Plan Your Success In Seven Ways

Many businesses lose money yearly because they don’t think creatively about the future. They run their businesses doing what they think they should: dealing with customers, dealing with problems, ordering for their business, and paying their expenses. They act like their business is a job. They are surviving and that’s it. They are not looking at the big picture. They need to use their business as a stepping stone to success. Picturing themselves as a successful business person, and setting up a plan to succeed.

Many of the businesses today are started by people who have been downsized or laid off. They are used to showing up for a job and getting paid, and this is how they are operating their business.

The first thing you must do is to find out what you are really good at. Many people want to know, “How can I make more money?” Unfortunately too many business people never ask themselves, “What am I good at?” They need to do so, and then ask it again every time they want to do something new. This is one of the biggest reasons businesses fail. The owners did not focus on what they were good at and did best. This does not mean you can’t try something different. What it does mean that it is best to go with the skills and experience you already have.

The second thing you need to do is take an objective look at yourself. Take a piece of paper and write down what you can and can’t do. Picture yourself hiring you. Would you hire yourself? Would you be impressed? What do you know best? What are your hobbies? Can you turn that hobby into a business? Remember you work best at something you enjoy.

I was an exceptional secretary, so I started a word processing business. I loved typing and taking dictation by telephone, writing up letters, proposals and setting up identity packages. However, I hated having to drive around town to pick up and deliver projects, and cold calling for business. So after losing money, I shut down the business. A couple of years later I started another business where I was the assistant to businesses, but worked from my home. I got to do all the secretarial aspects, but out of a home office. All I had to do was send flyers and mailers to independent contractors. I also worked with answering services for referrals and gave them business, plus a cut of my fee.

What this means is you need to discover what your likes and dislikes are. People like to work at things they do well. They enjoy themselves more. A test for you is to think back over the last couple of days. Then make a list of the things you enjoyed doing. Think about when you were the happiest and what you were doing.

The third thing you need to think about and be able to recognize is: What your competitive edge is. After you do the above test and find out what your strengths are, you will find that some of these strengths give you an advantage over your competition. Do your particular strengths and abilities help you provide exceptional customer service? Can you do something or produce something that others can’t?

If you already have an edge over others, put it to use. Make your customers aware of your unique qualities. The way to accomplish this is to be sure any advertising or promotional campaign you employ highlights your unique selling points.

The fourth thing you need to do is to plan ahead. While your business concept or product might be unique now, as we know people love to copy what is successful. So you need to plan for the long run. You need to be aware of what your competition is doing and keep your customers coming back.

The fifth thing is that just because there are things you don’t like about your business, doesn’t mean you give up. Yes, there are going to be certain things you like better than others. Every business person feels this way. However, if you don’t like anything about what you are doing, then you might want to start a new business. Be sure before you do so, you give yourself the above test.

The sixth thing is sometimes you just need to make some changes in your business. See if there are certain things you can cut out of your business, a product or service, which you might not enjoy and it is not a profit center for you. Then drop it, and concentrate on those things that are generating a profit.

Maybe you need to make changes to make your job easier, such as buying new software, or a new computer system. Maybe hiring someone on a part time basis could take some of the workload off your shoulders, and allow you to concentrate on other business matters.

And last but not least is to be sure you take what you’ve learned about yourself, and set up a plan for your business for the future. Don’t forget to write down what you’re good at and ways that you can apply your skills to making money. You can take this information about your skills and put it in your promotional materials. Be sure you always have a notebook (or a voice recorder) with you to joint down notes to yourself, new business ideas to try. You want to be sure when you do write these things down that you also put a date next to them to implement that idea or strategy. This will give you goals to work for. Be sure to put these goals in a prominent place in your office. I put my goals on index cards and then put the index cards on my desk, on my calendar, and on my bulletin board. By having your goals visible to you, it will help you to stay on track. And, that is what it is all about - keeping your business growing and prospering.

