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Tag: bp_docs_access_anyone

Holland College

Location: PEI

Website:

https://www.hollandcollege.com

Programs of study:

https://www.hollandcollege.com/programs/#programList1

Student accessibility:

https://hollandcollege.com/admissions/academic-support.html

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University of Prince Edward Island

Website:

https://www.upei.ca

Programs of study:

https://www.upei.ca/programs?field_program_level_value=undergraduate

Student Accessibility Services

https://www.upei.ca/accessibility

 

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Asexuality


Ace Week is a campaign for raising awareness and educating others about asexuality. The word ace can be used as a short form for asexual, which is traditionally defined as someone who does not experience sexual attraction for other individuals. This definition can be limiting, though, as asexuality can be considered a spectrum, with some asexual people experiencing desire for varying types of physical intimacy. This desire may also fluctuate over time. 

Here are some other terms to be aware of related to asexuality:

Gray-asexual (or graysexual): Sexual orientation where person experiences sexual attraction rarely, under specific circumstances, or without any accompanying sex-drive. Also describes someone who fluctuates between periods of experiencing sexual attraction and periods of not experiencing sexual attraction.

Demisexual: Sexual orientation where person can only experience sexual attraction is strong emotional bond is present. While this bond is required for attraction, it doesn’t guarantee that attraction will occur. 

Asexual people face issues from others involving a lack of awareness, confusion, isolation, invalidation, misrepresentation, and inappropriate healthcare. They are also sometimes excluded from the LGBTQ2S+ community because of a lack of understanding.

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Coping Styles

Why is it that some people like to look when they get a needle, while others like to look away?

Coping refers to the processes that you use to adjust or adapt to a stressful event, such as a needle. Coping responses are influenced by many things such as your age, personality, previous experiences, and how stressful you personally find the situation to be.

There are many different ways to classify coping styles… two of which are vigilant and avoidant.

Vigilant copers:

  • Have an awareness of their condition and procedures
  • Seek out information
  • Acknowledge fear and worries related to the stressful situation
  • Want to know what they can do

Avoidant copers:

  • Restrict knowledge and awareness about their condition and procedures
  • Avoid talking about the stressful event
  • Deny fear and worries
  • Can emotionally detach from the stressful event

Which one do you think you are?!

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Coping Videos

https://youtu.be/CMcx9tJ70rA

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Eating Disorders

For some, poor body image is a sign of a serious problem: an eating disorder. Eating disorders are not just about food. They are often a way to cope with difficult problems or regain a sense of control. They are complicated illnesses that affect a person’s sense of identity, worth, and self-esteem.

When someone has an eating disorder, their weight is the prime focus of their life. Their focus on calories, grams of fat, exercise and weight gives them a false sense of being in control.

There are three main types of eating disorders: anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder.

The signs of an eating disorder often start before a person looks unwell, so weight should never be the only consideration.

Anorexia nervosa

A person who experiences anorexia nervosa may refuse to keep their weight at a normal weight for their body by restricting the amount of food they eat or exercising much more than usual. They may feel overweight regardless of their actual weight. They may think about their body weight often and use it to measure their self-worth.

Restricting food can affect a person’s entire body. Anorexia nervosa can cause heart and kidney problems, low blood iron, bone loss, digestive problems, low heart rate, low blood pressure, and fertility problems in women.

Bulimia nervosa

Bulimia nervosa involves periods of uncontrollable binge-eating, followed by purging (via vomiting or taking laxatives). People who experience bulimia nervosa may feel overweight regardless of their actual weight. They may think about their body weight often and use it to measure their self-worth.

Health problems caused by bulimia nervosa may include kidney problems, dehydration, and digestive problems. Vomiting often can damage a person’s teeth, mouth, and throat.

Binge-eating disorder

Binge-eating disorder involves periods of over-eating. People who experience binge-eating disorder may feel like they can’t control how much they eat, and feel distressed, depressed, or guilty after bingeing. Many people try to keep bingeing a secret. Binge-eating can be a way to cope or find comfort, and it can sometimes develop after dieting. Some people may fast (not eat for a period of time) or diet after periods of binge-eating.

Binge-eating disorder can increase the risk of Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or weight concerns.

Who does it affect?

