The Female Brain

equal rights for women

Commentary and report on Carter, God, and ‘The Global Scourge against Women’ by Peter Menkin

by Peter Menkin

In the last month of 2009, former President Jimmy Carter spoke before The Parliament of World Religions as part of The Elder Project. He again has spoken out against discrimination against women, as he sees it, as a once Southern Baptist, a Christian, and as former President of the United States. This is in character for President Carter, known for good Christian works, winner of a Nobel Prize, and who continues in his concern for the American Nation and the world. He is a national figure, world figure, and Christian figure.

In his Farewell Address to the American people, 1988, he said, “As I return home to the South where I was born and raised, I am looking forward to the opportunity to reflect and further to assess -- I hope with accuracy -- the circumstances of our times.”

He has previously spoken for women’s rights
, but not so much as a Christian and man of God. One political-secular moment in 1977 was in a speech on Women’s

Equality Day. He said about the history of their struggle, “Standing behind me is a woman, Ms. Hallinan, who in 1917 stood outside the gates of the White House when Woodrow Wilson was President, simply holding a sign in her hand that was photographed, saying, ‘How long will it be before women can have freedom?’"  He speaks for women’s rights even today, again.  
The Sunday School teacher President Carter
starts part of his argument with a Bible quote:  
The Holy Bible tells us that "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:28)

Every generic religious text encourages believers to respect essential human dignity, yet some selected scriptures are interpreted to justify the derogation or inferiority of women and girls, our fellow human beings.
 
Then he goes to the secular
with a jarring set of particulars. Here they are: 

1. Globally, at least one in three women and girls is beaten or sexually abused in her lifetime. (U.N. Commission on the Status of Women, February, 2000)
2. Our Carter Center has been deeply involved in the Republic of Congo. In war zones where order has broken down, horrific and sometimes lethal rape has become a tactic of warfare practiced by all sides.
3. In a study in 2000, the U.N. estimated that at least 60 million girls who should be alive are "missing" from various populations, mostly in Asia, as a result of sex-selective abortions, infanticide or neglect.
4. According to UNICEF, an estimated one million children, mostly girls, enter the sex trade each year and the U.N. estimates that 4 million women and girls are trafficked annually.
5. In some Islamic nations, women are restricted in their movements, punished for permitting the exposure of an arm or ankle, deprived of education, prohibited from driving a car or competing with men for a job. If a woman is raped, she is often most severely punished as the guilty party in the crime.
6. The same discriminatory thinking lies behind the continuing gender gap in pay and explains why so few women hold political office, even in most Western democracies.

Noting also that in his 65 years of Bible teaching he’s learned some important facts of the history of religion, and as a result of his reflection and serious concern for women’s rights even chose to leave his Church (Southern Baptist). His remark about the equality of humans in Jesus as found in the Bible is the significant religious turning point of scripture manifesting his change of heart towards his own Church, and how he sees women treated by religion in general. This is that Bible argument he cites: “…all one in Christ Jesus.”  
Though herself not so much a religious figure
or thinker, even a person noted as a Christian, the feminist Jan Nedeau writing in
Change.org
(Women’s Rights) comments from a personal and also writer’s perspective:  
I was raised Catholic. And, on occasion, I still go to church because it is a place where I can connect with my spirituality. I was lucky that I learned about religion in a very tolerant place - in San Francisco - where I really connected with religion through the spiritual exercises of St. Ignatius... I participated in a very progressive church - one that welcomed all people and didn't preach the marginalization of women or homosexuals. Clearly, this is the exception to the rule.
 