Copyright 2003 DeFiore Enterprises

Interested in having your own successful, home based creative real estate investing business? Chuck and Sue have been helping folks start successful home based businesses for over 19 years, and we can help you too! To see how, visit http://www.homebusinesssolutions.com for the latest FREE tips and tricks, educational products and coaching in creative real estate investing and home based businesses. No time to visit the site? Subscribe to our “how to” Home Business Solutions Digest, it’s like having your own personal coach: mailto:subscribeHBS@homebusinesssolutions.com

Why a Professional Resume?

As a job search tool your Resume is your main calling card. It explains who you are and what you have to offer. Your Resume is your best chance to make a first impression. An exceptional Resume will help you Stand Out from the crowd. A solid, well-crafted Resume will get you interviews. That’s the Resume’s job - to get you the interview! The professional Resume Writer’s task, in creating that Resume, is to present and sell your skills, abilities and experience in the most professional and appealing way!

Your Resume has to capture the reader’s attention within 15 seconds! That’s where a professionally crafted Resume stands above the rest. Your Resume’s main theme and supporting value messages are what capture that attention, inviting the reader to look more closely at your Profile and Background. You need to Stand Out! That’s what your Resume has to do, help you put the best face on your skills, accomplishments and experience.

There are No Second Chances to make a First Impression! Do you want to leave your future to chance with a haphazardly assembled Resume that does not capture Who You Really Are? A professional resume will help You secure that next career move you are now ready to make. It’s called Branding. You are a Brand of One, with a collection of skills, work experiences and training that make You unique in all the important ways.

How Do You View Yourself? Your Resume says a lot of important things, but the one thing it says above all others is How You View Yourself. Yes, you heard me - How You View Yourself! If your Resume is just a cookie cutter collection of facts, figures and dates outlining your work and education history, then this tells the reader you view yourself and your experience as Not Too Important. Which for them means: Not Particularly Valuable.

That’s Why You Need to Stand Out! Don’t expect hiring professionals to read between the lines. Hiring professionals only read what’s on the lines and pause on those statements that send a value message to them. If you care about yourself and value what you have to offer, then a Professional Resume will communicate that and more. The days of using someone else’s Resume as a guide, or relying on some cookie cutter model of resume writing, are over.

Qualifications and Experience are one thing, but Attitude is equally important. You can have all the training and experience that a position calls for, but without a winning attitude, your Resume lands in the pile of “also rans.” What will set you apart from other candidates is that Winning Attitude which is essential to communicate. A Positive Winning Attitude represents Energy. A professionally crafted resume will convey that energetic attitude.

To sum up, you need a Resume that: 1) can sell your qualifications and experience effectively; 2) tantalizes, excites and prompts the reader to want to know more about you; 3) begins to answer the question: “Why should I hire you;” 4) goes beyond the standard formats and presents You as that one of a kind candidate; 5) takes your professional training and experience to the next level, showing commitment, dedication, ability and value; 6) and accurately reflects your positive, energetic attitude.

Maurice Turmel PhD has an established background in Resume Preparation, Cover Letter writing and Interview Coaching. Knowing what Hiring Managers want comes from 25 years experience as a therapist/counselor overseeing dozens of corporate and orgzanizational Employee Assistance Programs and dealing directly with their Human Resources Departments. He is trained in Chronological, Functional, Hydbrid, Strategic and Targeted Resumes, IT (Technical Resumes) included. Curriculum Vitaes and Student Resumes are a specialty. His company “Your Best Resume” provides powerful and distinctive Resumes that consistently win Interviews. All of this can usually be accomplished within 48 hours. Online inquiries should be directed to: drmoe@yourbestresume.com

Asian Girls Online Dating - The Huge Advantages Of Meeting Asian Girls Online !

More and more Asian girls are looking for a foreign men through
online dating. Here is the story of Amonrat from Thailand.

Amonrat is 38 and works for a prestigious law firm in Thailand.
Her dating track record since the tragic and premature death of
her husband five years ago has been poor. Although the majority
of Amonrat’s work colleagues are male, she says, “The majority
of them are married and even if they were available, I would not
be interested.

