosens, so do the knots it has tied
And so we'll find as our truths unwind we no longer need to hide

We'll be free to shine for the world to see, free to live our dreams
Forever we'll know that wherever we go, it's never as dark as it seems

If we reach out a hand will help us, if we speak our call will be heard
Amazing grace puts us back in the race, we have only to say the word

We all have a flame within us, though at times we don't always see
That spark of life between joy and strife is what's joining you and me.

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Quick Tips for Saving Money

Save a Little Each Week
Create a savings account, and choose a comfortable amount of money that you can add to it each week.

Establish a Budget
Decide how much you will spend each week and what you will spend it on. Keep track of your spending and purchases.

Contribute to a Retirement Plan
Sign up for a company-sponsored plan, such as a 401k.

Pay Off Your Credit Cards
Begin with the ones with the highest interest rates.

Pay Off Your Loans
Paying a little extra on mortgage and home equity loans each month will save you money in the long run. Start with loans that are non tax-deductible (such as student and car loans).

Start an Automatic Investment Plan
You can arrange to have as little as $50 a month deducted from your bank account and deposited into a mutual fund account.

Open an IRA
With a Roth IRA, you contribute after-tax dollars, and then withdraw it tax-free in retirement. A traditional IRA works the other way around. Choose the best one for you.

Consider Refinancing
If rates have gone down, refinance your home.

Be Patient
By following at least some of the steps above, you will start to see your money grow.

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