Knowing the blatant discrimination toward women by religious institutions elsewhere always bothered me and I too have questioned from time to time whether I should separate from the Catholic Church based on the experience that Carter describes.  It cannot be denied that there are many faiths that use religion as a "justification of discrimination against women and girls on grounds of religion or tradition, as if it were prescribed by a Higher Authority" and he is right - it is truly unacceptable.
    A critic of male dominance regarding the Bible, President Carter wrote in 2009 for The British newspaper “The Observer:”  
So my decision to sever my ties with the Southern Baptist Convention, after six decades, was painful and difficult. It was, however, an unavoidable decision when the convention's leaders, quoting a few carefully selected Bible verses and claiming that Eve was created second to Adam and was responsible for original sin, ordained that women must be "subservient" to their husbands and prohibited from serving as deacons, pastors or chaplains in the military service. This was in conflict with my belief - confirmed in the holy scriptures - that we are all equal in the eyes of God.
  This writer supposes that in his speech at The Carter Center as one of The Elders in the organization by the same name, that his campaign for women’s equality which spread to his religious and spiritual beliefs

finds an hypocrisy and unfairness by men towards women throughout the history of the Bible. More, he asks that there be a new respect for women founded on the old models of reverence found in the Bible. See his reference to Mary below after his observations on the Old Testament. This writer thinks this is his Biblical statement on “gender equality,” or what is commonly referred to as sexual relationships—relationships between the sexes.  
Most Bible scholars acknowledge that the Holy Scriptures were written when male dominance prevailed in every aspect of life. Men could have multiple sex partners (King Solomon had 300 wives and 700 concubines), but adulterous behavior by a woman could be punished by stoning to death -  then, in the time of Christ and, in some societies, 2009 years later.

I realize that devout Christians can find adequate scripture to justify either side in this debate, but there is one incontrovertible fact concerning the relationship between Jesus Christ and women: he never condoned sexual discrimination or the implied subservience of women. The exaltation and later reverence for Mary, as Jesus' mother, is an even more vivid indication of the special status of women in Christian theology.
 

Before going further, here is who The Elders are known as:
The Elders are an independent group of eminent global leaders, brought together by Nelson Mandela, who offer their influence and experience to support peace building, help address major causes of human suffering and promote the shared interests of humanity.
  As he has said to The Elders, The multiple evils of human suffering, women’s suffering, and the shared interest of humanity is for Jimmy Carter found in his relationship with God. He says, and he is a religious leader himself:  
The truth is that male religious leaders have had – and still have – an option to interpret holy teachings either to exalt or subjugate women. They have, for their own selfish ends, overwhelmingly chosen the latter.

Does former President Jimmy Carter speak for Jesus Christ? One writer whose work appears on Beliefnet and in “On Faith” in “The Washington Post,” says of Jimmy Carter and his changing religious heart and theology of the Bible and women. Rabbi Brad Hirschfield—on “Beliefnet:”

By making statements equating his own understanding of religion with the will of "Jesus Christ, the Apostle Paul, Moses and the prophets, Muhammad, and founders of other great religions", Jimmy Carter continues his well-established tradition of making outrageous statements to justify legitimate concerns. The sad part is that his approach reflects precisely the kind of spiritual arrogance which nurtures the ability of any group to oppress others in the name of that which they believe.

No differently than the very people he most opposes, Carter arrogantly assumes that he can isolate those portions of a tradition which reflect the "proper" understanding of its teachings. He cherry picks his way through not only the faith he follows, but presumes to do so for others as well. I guess he just knows best.

Of course that attitude of knowing best is the basis of all oppression committed by people in the name of religion.
  Though the remarks by Jimmy Carter spoken at The Carter Center may not be those remarks exactly as referred to by the Rabbi, the thrust is there. About the choice of Biblical interpretation by Southern Baptists and other religious Christian denominations, he names Biblical figures by their names as teachers who support his view:  
Their continuing choice provides the foundation or justification for much of the pervasive persecution and abuse of women throughout the world. This is in clear violation not just of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights but also the teachings of Jesus Christ, the Apostle Paul, Moses and the prophets, Muhammad, and founders of other great religions - all of whom have called for proper and equitable treatment of all the children of God. It is time we had the courage to challenge these views and set a new course that demands equal rights for women and men, girls and boys.

At their most repugnant, the belief that women are inferior human beings in the eyes of God gives excuses to the brutal husband who beats his wife, the soldier who rapes a woman, the employer who has a lower pay scale for women employees, or parents who decide to abort a female embryo. It also costs many millions of girls and women control over their own bodies and lives, and continues to deny them fair and equal access to education, health care, employment, and influence within their own communities.
 
