August 2008

Quote of the Month:

“Don’t ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”

~Howard Thurman

In this newsletter:

1) Fast Help: Effects of Caffeine
2) Therapist Q&A: Homesickness and College Students
3) Psychology News In Brief
4) Programs To Help You
5) Reading Recommendations

1) Fast Help: Effects of Caffeine

We have all heard it before: Caffeine is a drug. According to the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnosis Manual, 4th Edition (DSM-IV), common caffeine withdrawal symptoms are altered mood, headaches, fatigue, irritability, anxiousness, drowsiness, and/or performance impairment. And yet most of us still consume it regularly.

According to a report from the Mayo Clinic (3/07), nine out of ten of us consume caffeine regularly. They advise that when one begins to experience withdrawal symptoms (such as those listed above) it can affect your health. Other factors affecting one’s sensitivity to caffeine might be “age, smoking habits, drug or hormone use and other health conditions such as anxiety disorders.” Body mass, stress, and history of caffeine use are also sensitivity factors, according to the report.

They point to the importance of regular sleep. Often we lose sleep due to work and stress, but the report indicates that small disturbances in sleep can disturb daily functioning and limit performance. Using caffeine to keep yourself going will risk dependence on caffeine. The best way to avoid this is to get more quality sleep. The report also advises to talk with your doctor if you are taking medication to find out if caffeine can affect the results of your medication(s).

We can learn to curb our caffeine use. The report recommends to become more aware of how much caffeine is in your food and beverages, and gradually reduce the amount you consume (such as drinking a smaller cup of coffee or one less soda per day). This way, the withdrawal will be less noticeable. The report also recommends to switch over to decaffeinated beverages, choose herbal teas, and switch to caffeine-free over-the-counter medications if possible.

The report indicates that, for most adults, caffeine isn’t a problem. But the report advises to “be mindful of those situations in which you need to curtail your caffeine consumption.” For a detailed description of the effects of caffeine and physical health, visit http://www.faqs.org/nutrition/Ca-De/Caffeine.html

2) Therapist Q&A: Homesickness and College Students

I worry that my child may experience homesickness as he begins college. Any advice?

It is very common for college freshmen to experience homesickness as they begin a new venture in life. Your young adult will be surrounded by a plethora of new people and may know few, if any, fellow students as his/her college career begins. Compound that with not seeing family or old friends regularly and the added responsibilities of being out on his/her own (ex. increasing self-discipline to do well in school, developing a social network, doing chores such as laundry, etc.) and it is understandable how easy it is for new college students to feel overwhelmed. There are some things that parents can do to ease the worries of their new college men and women.

First, allow your child to express his/her feelings and assure your child that homesickness is normal. Keep in regular contact with your child to be a comfort to him/her. Phoning, emailing, or text messaging regularly can help your child feel connected to you (and you to your child). Send family pictures so your child can decorate his/her dorm or apartment with them. Mail surprise “care packages” with items your child can use and/or a favorite treat s/he will enjoy. Be sure that your child is aware of the resources on campus (i.e., encourage your child to utilize the campus counseling center where trained professionals can assist with his/her adjustment; talk with professors or aides if your child needs assistance with projects, homework or studying; encourage your child to attend social gathering where s/he can meet new friends). Assure your child that you are just a phone call away should s/he need anything. But most of all, encourage and remind your child that s/he will succeed as s/he begins this new chapter in his/her life!

3) Psychology News In Brief

A recent study from the American Journal of Psychiatry (May 2008) reports that “serious mental illness costs Americans $193 billion in lost earnings.” The study also finds that healthy Americans make about $16,603 more per year than persons suffering from disorders such as panic disorder, depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder. This study speaks to the importance of awareness of mental health illnesses and its affects on the lives of those afflicted. It is important to be aware of symptoms of such illnesses and to assist a friend or loved one who may be suffering. If you believe this is the case, talk with your friend or loved one and seek professional assistance as soon as possible.

4) Programs To Help You

In addition to the traditional counseling services we provide, at Clinical Psychology Associates we also offer the following:

• Depression Screening
• Anxiety Screening
• Marriage/Relationship Enrichment Program
• Smoking Cessation
• Career Counseling

For information regarding any of these programs or to schedule a confidential consultation, please contact our programs coordinator, Chris Lerner at lernerc@hotmail.com or 262-251-1112, ext 8. For a full listing of the services we offer, please go to http://www.clinical-psychology-associates.com/services.htm.

5) Reading Recommendations

Staff therapist Gary Breuer, MA, LPC, recommends:

Learned Optimism: How to Change Your Mind and Your Life by Martin E.P. Seligman PhD
The author helps the reader to challenge pessimistic, negative, and depressive thinking patterns and to replace them with positive thinking patterns; the result is experiencing an optimistic outlook and improved mood.

Clear Your Past, Change Your Future: Proven Techniques for Inner Exploration and Healing by Lynne D. Finney, J.D., M.S.W.
This book guides the reader by identifying past hurts that affect the present, changing maladaptive thought and behavior patterns, and creating a vision for one’s future. It also discusses the joy and importance of living in the present moment and inner-transformation.

The Self-Forgiveness Handbook: A Practical and Empowering Guide by Thom Rudledge, LCSW
The reader will learn to challenge unhealthy belief patterns, forgiving self, and developing personal responsibility, awareness and compassion. This book discusses the importance of relationship with self.

We welcome the titles and authors of any appropriate books you have found to be particularly useful. We may then share them in this newsletter and on our website (your name will be withheld for confidentiality purposes). If you have a book or similar resource you would like to share, please send the title, author, and a brief description to cpa@wi.rr.com.