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Research Links Isolation, Stress and Disability

April 3, 2013 by 1 Comment

Allsup Highlights Resources, SSDI Help as More Research Links Isolation, Stress and Disability

Allsup outlines benefits of online communities and disability organizations, especially for those stressed while seeking Social Security Disability Insurance benefits.

Belleville, Ill.—April 3, 2013—It won’t surprise someone battling a long-term serious chronic illness or disability, but recent studies confirm the health impacts of isolation and stress. The studies highlight the value of supportive resources, according to Allsup, a nationwide provider of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) representation.

“Anxiety, loneliness and depression can strongly affect a person’s physical and emotional state, and more researchers are showing the impact for those with chronic illnesses,” said Tricia Blazier, personal financial planning manager for Allsup.

Recent studies include those by researchers at Ohio State University College of Medicine (“Loneliness predicts pain, depression, and fatigue: Understanding the role of immune dysregulation”) and the University of California-San Francisco (“Loneliness in Older Persons: A Predictor of Functional Decline and Death”). They indicate that loneliness has an impact on people’s functional abilities, especially for older adults, and weakens their immune systems, among other effects.

“Many people may not know how or who to ask for help, but it’s important to seek out support from organizations like Allsup and groups that we work with,” Blazier said.

Resources include the National Alliance on Mental Illness, Lupus Foundation of America, Invisible Disabilities Association, United Spinal Association and the Caregiver Action Network. “Many nonprofit groups have volunteers and peer groups to connect you to resources and people who have your condition, and live in your area,” Blazier explained.

It can be a difficult transition for those who recently experienced a severe disability, such as an injury or quickly worsening illness, Blazier said. It’s hard to go from working, with a built-in social network and feelings of competency and productivity, to a more home-based life centered around medical concerns.

Many people have additional stress with financial worries and the process of seeking Social Security Disability Insurance can be lengthy and complicated. More than two-thirds of applicants are denied SSDI benefits, and the process of seeking a disability appeal can be stressful. A survey of customers who received their Social Security benefits with Allsup’s help found that 75 percent experienced extreme or significant stress during the SSDI process.

Social Security Disability Insurance is a federally mandated insurance program overseen by the Social Security Administration. To qualify for SSDI, individuals must have a severe disability expected to last for more than 12 months or is terminal. Individuals must have paid FICA payroll taxes to be eligible and, typically, must have worked five out of the last 10 years. Find more information on Allsup.com.

Allsup offers a variety of resources, including Allsup Place, a free online community for visitors and customers. One customized tool is the “Locate Resources” option. Users have access to hundreds of resources for their needs, including community agencies and government websites based on the state they live in and their condition.

“It’s important to seek supportive relationships in the wake of a severe disability,” Blazier added. “Along with serving as an expert SSDI representative, Allsup professionals understand and help many of our customers to locate important resources.”

To determine if you are eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, call the Allsup Disability Evaluation Center at (800) 678-3276 for a free SSDI eligibility evaluation.

ABOUT ALLSUP
Allsup is a nationwide provider of Social Security disability, veterans disability appeal, Medicare and Medicare Secondary Payer compliance services for individuals, employers and insurance carriers. Founded in 1984, Allsup employs more than 800 professionals who deliver specialized services supporting people with disabilities and seniors so they may lead lives that are as financially secure and as healthy as possible. The company is based in Belleville, Ill., near St. Louis. For more information, Click Here. Visit Allsup on Facebook.

About

The Invisible Disabilities Association (IDA) encourages, educates and connects people and organizations touched by illness, pain and disability around the globe. Formerly known as The Invisible Disabilities Advocate, IDA was founded in 1997 and incorporated in 2004 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit. IDA reaches out through our websites, projects, articles, pamphlets, booklet, social network, resources, videos, radio interviews, seminars, events and more! Get the word out! Share a link to our articles and pages with Google Plus, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and through Email by clicking on the Share link. Leave a comment!

Filed Under: Coping and Thriving, Disability & Healthcare, Living with Invisible Disabilities Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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What’s So Funny About …

January 23, 2013 by 1 Comment

karynbuxmanBy Wayne Connell, Founder & President, Invisible Disabilities Association and Karyn Buxman, RN, MSN, IDA Advisory Board.