Rabbi Hirschfield says about this statement
by Jimmy Carter, as concept, in “On Faith” found in “The Washington Post:”  
This debate, if it is to have any real impact, must be shifted from one in which we argue about who understands God best, to one about the sacredness of choice, the independence of the spirit and modesty to admit that none of us has the only true understanding of God's will. This needs to be about the creation of spiritual options so that as many people as possible can find a place within whatever faith they choose, not about taking away the options of others to practice in ways we make not like.
 
Many pundits and columnists agree
with the former President and state their own case and make their own statement when commenting on his. Nicholas Kristof in “The New York Times” writes of recent:  
It is not that warlords in Congo cite Scripture to justify their mass rapes (although the last warlord I met there called himself a pastor and wore a button reading “rebels for Christ”). It’s not that brides are burned in India as part of a Hindu ritual. And there’s no verse in the Koran that instructs Afghan thugs to throw acid in the faces of girls who dare to go to school.

Yet these kinds of abuses — along with more banal injustices, like slapping a girlfriend or paying women less for their work — arise out of a social context in which women are, often, second-class citizens. That’s a context that religions have helped shape, and not pushed hard to change.
 

 
There is some of the debate and statement;
yet Jimmy Carter gets his due and none can really take it away. After all, it is based on a man’s religious sensibility and interpretation, a man who is a world famous

and honored Christian, a Christian leader and admirable Christian at that. His speech before The Carter Center wasn’t the first on the theme of discrimination by religion towards women. It won’t be his last.    

 

 

 

About the Author

Peter Menkin, an aspiring poet, lives in Mill Valley, CA USA (north of San Francisco).

My blog:
http://www.petermenkin.blogspot.com

equal rights for women & the lost of femininity!

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stereotypical female

How African American Female Entrepreneurs Can Follow the Example of the 1st African-american First Lady to Succeed in Business!

As a Black Woman Entrepreneur, Marketing Consultant & Coach, who works with women of color who are struggling to establish their presence in the business world both online and offline & struggling to attract more customers in order to build successful business both online and offline.  I would like to share ideas on  what other African American Women Entrepreneurs  (any woman) can begin to do now to accomplish her goals in 9 simple steps!

It is widely known, to the detriment of many capable african american and black women owned business that there exists a concrete ceiling that is difficult to shatter.  That coupled with the glass ceiling effect that many women in general have encountered, throw in race and gender, a Black business woman might as well have a quadruple by-pass surgery and call it a day.

Barriers facing African-American women in business include and are not limited to negative, race-based stereotypes, more frequent questioning of their credibility and authority; and a lack of institutional support. Experiencing a "double outsider" status -African-American business women report exclusion from informal networks, and conflicted relationships with white women, among the challenges they face.  These results beg the question is there any use in trying to break through the ceilings?

Well if recent events, that being the election of the first American-American president and the First black lady are not enough to persuade you that “yes you can” then perhaps there is no reason for you to venture. The real issue is a lack of focus and strategy.

To help you rise up to the occasion and claim your birth right and focus on living a more fulfilled life, career, and business goals, I have created a simple system, which I call  “9 Pillars To A More Fulfilled You.” Here are the 10 key tips:

1. Honey, Child You Gotts To Let It Go: I have always loved that song by Toni Braxton, herself Black woman and astute woman entrepreneur herself, Let It Flow.  You cannot possibly begin to receive the good that before you if you are still hanging on to the pains and fears of yesterday.  The day has finally come  for the fulifilment of this prophecy “I have a dream that one day our children will not be judged by the color or their skin but by the content of their character! Pastor, Dr. Martin Luther King.  I recommend that you make the
song let it flow your anthem!