I also don’t think I could cope with having a relationship with
someone involved in the legal sector. I imagine that we would
find it very hard to leave our work behind. Socially, where does
one go to meet likeminded men who are genuinely interested in a
relationship as opposed to a one-night stand?”

Amonrat went onto explain that she met her late husband whilst
at university in Bangkok and, during the many contented years of
her marriage, she had a fairly blinkered view of Asian dating
agencies. “I viewed them with suspicion, assuming that they were
frequented by people who either had major personality flaws, or
else had some ulterior seedy motive.

I never once stopped to think about how difficult it is in this
day and age to meet suitable companions in mainstream
environments. Of course, about two years after Wissarot’s death
when I began thinking that I didn’t want to spend the rest of my
life alone, I realised that meeting other people was not that
easy. Clubs and pubs really didn’t appeal to me. I tried going
with friends to wine bars, but found that I was largely on the
receiving end of unwanted attention from thai men in whom I had
no interest. It was also obvious that the majority of them were
just after a quick thrill.”

Amonrat quickly began to view Asian dating agencies as an
attractive option, but didn’t really like the idea of being
computer-matched with someone. After all, that removed personal
choice and she made it clear that she was not the sort of person
who liked having choices made for her! Her decision to try Asian
online dating as an alternative was made whilst awaiting a
dental appointment.

“In the waiting room, I came across an article on Asian online
dating as I was idly perusing the obligatory stack of
well-thumbed thai women’s magazines. The article must have been
particularly well written, because I was instantly sold on the
idea.

The concept of being able to peruse a database of potential
suitors whilst still in my dressing gown was extremely
appealing. At least I knew that when I did dress up, it would be
because I actually had a date, rather than putting a huge effort
into preparing for a night cruising around social clubs, with no
guarantee that I was going to meet someone.

After my appointment, I couldn’t wait to get home and begin
checking out some of the sites that were recommended.”

Amonrat spent a long time researching the plethora of Asian
online dating sites before she found one that she felt catered
for her needs, which of course included a level of security.

“I wasn’t particularly drawn to totally free sites, because I
felt that they were more likely to attract members who weren’t
particularly serious about the process, or whose intentions
weren’t entirely honourable.

I was more interested in sites that allowed you to peruse
profiles, but which required you to pay for full membership
before allowing you to contact other members.

That way, I knew that those I contacted were probably more
serious about meeting someone special and not just after a quick
fling. I wanted to sign up with an Asian dating site where I
felt totally in control and also secure in the knowledge that
none of my personal contact details would be divulged to anyone
unless I specifically chose to give out this information.

I was also more impressed by Asian dating sites that offered a
range of relationship advice and articles.”

“At first I felt rather embarrassed admitting to even my closest
friends that I had chosen this route, but when I did, I was
amazed at how many of them had also considered doing the same
thing. One of my friends, whom I assumed had met her foreign
husband at the gym, admitted that she had actually met him via
an online message forum.

Although this wasn’t the same as an Asian dating agency,
essentially it was no different. She had found someone with whom
she shared common interests, but whom she had not previously met
face-to-face and that is exactly how I began broadening my male
social circle, except via a dedicated relationship facility.”

Amonrat says that she found the search process “exhilarating”.
“It was like being an invisible fly on the wall in a room full
of interesting foreign men from all walks of life with their
personal profiles attached to them I could look, analyse and
weigh up the options in a way that would be impossible if all
those men were in one room.

The best part was the convenience and the fact that it didn’t
matter one iota what I looked like or how I behaved!”

“I also liked the idea of initially being able to build the
foundations of a relationship on friendship and mutual
interests, before actually meeting someone and being blinded by
lust, which of course never lasts with the same intensity as at
the beginning of a relationship!”

Has Amonrat met her match?

“Very possibly”, she laughs. “I’ve had tremendous fun and I’d
like to say that I believe I have found a relationship with
future potential, but you’ll just have to wait and see……!!”