My journey over the past two decades with my wife, Sherri – whose life is filled daily with intense pain, brain fog, overwhelming fatigue and isolation – is full of more downs than ups. It seems like the easy thing to do would be to throw my hands up and scream. I joke sometimes that Murphy has nothing on what we go through each day.

Yet, despite all of the daily suffering, we try to laugh. We laugh at each other. She laughs at me more than I laugh at her, especially when I bolt straight up in the middle of the night and try to figure out what just made that noise and where I am. We laugh at the absurdity of each moment. We laugh when her medical records are lost for the umpteenth time. We laugh at I Love Lucy. I bought all 186 episodes and watched them each night for six months straight. She calls me her Ricky and I call her my Lucy.

The real question is, are we just crazy? Maybe we are not serious enough about her illness. I don’t believe that’s the case. I think we would go mad if we didn’t laugh when someone asks Sherri if she has tried Tylenol for her pain (seriously?). Well, let’s ask an expert. Say Karyn Buxman, RN. Her Masters of Science in Nursing is in Therapeutic Humor. She is the Past President of the Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor and the editor of the Journal of Nursing Jocularity. Karyn is also the author of the new What So Funny About series of books. She has been a long time Invisible Disabilities Association (IDA) Advisory Board member and a personal friend of Sherri’s and mine. Did I mention she is also in the National Speaker Hall of Fame? I could go on.

Karyn, take it away…

What’s not funny about disabilities?

A diabetic, a blind man and an amputee walk into a bar. The bartender says, “What is this – some kind of joke?”

Having a disability is no joke. But it can be a laughing matter. Pain, suffering, isolation, stress, depression, financial hardships – the problems can seem never ending. And to survive you need all the possible tools in your tool belt that you can find. One tool that is frequently overlooked is humor.

Science is affirming what we’ve suspected all along – laughter is good medicine. The benefits for you are so numerous that you are not going to want to wait for humor to happen by chance. You’ll want to be proactive and experience humor by choice. And the good news is, you don’t have to be funny. You just have to see funny.

What can humor do for you?

 Physically:

We’ve known for many years that negative emotions can wreak havoc on your body. Feelings of sadness, depression, fear, anxiety and stress can actually compound many of the issues you or your loved one may already be suffering as a result of a disability. For instance, stress is now known to exacerbate health problems such as diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer’s, arthritis, COPD, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, epilepsy, migraines, cardiovascular disease, depression  and many more.

Stress raises hormones that cause an inflammatory response throughout your body. Studies show that laughing lowers your levels of the stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline. This may be reflected in lower blood pressure, lower blood sugar, improved circulation, enhanced digestion, decreased inflammation, and diminished pain and discomfort, just to mention a few. Another physical benefit of humor and laughter is decreased muscle tension – another great pain reliever.

Psychologically:

In my opinion, language was invented in order for people to communicate, whereas humor was invented in order for people to complain. Dealing with a chronic disease can trigger anger – and humor is a wonderful way to help process the negative emotions. And while people will run like the building is on fire when a complainer approaches, humor can be a socially acceptable – even enjoyable – way for people to vent.

Part of having a disability – any disability – is that you’re going to feel frustrated, you’re going to be angry, you’re going to have moments when you are filled with rage. It’s unrealistic to think that embracing humor as a coping strategy is going to eliminate those feelings. But repressed anger can make your symptoms even worse.

Humor redirects anger, instead of avoiding or denying it. This redirection can defuse a lot of rage, bringing with it a sense of calm, relief and a fresh perspective. The underlying circumstances that made you angry still exist, but after you’ve laughed, you’re better prepared to address those circumstances.

Socially:

Humor is an effective way to combat social isolation. You can use humor to directly address some of the issues that crop up in your relationships. Humor has been found to strengthen existing relationships (which is good if you like the people you know!). Regular use of humor is thought to make us more attractive to other people, which can increase your social circle and your base of support (this is good news if you don’t like the people you currently know).

But can you help me be funny?

Now that you understand some of the benefits of humor, let’s look at how you can proactively make this part of your daily routine. Here are seven tips on how you can increase your Laughter Factor:

1. First assume that there is humor to be found. If your assumption is that nothing funny is happening around you – then you miss it. Yet if you believe that something humorous is waiting to be found – you will discover it.