2. Find a mentor/coach: Numerous studies, both private and government funded have been conducted to understand the barriers facing women and minority owned businesses The most common recommendation that has been made in favor of the up ward mobility of African-American women is the need, the inclusion and  the establishment of mentoring programs and mentorship.  The game is often won before you get onto the field,  If you are going to play the game you had better find on your side a really savvy business coach and consultant

3. Become A Visionary: Now we all know black folk go to church, I also know that you will be very familiar with this phrase, Where there is no vision, the people perish.  In other words what are you looking to get done at the end of the day?  Quit your job? Retire your husband? Spend more time with your children? Paint? Learn to cook?  Long walks on the beach?  What do you value the most?  What is it that you most desire?

4. Create a 90-day plan: With recent vision boards craze, I encounter many heart-broken people who wonder why they have been able to materialize their dreams of MacMansions, bling and whips!  It is very simple A goal not written is merely a wish.  A goal without a plan is a ticking time bomb.  It spells nothing but failure. Make a list of the life areas you want to work on such as: spiritual, physical, financial, career, relationships, etc. Next, write out your goals for each area. Then, put your goals into a 90-day plan. Planning in 90-day cycles will help you accomplish twice as much in half the time.

5. Make it Your Business to Be in the Know- Read a book: Another major obstacle to the advancement of  the black woman owned business is Limited Access to Critical Information and Business Networks, when you don’t have the right information, it is difficult to compete. You are as successful as the last book you read.  It is very important you become very selective about the material you allow yourself to absorb.  Just like it is true that you are what you eat, As a [woman] thinketh, so is [s]he.  My people perish for lack of knowledge.  As the risk of beating a dead horse, knowledge is power!

6. Get A Website:  Bill Gates, you know the owner of Micro-Soft and 3rd richest man in the world?  He says “there are two types of businesses, those with websites and those that are out of business!  Studies show that about 75% of people go online to find out more about you and your product.  The preferred site to do this is Google.  Of these 50% of these people will purchase a product from you online, but only if you have online presence!

7. Track your results: Those that loose weight and keep it off the longest are those that keep a record of their activities.  You see it is very difficult to know where you are headed if you haven’t a clue where you came from.  It is also easy to beat yourself up when you don’t have proof of how far you have come or how well you are doing.  Journals are highly recommended, track progress, document every little success.  You see success is nothing but a series of compounding events with a big pay off, Compound interest anyone?

8. Pace yourself: Success is not a destination but a journey.  Multi-tasking is so 2008!  Stop and smell the roses and remember it is not a race to the finish line

9. Take time for you:  You know Bono of U2 sang it best when he crooned

And you give yourself away
And you give yourself away
And you give
And you give
And you give yourself away

Women we are the worst at this be they stay at home moms, professional business women and/or small business owners. At the end of the day we have given it all with nothing left for yourself.  Is it a wonder you have no energy left to make the changes that will bring you happiness? Even Jesus Christ, Buddha, Mohammed took a time out.  What is it that the Bible say? 6 days He created the earth on the seventh day He rested?  Half an hour a day to yourself for 15 minutes deep breathing is a must and 15 just to enjoy the silence.

10. Reward yourself: On a weekly basis, review the progress that you are making on your goals. With every accomplishment take time to recognize your achievement and pop in Kool & The Gang

Celebrate good times, come on! (Let's celebrate)
Celebrate good times, come on! (Let's celebrate)
There's a party goin' on right here
A celebration to last throughout the years.

You must get into the habit of seeing the good you have to offer.  Women of color are just not very aware of what they capable of today.  Bring out the inner Harriet Tubman in you, The Rosa parks and The "Madam C.J." Walker.  You have a rich history and heritage.  Those women fought long and hard for such a time as this and you get to live do them justice, do yourself justice.  Get it together and bring it back to me!

To Your Success,

Party Plan Pat

About the Author

Are you looking for a coach/mentor with emphasis on African American Women Entrepreneurs , Black Women Business Owners with a focus on how African American Women Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners can begin to gain web presence or "change your life" theme? Patricia Kagwiria Makhulo is an articulate, entertaining, high energy expert that delivers fresh ideas to motivate and inspire. You can learn more about her

http://www.homepartyplansuccesstips.com/consulting

Patricia Kagwiria Makhulo
Party Plan Pat
http://www.partyplanpat.com

Maria Bamford Effinfunny Stand Up - Standard Comedy Act

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brain function quiz

Take The Weight Loss Quiz - How Well Prepared For Losing Weight Are You?