I’m Dao Jones from Thailand, founder of Asian-Girls-Dating.com.
A unique dating site with writing, dating and culture tips, as
well as lots of information about the special characteristics of
Asian women.

If you want to know more about Asian girls go to my favourite
pages :

Click here to find lovely girls from

Thail
and - Phil
ippines - Japa
n - South
Korea - Vi
etnam - China
- Hon
g Kong - Sin
gapore - Mal
aysia - Taiwan
- Russi
a - India<
/a> - In
donesia

OR GO TO OUR ADULT DATING PAGES :

Thailand
- Philippine
s -
Japan - South
Korea - Vi
etnam - C
hina - H
ong Kong - S
ingapore - Malaysi
a - Taiwan
- Rus
sia - India<
/a> - In
donesia

Best regards

Dao Jones

7 Hot Home Business Ideas

1. Virtual Assistant - Virtual Assistants provide administrative services to small businesses that don’t have a staff to handle these duties. VAs can perform a variety of tasks for clients including contact database management, writing and sending business letters, designing brochures, and creating newsletters.

2. After School Care - Instead of operating a full-time daycare service, offer before and after school care. Many parents would rather pay to have someone watch their kids for a couple of hours each day and avoid turning them into latch key kids.

3. Computer Tutor - Computer tutors teach students how to navigate the internet, access email, set up a new computer, and use programs like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Quickbooks. These services can be delivered one on one or in classes held at local adult learning campuses, retirement centers, and churches. Tutors can charge by the hour or a fee for class registration.

4. Freelance Writer - Freelance writers write articles for newspapers and magazines or copy for businesses. Most articles require research and must be well-written and suited to the style of the publication. Publications typically pay $.10 - $2.00 per word. Businesses also contract writers to create reports, press releases, advertising copy and other special projects.

5. Pet Sitter - Pet sitters provide in-home pet care while pet owners are on vacation. Services offered typically include feeding and playing with the animals, yard or litter box cleanup, dog walking, and even plant watering, newspaper & mail gathering, and rotating lights. Pet sitters usually charge a fee per visit and charge extra to care for additional pets.

6. Ebay Trading Assistant - Trading assistants act as sales brokers for eBay by contracting with clients to list items for sale, collect fees from buyers, ship the items and then take a percentage of the profitsusually between 30-50%. This is an excellent service to offer people who are not computer savvy yet have items they would like to sell online.

7. Homemade Crafter - Crafters who create quality goods such as knitted items, wooden wares, ornaments, clothing, home décor, and even baked goods can sell their products for a profit. Crafts can be sold at flea markets, street fairs, trade shows, in-home parties, community events, or through a website.

Stephanie Chandler is the author of “The Business Startup Checklist and Planning Guide: Seize Your Entrepreneurial Dreams!” and founder of http://www.BusinessInfoGuide.com, a directory of resources for entrepreneurs. Subscribe to the newsletter for hot tips and small business tools by sending an e-mail to Newsletter@BusinessInfoGuide.com.

Pushing the Envelopes

You are inviting the crew to a very special party and you want
to raise the bar for the next event. You can start by creating
your own envelopes for your very special invitations. You will
have the most creative envelope yet.

Creating the theme of your party starts with the invitation.
This is the first impression that is so very important. After
the creation of your masterful invitation, you must not tuck
them into plain white envelopes. Highlight their uniqueness in a
vellum envelope. The recipient will open this one first and your
creativity will shine through!

Embossed Vellum envelopes may offer an even more impressive
reaction. Add an envelope seal or a rubber stamp impression, and
be rewarded with a job well done. There are many envelope sizes
to choose from. Perfect for your perfect invitation.

Writing Effective Cover Letters

The cover letter is often overlooked when preparing a resume. Your cover letter is just as important. In actual fact the cover letter will yield the first impression. Have a terrible cover letter and the next step will be the trash can. When writing the cover letter we want to be short and snappy. We want to create interest. We want it to be clean and concise.