Eating disorders can affect anyone, but some people may be at higher risk. People who experience lower self-esteem or poor body image, perfectionism, or difficulties dealing with stress may be more likely to experience an eating disorder. A lack of positive social supports and other important connections may also play a big part. In some cases, eating disorders can go along with other mental illnesses.

Our beliefs around body image are also important. While the media may often portray thinness as an ideal body type, this alone doesn’t cause an eating disorder. How we think about those messages and apply them to our lives is what affects our self-esteem and self-worth.

What can I do about it?

Many people who experience an eating disorder are scared to go into treatment because they may believe that they will have to gain weight. Many also feel a lot of shame or guilt around their illness, so the thought of talking about very personal experiences can seem overwhelming. Some people find comfort in their eating behaviours and are scared to find new ways to cope. Restricting food, bingeing, and purging can lead to serious health problems, but eating disorders are treatable and you can recover. A good support team can help you through recovery and teach important skills that last a lifetime.

Counselling and support
Counselling helps people work through problems and develop skills to manage problems in the future.  The entire family may take part in counselling, particularly when a young person experiences an eating disorder.

It can be very helpful to connect with support groups. They’re an opportunity to share experiences and recovery strategies, find support, and connect with people who understand what you’re experiencing. There may also be support groups for family and friends affected by a loved one’s eating disorder.

There are many self-help strategies to try at home. Skills like problem-solving, stress management, and relaxation techniques can help everyone cope with challenges or problems in a healthy way.

A dietitian or nutritionist can teach eating strategies and eating habits that support your recovery goals. This is also called ‘nutritional counselling.’

Medication
While there are no medications specifically for eating disorders, medication may help with the mood problems that often go along with an eating disorder.

How can I help a loved one?

Supporting a loved one who experiences an eating disorder can be very challenging. Many people feel upset or even frightened by their loved one’s beliefs, behaviours, or state of well-being. An approach that focuses on support and understanding rather than control is best. Here are some tips to help you support a loved one:

  • Remember that eating disorders are a sign of much bigger problems. Avoid focusing on food or eating habits alone.
  • Be mindful of your own attitudes and behaviours around food and body image.
  • Never force someone to change their eating habits or trick someone into changing.
  • Avoid reacting to a loved one’s body image talk or trying to reason with statements that seem unrealistic to you.
  • If your loved one’s experiences are affecting other family members, family counselling may be helpful
  • Don’t be afraid to set boundaries and seek support for yourself.
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Mood Disorders: Depression and Bipolar

Mood disorders are conditions that cause people to feel intense, prolonged emotions that negatively affect their mental well-being, physical health, relationships and behaviour.

DEPRESSION

Depression is a mental illness that affects the way a person feels. Mood impacts the way people think about themselves, relate to others, and interact with the world around them. This is more than a ‘bad day’ or ‘feeling blue.’ Without supports like treatment, depression can last for a long time. People can lose interest in things they used to enjoy and may withdraw from others. Depression can make it hard to focus on tasks and remember information. It can be hard to concentrate, learn new things, or make decisions. Depression can change the way people eat and sleep, and many people experience physical health problems.

Signs of depression include feeling:

  • Sad
  • Worthless
  • Hopeless
  • Guilty
  • Anxious
  • Irritable
  • Angry

BIPOLAR DISORDER

With bipolar disorder, people experience episodes of depression and episodes of mania. An episode of depression in bipolar disorder is the same as other types of depression. Mania is an unusually high mood for the person. People may feel like their thoughts are racing. They may feel unrealistically confident, happy, or very powerful. Many people don’t sleep much when they experience mania. They may act without thinking and do risky things they wouldn’t normally do.

People usually experience periods of wellness between episodes of depression or mania. The length, frequency, and type of episode can vary greatly. For example, some people experience many episodes of depression with only a few episodes of mania. Others experience long periods of wellness with only a few episodes during their lifetime.

WHO DO THEY AFFECT?

Anyone. They are likely caused by many different factors that work together, including family history, biology, the environment, life experiences, personality and physical health problems.

WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT IT?

Depression and bipolar disorder are real illnesses that can be very challenging, but people can and do recover.

Counselling and support
A type of counselling called cognitive-behavioural therapy (or ‘CBT’) is common for mood disorders. It teaches you how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours work together. It also teaches important skills like solving problems, managing stress, realistic thinking, and relaxation.