It is strange how the secrets that we try so hard to find out have already been discovered ages ago and that too in the most unlikely places and by the most unlikely people. People who lived ages ago in the East have already solved many of the puzzles of the human body.

The Indian system of medicine, which is called Ayurveda, is a wonder in itself. The explanations in this stream of science at first glance may seem far-fetched but when you really sit down and think about it, you will be astounded by the knowledge and understanding that the ancient Indian sages had. I have included a littlie bit on the Indian system of medicine that is particular to the subject of our interest, that is the diet and its control.

Now let's get onto our weight loss quiz - education and knowledge are the most important tools in your weight-loss toolbox. So let's find out...

How Much Do You Know?

I have included a simple test to see how much you have grasped about the proper way to control you diet. Go ahead and do the test, you might find it interesting.

1) Which of the following is suitable for a between meal snack?

a) Cheese
b) Carrots
c) Yogurt
d) Coffee
e) Candy

2) How many glasses of water should a person have in a day?

a) 5-6
b) 10-20
c) 10- 12
d) 4-5
e) 15-20
3) Which of the following is bad as far as weight control is concerned?

a) snacking
b) smoking
c) coffee
d) crash diets
e) all the above
4) How many hours sleep does an adult need?

a) 7-8
b) 6-7
c) 8-9
d) 5-6
e) 9-10

5) Which is better for a person on a diet?

a) fresh fruit
b) canned fruit
c) fruit juice
d) processed fruit
e) cooked fruit
6) Which of the following should you always include in your diet?

a) nuts
b) dried fruits
c) fruit juice
d) salads
e) tea

7) Which of these two is better for your health?

a) coffee
b) tea

The most important meal of the day is

a) supper
b) snacks
c) break fast
d) lunch
e) tea

9) Which of the following can you afford to cut out from your diet?

a) fats
b) carbohydrates
c) vegetables
d) proteins
e) vitamins

10) Which meat is better for health?

a) white meat
b) red meat
c) raw meat

Now here are the answers:

1. c
2. b
3. a
4. a
5. b

The Starting Point

The enormous amount of excess fat in the human body has made the keyword 'weightloss programs' an instant hit among the common man. No wonder, most of the search engine spiders get a lot of enquiries on this word and the related key words, day in and day out.

Let us dig out the prime reasons behind this problem. It is a matter beyond dispute that there is a direct relation between the food we eat and the weight that adds up. Hence almost all weight loss programs concentrate on making some control on the 'quality' and the 'quantity' on the food we consume.

Where should we start? Now that you have decided to lose some weight we must of course find an answer to the above question. Let me make it clear that there is no better place than our mind.

We should have a strong resolve towards our aim. Conceive this as a just war towards your good health. As in any war there will be at least one enemy. Here your main enemy would be the basic urge to stuff your self with all the wrong things

Knowing Our Stomach and Body

Will you be able to find another person exactly like you? If the answer is "No," what made you think that every person's stomach behaves in the same way, accepting all the inputs in the same fashion. This is a basic mistake we often make.

Believe me, your stomach may not be behaving in the same way as your friend's stomach does to a particular food item, be it a chicken piece or a burger. We must know that a particular food, which may be good for certain people, may not be suitable for others. Haven't you heard the proverb, what is wine for Paul may be venom for Peter.

The Indian system of Ayurveda and yoga is considered as the best way to explain the different types of body nature. The basic constituents are classified as five elements.

Five Elements:

Earth: All life forces become inert and inactive in this element and more energy is used to keep it active. People with more weight, flesh, fat etc. are good example of predominance of this earth matter in their body. They do not show any anxiety and are not eager to acquire anything, they try to keep away from conflict and their life is moving slowly. When there is a disorder of this element in the body people become selfish and get attached to selfish enjoyments. It is a neutral element.