The objective with the cover letter is to get the prospective employer to read your resume and call you for an interview. Employers are busy. There are a lot people applying for jobs. Think to yourself how you can get to the next step. Understand the position you are applying for and get to the point of how you will be the best person for the job. Lead the way in an exciting fashion to the employer reading your resume and getting on the phone to find out more about you.

The cover letter will always begin with placing your full name, address, telephone number, and e-mail address in the top left hand corner of your letter. Always remember not to use abbreviations.

Starting out with the opening paragraph the goal is to generate interest and outline the exact position you are applying for. Now that you have introduced yourself and given the position your are applying for, then you move on to the second paragraph where you will reveal your education, work experiences, leadership skills, etc.

In this paragraph also you would touch on your interest in that specific position and your interest in the company. Again outline specific interests that you have in both. You want your prospective employer to feel your enthusiasm and appreciate your knowledge of his or her company. The cover letter sells the sizzle and generates an interest to read more.

Learn about living a healthy life in the comfort of your own home with educational Health DVDs. Learn more about Writing Your Cover Letter.

Paul Hegarty is the owner of learningfromdvds.com. Price compare Yoga DVDs, read reviews, download free E-books. Read this month’s e-book on “How To Spot A fraudulent Email”. Grab your free copy today.

You CAN buy lingerie for her without the red cheeks…

With Valentines Day and birthdays never too far away, men know
that she will want a present, and it will have to be good. More
and more men are starting to buy lingerie - Good Choice.
However, you need to get it right AND avoid embarrassing
yourself, but how? You don’t want to be seen picking ladies
underwear off the rack in a high street store. You can’t bring
yourself to go into a specialist shop because you are too
embarrassed to admit you don’t know her size, and do you really
feel comfortable telling the assistant that your lady has boobs
the size of grapefruit or apples or melons?

The least risk option is to buy off the internet: no
embarrassment; a good selection to choose from and you can
always return the underwear if you do get it wrong. Check their
returns policy though as some websites will not accept back
items of an intimate nature - ie: briefs. Men’s Lingerie Buying
Guides have been used to great effect by many male purchasers
from all over the world. Here are my own top hints and tips to
help men in their choice of lingerie for their partner:

1. Remember that she is the one wearing the lingerie! Many women
prefer pretty, lacy, elegant lingerie to the naughty stuff you
would prefer to see her in!

2. Cheap and cheerful usually means scratchy and uncomfortable
and often found filed under B for Bin very soon after…

3. Go through her drawer and pick out some underwear that she
wore recently and that fitted her well. Check the size labels
and buy those sizes (eg; 32F, or 38G etc). BIG HINT: make sure
you put her underwear drawer back as you found it!

4. For briefs and night wear, check her dress sizes.

5. Choose colours that compliment her eyes and hair colour and
her skin tone - if unsure, you can’t go wrong with black

6. Think about what the garments are for - if it is just for
bedroom wear, choose items that you know may be a bit daring,
but that you know you will both like.

7. If you really want to impress, choose quality, luxury
garments - some websites will even gift wrap them for you.

8. If the garments are for every day wear, think about what sort
of clothes she will be wearing it with. - Is she naturally shy?
Choose something in a skin tone. A white bra will show up more
under a white blouse than one that is skin coloured. A little
bit of lace or embroidery will make it more special. - Or does
she like to wear lacy, coloured underwear that can be clearly
seen? Go for the more luxurious looking items - quality and fit
count here, so make sure you buy her something that will look
good if it is going to be ‘worn to be seen’. - Does she like her
straps to be on show? Look for underwear that has decorative
lace or embroidery both on the cups and the straps.

9. Don’t choose something too over the top if you are buying for
her for the first time. Choose something simple and classy and
learn about her likes and dislikes for future purchases.

10. If you are still unsure, why not buy a Lingerie gift
voucher? This saves your embarrassment (and your relationship)
and this way you can both get to choose…

So, it is possible to buy lingerie without the red cheeks!