2. Raise your awareness. If you are proactively looking and listening for something humorous, you will see and hear what most others miss. Like the tourist who called a hotel in Florida wanting to know “Which beach is closest to the water?” Or the 5 year-old who asked his grandmother “Why doesn’t your skin fit your face?”

3. Manipulate your environment. Surround your living and working space with playful and entertaining items. These might be toys or games; funny books and DVDs; whimsical signs, cartoons, art, or posters; colorful clothing; entertaining CDs or mp3s. If you have fun things in your environment, you increase your likelihood of laughter.

4. Create a Play List. Write down at least 10, preferably 20, things you find fun to do. Ideally half of the items on your list should cost little or nothing to do. The plan: Next time you are feeling uncomfortable, sad or fatigued, pull out your list and make an agreement with yourself to do at least one item on your list. Don’t wait to feel better to play. Play and then feel better.

5. Use the Internet. There are numerous joke and cartoon sites – bookmark them and check them out on a routine basis. And YouTube has a plethora of clips that are guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. (For starters, type “laughing babies” into the search box. What is more contagious than a baby’s laugh?!)

6. Laugh anyway. If there is nothing funny to be found, fake it ‘til you make it – your body may not know the difference. And often it will become real laughter. If you want guidance, there are groups that teach how to laugh for no reason. Check out World Laughter Tour or Laughter Yoga.

7. Laugh at yourself. When all is said and done, you can take your disability seriously – it’s serious stuff. But you can take yourself lightly. Learn to separate the two. You are not your disability. You are an amazing and amusing individual with a rich resource of life experiences.

Hopefully with the tools and information I’ve given you, you can put yourself and your life in their proper perspective. Laugh at your mistakes, your foibles and your embarrassing moments, as well as your successes, your pleasures and your joy-filled moments. And don’t wait for humor to happen by chance. Experience by choice and reap the benefits today!

We hope this has been a very insightful article for you. We plan to bring you more like it in future Disability.gov blogs. Karyn Buxman joined the Invisible Disabilities Association on September 27th for the first ever Online True Help® DisabilityWeb Expo, which was sponsored by Allsup, for one of our online Expert Chats. Learn more about this event and many more on our website!

This article was first published on Disability.Blog by Disability.gov. August 24, 2012.

RELATED ARTICLES:

Being Truly Thankful

But You LOOK Good! on Disability.gov

Don’t Judge by Appearances on Disability.gov

IDA Makes the “Top 10 Guest blogs of 2012″ on Disability.gov

Invisible No More!

It’s All in Your Head

Join the Expedition

Learning the Language of Invisible Disabilities

Looks Can Be Deceiving

The Visible Invisible Disability (coming soon)

What’s So Funny About …

 

Filed Under: Coping and Thriving, Finding Humor, Living with Invisible Disabilities Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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Being Truly Thankful

January 6, 2013 by 3 Comments

W and SBy Wayne Connell, Founder and President of the Invisible Disabilities Association 

It’s hard to believe that Thanksgiving 2012 has already come and gone. Usually it falls on the last week of November,  so it was early this year. Even though Thanksgiving is now over, when I started thinking about what to write about this month,  the obvious choice was being thankful. So here it goes.

I have so many things to be thankful for this past year. First of all, I am thankful to Disability.gov for allowing me to share, on a monthly basis, great stories, ideas, tips and insights about and for people touched by illness, pain and disability (read my previous posts on Disability.Blog).

Second, I am so thankful for you, the reader. You have provided wonderful insights via your numerous comments, and have honored me with thousands of Facebook “Likes”. Please keep spreading the word and sharing the Invisible Disabilities Association’s (IDA) message though social media. I hope the stories provide comfort and validation for your daily journey with illness and pain, much of which may be invisible to others. I am also thankful for my faith, my friends, the IDA Board members, the IDA supporters and sponsors and so many others.

Finally, I am very thankful for my family and especially my wife, Sherri, who provides many of the stories I write about because of her daily life with illness and pain. I know she would rather not have a story and instead be living a normal boring life. Ours is an adventure every day. Sherri amazes me with her determination during each of life’s difficult moments.

As many of you know, because of the invisible nature of many illnesses and disabilities, sometimes family members and friends can have a hard time believing what we go through. This may be partly because they still see you the way you were before illness and pain. Even though you made the transition (and not by choice), they haven’t. Of course, because of the invisible symptoms, “seeing is believing” doesn’t always work. My advice to family and friends is simply to believe your loved ones when they tell you what they are going through.