Water: It keeps the flow of body and life. But it has a natural tendency to cool down. As there is more than 70% water in the body it plays a very important role in the maintenance of heat and circulation of blood etc. It is a negative element.

Fire: It is creating fire in the body - heats the water. It regulates sight, provides strength to the body by digesting the food, induces hunger and thirst, and also maintains suppleness of muscles and beauty of complexion. It helps thinking and facilitates the discrimination power of the brain. It helps production of antibodies.

In short it is the starter of our body-car. Defects in the same causes anemia, jaundice and other digestive problems, and also causes fainting, epilepsy, derangement of brain besides diminishing eyesight and causing growth of cataract in the eyes, it produces acidity and also creates skin problems ad depigmentation.

That is why great importance is given in eastern therapies to control and preserve the element of fire. It is a positive element.

Air: Air is life itself. It is the strength and conducts every part of our body. It regulates the function of heart, circulation of blood and maintains balance of the body.

It helps respiration and downward movement of stools and urine. It produces sound. Nourishes mental faculties and also the faculty of memory. It moves bile and phlegm, which cannot move in the body by themselves. It is a positive element.

Space: In order that air circulates in the body and maintains a proper balance, there has to be space. If such circulation is blocked, it creates pain even leading to heart attack, paralysis, fainting etc. It is a negative element.

About the Author

Everything You Need To Know In Order To Lose Weight Quickly & Safely. The Best Weight Loss Programs, Super-Foods To Aid Rapid Weight Loss And Cutting Edge Weight Loss News. Visit Our Groundbreaking Free Site:
Breakthrough Weightloss Tips & Advice

Human Brain Power Part 3

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human brain amygdala

The Word: Fear

Myrmecophobia, phalacrophobia, hobophobia, acrophobia, pentheraphobia, hypengyophobia, venustraphobia, ailurophobia, gamophobia, ophidiophobia, arachnophobia, hydrophobia, alektorophobia, philophobia, logophobia and testophobia*. Do you have these symptoms for any of these? If you do, you are likely to be a normal human.

Fear is a common and dictating aspect of human behaviour. It is such a common reality to be afraid, that we have literally hundreds of words describing a particular fear which someone has reported suffering from. There are enough words to create a Phobia Dictionary. In this article, we will analyse the underpinnings of fear, an impressive (and often disconcerting) human emotion.

What is Fear?

Fear is mainly a physical response. The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) system in the human brain is loaded with dopamine and adrenaline, which are chemical messengers from the body. In a 'danger situation', the HPA releases these messengers along with a hormone (cortisol) which in turn activates the amygdala (an area of the brain responsible for emotional responses, including fear conditioning). This reaction results in increased blood pressure, sugar availability, and an energy boost that allows humans to perform quite amazing displays of strength, reaction, and awareness in confrontational situations.

Because these chemical reactions occur before we have had the opportunity to consciously interpret the event, at times it can negatively impact upon our life. For instance, you may be walking in a dark street at night, and hear a loud noise. Before you actually evaluate the situation and assess the danger, your brain will access data from the hippocampus (brain area responsible for memory) and determine instant readiness to the situation. In this scenario, you may take an impulsive move, or make a bad decision. Thus, fear is seen (particularly by males) as a sign of weakness and a negative trait.

The Foundations of Fear

The causes of fear can vary to a surprising extent. They may be originated from a stress response which is related to a traumatic event from the individual's past; it can be a socially-motivated fear; or it can be a biologically-induced one. An example of a traumatic event would include a stressor, which is mainly a noise or image associated to an event that has incurred a personal trauma. Thus, people who are afraid of snakes will usually react with fear when they hear a noise which resembles a snake (naturally this interpretation will depend on the context).

A socially-motivated fear can be caused by a relationship between an event and its outcome. For instance, during the 19th Century in Britain, dying poor and helpless, was considered one of the most common fears. Early in the 20th Century, this shifted to the fear of being buried alive. During the 1st World War, bombs were much more 'scary' than during the 2nd World War.