Glossery of Syptoms and Mental Illness Affecting Teenagers

Being a teenager is not easy. Adolescents feel all kinds of
pressures — to do well in school, to be popular with peers, to
gain the approval of parents, to make the team, to be cool. In
addition, many teenagers have other special problems. For
example, they may worry about a parent being out of work or the
family’s financial problems.

Adolescents may be hurt or confused by their parents’ divorce,
or they may have to learn how to live with a parent’s alcoholism
or mental illness. Despite these pressures, it is important to
remember that most teenagers develop into healthy adults.

Unfortunately, some teenagers develop serious emotional problems
requiring professional help. This glossary of brief definitions
was developed to help teenagers, parents, teachers, and others
learn more about the major mental illnesses, symptoms, and
mental health issues which affect teenagers. Please remember:
All the problems described in the glossary are treatable and
some can be prevented. In every case, the sooner a teenager gets
help, the better.

ALCOHOL AND DRUG ABUSE

Use and abuse of drugs and alcohol by teens is very common and
can have serious consequences. In the 15-24 year age range, 50%
of deaths (from accidents, homicides, suicides) involve alcohol
or drug abuse. Drugs and alcohol also contribute to physical and
sexual aggression such as assault or rape. Possible stages of
teenage experience with alcohol and drugs include abstinence
(non-use), experimentation, regular use (both recreational and
compensatory for other problems), abuse, and dependency.

Repeated and regular recreational use can lead to other problems
like anxiety and depression. Some teenagers regularly use drugs
or alcohol to compensate for anxiety, depression, or a lack of
positive social skills. Teen use of tobacco and alcohol should
not be minimized because they can be “gateway drugs” for other
drugs (marijuana, cocaine, hallucinogens, inhalants, and
heroin). The combination of teenagers’ curiosity, risk taking
behavior, and social pressure make it very difficult to say no.
This leads most teenagers to the questions: “Will it hurt to try
one?”

A teenager with a family history of alcohol or drug abuse and a
lack of pro-social skills can move rapidly from experimentation
to patterns of serious abuse or dependency. Some other teenagers
with no family history of abuse who experiment may also progress
to abuse or dependency. Therefore, there is a good chance that
“one” will hurt you. Teenagers with a family history of alcohol
or drug abuse are particularly advised to abstain and not
experiment. No one can predict for sure who will abuse or become
dependent on drugs except to say the non-user never will.

Warning signs of teenage drug or alcohol abuse may include:

a drop in school performance,

a change in groups of friends,

delinquent behavior, and

deterioration in family relationships.

There may also be physical signs such as red eyes, a persistent
cough, and change in eating and sleeping habits. Alcohol or drug
dependency may include blackouts, withdrawal symptoms, and
further problems in functioning at home, school, or work.

ANOREXIA NERVOSA

Anorexia Nervosa occurs when an adolescent refuses to maintain
body weight at or above a minimal normal weight for age and
height. The weight loss is usually self-imposed and is usually
less than 85% of expected weight. The condition occurs most
frequently in females, however, it can occur in males.

Generally, the teenager has an intense fear of gaining weight or
becoming fat even though underweight. Self evaluation of body
weight and shape may be distorted and there may be denial of the
potential health hazards caused by the low body weight.

Physical symptoms can include:

absence of regular menstrual cycles

dry skin

low pulse rate, and

low blood pressure

Behavioral changes commonly occur such as:

social withdrawal

irritability

moodiness, and

depression

Without treatment, this disorder can become chronic and with
severe starvation, some teenagers may die.