Last week for Thanksgiving, Sherri and I traveled to my brother’s house to spend time with him, my sister-in-law, my four nephews and my mom. I haven’t been to his house in three years and it has been nine years for Sherri. Riding in the car is difficult for Sherri, and my brother lives five hours away. The four day weekend helped because it gave Sherri some time to recuperate from the drive. A shorter stay would never have worked.

What made this past Thanksgiving so special, probably the best one we have had in a decade, is that we got to see my brother, his family and my mom. But it wasn’t just seeing them in person, which was great, but what they had to do to allow Sherri to stay at their house and to interact with them.

In addition to MS and Lyme disease, Sherri lives with chemical intolerance, also known as multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS). She gets very ill from any type of fragranced or chemical product. It is estimated that 12.5 to 15 percent of Americans live with this condition. People with asthma, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), autism and many other illnesses can also be impacted by the chemicals used in fragrances. You can find more information about MCS at www.cleanerindoorair.org.

I am so thankful to my family for not only using fragrance free products during our stay, but also removing all of the candles and any other products in their house that had a fragrance. They changed their laundry detergent years ago so that it wouldn’t be a problem.

One of the main issue that impacts people with illness is isolation. During our trip, Sherri and I cherished the togetherness and time with our family. Was it hard for my brother’s family and my mom? According to them, the answer is no. One of my nephews even commented that in order to spend time with his Aunt Sherri, he gladly gave up his favorite orange colored shampoo for the four day stay.

There are so many people who are in pain daily who feel left out at this time of year. Reaching out to them is not a hard thing to do. Maybe it’s a phone call just to say “hi” and let them know you care. Maybe you can bake them their favorite cookies or pie and deliver that homemade gift to them. You can also send them a card or present, although your presence would probably be their favorite gift.

On our social network, IDA hosts online chats during the holidays for those who would like a sense of community. You can help, too, by reaching out to your neighbors, friends and family who you know are dealing with illness and pain. Let them know you care. Tell them you are thankful for them, that they inspire you and their perseverance amazes you.

When you spend time with them, talk about things other than their illness. They live with the pain and disability daily and sometimes would much rather talk about the weather, the holidays, shopping or their family and friends. Together you can enjoy expressing your blessings and gratitude.

We can all make someone else’s day brighter this holiday season by sharing a smile, a hug, a card, a meal, a call or a kind word. All of these cost little or nothing, yet they can impact another for a lifetime. If we work together and love one another, we can be truly thankful for each other. Let’s all envision a world where people living with illness, pain and disability will be Invisible No More!

This article was first published on Disability.Blog by Disability.gov. November 30, 2012.

RELATED ARTICLES:

Being Truly Thankful

But You LOOK Good! on Disability.gov

Don’t Judge by Appearances on Disability.gov

IDA Makes the “Top 10 Guest blogs of 2012″ on Disability.gov

Invisible No More!

It’s All in Your Head

Join the Expedition

Learning the Language of Invisible Disabilities

Looks Can Be Deceiving on Disability.gov

The Visible Invisible Disability (coming soon)

What’s So Funny About …

About Wayne

Wayne is the Founder & President of the Invisible Disabilities Association (IDA). His inspiration for IDA is His wife, Sherri, who lives with Multiple Sclerosis, Lyme Disease, Neurological Chemical Intolerance, Traumatic Brain Injury and Anaphylaxis Food Allergies. Wayne is the Author of the booklet, But You LOOK Good! How to Encourage and Understand People Living with Illness and Pain. He has spoken at seminars, conferences, health fairs and banquets to create awareness, education and support. His personal experience includes that of a professional, multi-tasking husband caregiver with an extensive background in management, media and technology. This man on a mission quickly launched IDA into a world-wide outreach for millions living with invisible disabilities. Wayne and the IDA Executive and Advisory Teams reach out to others living with illness, pain and injury around the world. They bring encouragement and awareness about invisible disabilities to friends, family, co-workers and businesses through websites, projects, articles, pamphlets, seminars, events, videos, radio and social networks.

Filed Under: Coping and Thriving, Living with Invisible Disabilities, Relationships Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , ,

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If It’s, “We’re Expecting” How Come It’s Not, “We’re Disabled?”