Finally, biologically-induced fear refers to predispositions in our genes, due to evolution, which makes us prone to fear something. There have been studies which relate xenophobia and racism to behaviour from the Stone Age period, explaining why people naturally tend to shun outsiders.

Fear Counselling

As we've previously stated, fear seems to be a negative trait perceived from the eyes of common sense. But is it really? Although we cannot change the way our body physically responds to a threat, we can change the way we emotionally respond to our body. This becomes a strategy to avoid trauma, distress and bad decision-making when faced with the adrenalin pump that fear creates.

The basis of exploring the positive side of fear is changing conditioned behaviour. The inability to react positively in a state of fear is due to a memory associative process, in which the individual cannot see past negative outcomes which could occur. For example, a person who has a fear of heights will not be able to climb a tree because they will constantly enforce the idea of free-falling and getting badly hurt (or even dying). The problem is not in the sensation of fear, but in the association of the emotion and a negative outcome.

Cognitive restructuring techniques such as Thought Stopping and Rational Emotive Therapy are common methods used by counsellors to alleviate fears and barriers. Creating awareness and willingness to change is a crucial part of the counselling process, and can determine the turning point for the client - the moment of surpassing fears, and approaching success.

* Fear of... ants, becoming old, beggars, heights, mother-in-law, responsibility, beautiful women, cats, marriage, snakes, spiders, water, chickens, falling in love, words and taking tests.

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About the Author

Pedro Gondim is a writer and publisher for the Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors. The Institute is Australia's largest counsellor training provider, offering the internationally renowned Diploma of Professional Counselling. For more information, visit www.aipc.net.au/lz.

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bipolar disorder causes

What Is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder, known as manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that creates unusual shifts in a person's mood, energy, and ability to function. Bipolar disorder causes dramatic mood swings from overly "high" and/or irritability to sadness and hopelessness, and then back again, and can have periods of normal moods in between.

Severe changes in behavior and energy go along with these changes in mood. The periods of highs and lows are called episodes of mania and depression. It is far different from the normal ups and downs that everyone goes through because the symptoms of bipolar disorder are severe.

About 2.6 percent of the population age 18 and older have bipolar disorder. It typically develops in late adolescence or early adulthood however some people develop it later in life. Bipolar disorder is often not recognized as an illness because it is episodic and people may suffer for years before it is properly diagnosed and treated.

Manic-depression distorts moods and thoughts, incites dreadful behaviors, destroys the basis of rational thought, and too often destroys the desire and will to live. Biological in its origins, it feels psychological during an episode. It is an illness that is unique in that it confers advantage and pleasure at one end of the scale, but it brings in its wake almost unendurable suffering and often suicide.

Symptoms of a manic episodes include:

* Increased energy, activity, restlessness, and extreme irritability
* Excessively "high," overly pleasant, euphoric mood
* Racing thoughts and fast speech patterns, jumping from one idea to another
* Can't concentrate well
* Needing very little sleep
* Unrealistic beliefs in one's powers and capabilities
* Poor judgment
* Excessive spending sprees
* A lasting period of behavior that is unusual
* Increased sex drive
* Abuse of drugs, particularly alcohol, cocaine, and sleeping medications
* Provocative, intrusive, or aggressive behavior

Symptoms of a depressive episodes include the exact opposite:

* Lasting periods of sadness, anxiety , or feelings of emptiness
* Feelings of pessimism
* Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
* Loss of interest in sex
* Decreased energy
* Difficulty in concentration
* Restlessness or irritability
* Sleeping too much,and/or can't sleep
* Change in appetite and/or unintended weight loss or gain
* Chronic pain and other bodily symptoms that are not caused by physical illness or injury
* Thoughts of death or suicide.

But there is good news: bipolar disorder can be treated, and people with this illness can lead full and productive lives. Like diabetes or heart disease, bipolar disorder is a long-term illness that must be carefully managed throughout a person's life.

About the Author

Faye B. Roberts is an independent researcher and author on depression and sheds some light on a subject that has been in the dark far too long. Visit
Coping With Depression For related articles visit my blog:

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