Support groups are also very important. Depression and bipolar disorder can be isolating. Support groups are a safe place to share your experiences, learn from others, and connect with people who understand what you’re going through.

Taking care of your well-being is especially important if you’re working through recovery, but this can be easy to overlook. Regular exercise can boost your mood and help you manage stress. Eating well and learning or maintaining healthy sleep habits are also very helpful. It’s always important to spend time on activities you enjoy, find relaxation strategies that work for you, and spend time with loved ones.

Medication
Antidepressants are the main kind of medication used to treat depression. There are many different classes and types of antidepressants, and they each work a little differently. However, antidepressants may not be the best option for bipolar disorder. Instead, bipolar disorder may be treated with mood stabilizers. Most people use a combination of medication and counselling.

Relapse prevention
A big part of recovery is learning to recognize relapse. A relapse is when symptoms come back. Seeking help as early as possible can do a lot to reduce problems or challenges.

HOW CAN I HELP A LOVED ONE?

You can offer support in different ways: you can offer emotional support or practical support to help make the journey less daunting. You can also help a loved one watch for signs of relapse or other difficulties, which is an important part in maintaining wellness.

People who experience an episode of depression may have thoughts of ending their life. This is a sign that a loved one needs extra support. If you believe that a loved one is in danger, don’t hesitate to call 911 or your local crisis line.

Here are some tips for supporting someone you love:

  • Learn more about the illness and listen to your loved one so you have a better understanding of their experiences.
  • Someone who experiences an episode of depression may want to spend time alone or act out in frustration, and this can hurt other people’s feelings. These are just symptoms—it isn’t about you.
  • Ask your loved one how you can help. Think about practical help with day-to-day tasks, too.
  • Make sure your expectations are realistic. Recovery takes time and effort. It means a lot when you recognize your loved one’s work towards wellness, regardless of the outcome.
  • Make your own boundaries, and talk about behaviour you aren’t willing to deal with.
  • Seek support for yourself and think about joining a support group for loved ones. If family members are affected by a loved one’s illness, consider family counselling.
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What to do when someone comes out to you…

Coming out can be really scary for the person doing it and takes a lot of courage because you might not know how others will react. You might be wondering what to do if someone comes out to you… I found this awesome quick video that gives 3 tips about what to do when a friend comes out to you: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sw3shRMFSdw

 

I also wrote out some tips below:

1. The first things you can say are that you love them, you care about them and your friendship with them, and that’s not going to change!

2. Ask what you can do to help them or show your support.

3. Tell them you’re there to talk if/when they’re ready.

4. Thank them for telling you.

5. Respect their privacy. Remember that coming out requires a lot of courage, and you may be one of the few people they’ve trusted with this information!

6. Call or text them frequently after they came out to you so they know you’re still their friend.

 

Here are some resources:

https://lgbtq.unc.edu/programs/education/safe-zone-training/guidelines-safe-zone-allies/if-someone-comes-out-you

https://www.themanual.com/culture/what-to-do-when-your-friend-comes-out-to-you/

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/teen/dating-sex/Pages/Gay-Lesbian-and-Bisexual-Teens-Facts-for-Teens-and-Their-Parents.aspx

 

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Tonsils and Adenoids

Getting your tonsils and adenoids removed (tonsillectomies and adenoidectomies) are very common procedures to have done in childhood.

Tonsils are the two lumps of tissue located at the back of your mouth on either side of your throat. Adenoids are a similar lump of tissue located behind the nose, above the soft palate. Both of these help fight infection by trapping germs, but your body is still able to do this without them. As children grow, these can shrink and almost disappear by the time you’re a teenager, but sometimes they can become swollen and infected frequently and need to be removed. I’ve attached a photo below from a guide created by McMaster Children’s Hospital.

Tonsils and adenoids are removed under anaesthesia, meaning you’re given sleep medicine that makes sure you don’t hear, feel, or see anything during the procedure. Your throat can feel very sore once you wake up, but this is normal! So is seeing a bit of blood in your saliva. Thick white patches, or scabs, will form where they were removed and this is also normal (they eventually fall off on their own). Recovery can take 10-14 days in total. It’s very important to drink a lot of fluids during this time, even if you don’t feel like it.

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