ANXIETY

Anxiety is the fearful anticipation of further danger or
problems accompanied by an intense unpleasant feeling
(dysphoria) or physical symptoms. Anxiety is not uncommon in
children and adolescents. Anxiety in children may present as:

Separation Anxiety Disorder: Excessive anxiety concerning
separation from home or from those to whom the child is
attached. The youngster may develop excessive worrying to the
point of being reluctant or refusing to go to school, being
alone, or sleeping alone. Repeated nightmares and complaints of
physical symptoms (such as headaches, stomach aches, nausea, or
vomiting) may occur.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Excessive anxiety and worry about
events or activities such as school. The child or adolescent has
difficulty controlling worries. There may also be restlessness,
fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension,
and sleep difficulties. Panic Disorder: The presence of
recurrent, unexpected panic attacks and persistent worries about
having attacks. Panic Attack refers to the sudden onset of
intense apprehension, fearfulness, or terror, often associated
with feelings of impending doom.

There may also be shortness of breath, palpitations, chest pain
or discomfort, choking or smothering sensations, and fear of
“going crazy” or losing control. Phobias: Persistent, irrational
fears of a specific object, activity, or situation (such as
flying, heights, animals, receiving an injection, seeing blood).
These intense fears cause the child or adolescent to avoid the
object, activity, or situation.

ATTENTION DEFICIT/ HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER (ADHD)

ADHD is usually first diagnosed during the elementary school
years. In some cases, symptoms continue into adolescence. A
teenager with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder has
problems with paying attention and concentration and/or with
hyperactive and impulsive behavior. Despite good intentions, a
teenager may be unable to listen well, organize work, and follow
directions. Cooperating in sports and games may be difficult.
Acting before thinking can cause problems with parents,
teachers, and friends. These teens may be restless, fidgety, and
unable to sit still.

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder occurs more commonly in
boys and symptoms are always present before the age of seven.
Problems related to ADHD appear in multiple areas of a
youngster’s life and can be very upsetting to the teen, his/her
family, and people at school. Symptoms of ADHD frequently become
less severe during the late teen years and in young adulthood.

BIPOLAR DISORDER (MANIC DEPRESSION)

Bipolar Disorder is a type of mood disorder with marked changes
in mood between extreme elation or happiness and severe
depression. The periods of elation are termed mania. During this
phase, the teenager has an expansive or irritable mood, can
become hyperactive and agitated, can get by with very little or
no sleep, becomes excessively involved in multiple projects and
activities, and has impaired judgment.

A teenager may indulge in risk taking behaviors, such as sexual
promiscuity and anti-social behaviors. Some teenagers in a manic
phase may develop psychotic symptoms (grandiose delusions and
hallucinations). For a description of the depressive phase see
depression. Bipolar disorder generally occurs before the age of
30 years and may first develop during adolescence.

BULIMIA NERVOSA (BULIMIA)

Bulimia Nervosa occurs when an adolescent has repeated episodes
of binge eating and purging. Binges are characterized by eating
large quantities of food in a discrete period of time. The teen
also has feelings of being unable to stop eating and loss of
control over the amount of food being eaten. Usually, after
binge eating, they attempt to prevent weight gain by
self-induced vomiting, laxative use, diuretics, enemas,
medications, fasting, or excessive exercise. These teen’s
self-esteem is strongly affected by weight and body shape.

Serious medical problems can occur with Bulimia Nervosa (e.g.
esophageal or gastric rupture, cardiac arrhythmias, kidney
failure, and seizures). Other psychological problems such as
depression, intense moods, and low self-esteem are common. Early
diagnosis and treatment can improve outcome and decrease the
risk of worsening depression, shame, and harmful weight
fluctuations.

CONDUCT DISORDER

Teenager’s with conduct disorder have a repetitive and
persistent pattern of behavior in which they violate the rights
of others, or violate norms or rules that are appropriate to
their age. Their conduct is more serious than the ordinary
mischief and pranks of children and adolescents.

Severe difficulties at home, in school, and in the community are
common, and frequently there is very early sexual activity.
Self-esteem is usually low, although the adolescent may project
an image of “toughness.” Teenagers with this disorder have also
been described as “delinquent” or “anti-social.” Some teenagers
with conduct disorder may also have symptoms of other
psychiatric disorders (see ADHD, depression, alcohol and drug
abuse).

DEPRESSION

Though the term “depression” can describe a normal human
emotion, it also can refer to a psychiatric disorder. Depressive
illness in children and adolescents includes a cluster of
symptoms which have been present for at least two weeks.

In addition to feelings of sadness and/or irritability, a
depressive illness includes several of the following:

Change of appetite with either significant weight loss (when not
dieting) or weight gain

Change in sleeping patterns (such as trouble falling asleep,
waking up in the middle of the night, early morning awakening,
or sleeping too much)

Loss of interest in activities formerly enjoyed

Loss of energy, fatigue, feeling slowed down for no

reason, “burned out” Feelings of guilt and self blame for things
that are not one’s fault

Inability to concentrate and indecisiveness

Feelings of hopelessness and helplessness

Recurring thought of death and suicide, wishing to die, or
attempting suicide Children and adolescents with depression may
also have symptoms of irritability, grumpiness, and boredom.
They may have vague, non-specific physical complaints
(stomachaches, headaches, etc.). There is an increased incidence
of depressive illness in the children of parents with
significant depression.

LEARNING DISORDERS

Learning Disorders occur when the child or adolescent’s reading,
math, or writing skills are substantially below that expected
for age, schooling, and level of intelligence. Approximately 5%
of students in public schools in the United States are
identified as having a learning disorder.

Students with learning disorders may become so frustrated with
their performance in school that by adolescence they may feel
like failures and want to drop out of school or may develop
behavioral problems. Special testing is always required to make
the diagnosis of a learning disorder and to develop appropriate
remedial interventions. Learning disorders should be identified
as early as possible during school years.

OBSESSIVE- COMPULSIVE DISORDER (OCD)

Teenagers with OCD have obsessions and/or compulsions. An
obsession refers to recurrent and persistent thoughts, impulses,
or images that are intrusive and cause severe anxiety or
distress. Compulsions refer to repetitive behaviors and rituals
(like hand washing, hoarding, ordering, checking) or mental acts
(like counting, repeating words silently, avoiding). The
obsessions and compulsions also significantly interfere with the
teen’s normal routine, academic functioning, usual social
activities, or relationships.

PHYSICAL ABUSE

Physical abuse occurs when a person responsible for a child or
adolescent’s welfare causes physical injury or harm to the
child. Examples of abusive treatment of children include:
hitting with an object, kicking, burning, scalding, punching,
and threatening or attacking with weapons. Children and
adolescents who have been abused may suffer from depression,
anxiety, low selfesteem, inability to build trusting
relationships, alcohol and drug abuse, learning impairments, and
conduct disorder.

POST- TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD)

PTSD can occur when a teenager experiences a shocking,
unexpected event that is outside the range of usual human
experience. The trauma is usually so extreme that it can
overwhelm their coping mechanisms and create intense feelings of
fear and helplessness.

The traumatic event may be experienced by the individual
directly (e.g. physical or sexual abuse, assault, rape,
kidnaping, threatened death), by observation (witness of trauma
to another person), or by learning about a trauma affecting a
close relative or friend. Whether teens develop PTSD depends on
a combination of their previous history, the severity of the
traumatic event, and the amount of exposure.

Symptoms include:

Recurrent, intrusive, and distressing memories of the event
Recurrent, distressing dreams of the event.

Acting or feeling as if the traumatic event were recurring
Intense psychological distress when exposed to reminders of the
traumatic event and consequent avoidance of those stimuli.

Numbing of general responsiveness (detachment, estrangement from
others, decreased interest in significant activities) Persistent
symptoms of increased arousal (irritability, sleep disturbances,
poor concentration, hyper-vigilance, anxiety).

TEN WAYS A THERAPIST CAN SURVIVE THE HOLIDAYS

An excerpt from “Ten Ways a Therapist Can Survive the
Holidays,” a 27-page ePamphlet by Anne Dibala, M.D., The
Recovery Coach™, available here.
The holiday season seems to make many individuals feel that they
are under additional stress.