December 10, 2012 by Leave a Comment

I don’t know when it became fashionable to identify pregnancy as an adventure à deux.  It always seemed lopsided that pregnancy excluded men from throwing up, having swollen ankles and shrewish moods.  I’m not even talking about all those forever changes like stretch marks, a bigger butt, and wider hips.  With the possibility of gestational diabetes, postpartum depression, or miscarriage, the adventure becomes a challenge.

Not to make it one-sided, men’s experiences are extraordinary, too, and may include being the target of a woman’s whacky moods or being the late-night junk food scrounger.  For guys, it hits that the two of you are now a family, with all the attendant expectations to be the one who forevermore protects and provides.

Without a doubt there are many, many women for whom pregnancy is a delightful experience. The glowing, the growing, and giving life is an experience like no other.  Expectant women and moms belong to an exclusive club that has strict membership rules.  So even if it was the two of you being pregnant, only one of you, in the strictest sense, is a mom.

Talk about disability or chronic illness, and only one of you is out on that limb.  An “invisible disability” can pose even more challenges.

Our society looks for proof; needs to name it; needs to touch it or otherwise experience its reality.  You can’t be “a little bit pregnant”; you either are or you’re not.  Pee on a stick and you prove it.  With invisible disabilities, there’s no pee test.  For some people, taking it on faith is harder than believing that what isn’t seen is true.  For example, not being able to prove the existence of god doesn’t mean god doesn’t exist.

Obviously, it’s the emotion surrounding belief that counts; to disbelieve or doubt a person’s physical or emotional perceptions is tantamount to discrediting someone’s very existence.  The truth of it is immaterial while the emotion surrounding such thoughts is what count and may even be rooted in jealousy of a sort – “What, so you get a break but I don’t?”  “Buck up, you’re just being lazy.”  “I worked all day but I still have to make dinner and do the laundry and get the kids to bed before I can sit down and catch my breath and where are you? In bed.”

Quantification when invisible disability is present requires a different yardstick but most of all it requires belief, support, and compassion.

Adding a stress load to any system that is already compromised results in a predictable, and usually disastrous, outcome (think of how a building with cracks in the foundation responds to an earthquake).  The same thing happens when an already dysfunctional body system is unable to respond well when stressors are piled on.  Such stressors may include walking through a mall or having relationship difficulties.

“We’re expecting” or “we’re disabled” is an implicit bonding between partners.  Life-changing events happen from which there is no return.  Legal sanctions apply in both situations:  the 20% of women, nationwide, who are disabled are entitled to lifetime support; children until they reach the age of majority.  Society doesn’t seem to have recognized that the “we” of marriage with children and the “we” of disability in a relationship are the same thing.

To say “we’re disabled” says that both partners are in it together, that there is emotional and physical support of the partner who is less capacitated. Pregnancy usually involves the active participation of both partners while acquiring disability isn’t chosen by either partner.  Parenthood never ends, just as disability does not; a major difference is in the expected trajectory – that parenting gets more pleasurable once the nest is empty, while disability often does the opposite.  Disability is different in that there is no consent, no pre-planning, and certainly no enjoyment in acquiring the condition.

Copyright 2012 Kathe Skinner, M.A., L.M.F.T.

About Kathe Skinner

Kathe Skinner is a Marriage & Family Therapist turned Relationship Coach in private practice. She conducts Couples Retreats in fabulous places, offers webinars and holds Couples Communication Classes along the Front Range of Colorado. She and her husband David live in Colorado Springs with two hooligan cats. She has been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis for over 30 years.

Filed Under: Coping and Thriving, Living with Invisible Disabilities, Relationships Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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FREE Chronic Illness Tips eBook with IDA Founder

July 16, 2012 by 4 Comments

Chronic Illness Tips: 263 ways to do more than “just get by.”

Lisa Copen, the Founder of the National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week and Rest Ministries, collaborated with several authors and experts to compile this very resourceful book.

Wayne Connell, Founder of the Invisible Disabilities Association,  contributed his helpful tips, “10 Ways to Encourage Loved Ones Living with Chronic Illness and Pain” adapted from IDA’s book, But You LOOK Good!

Other topics included in the book are After the Diagnosis, Coping with Illness, Relationships, Faith, Career, Encouraging Others and Practical Tips.

This ebook is available for download for FREE!

Don’t miss Wayne Connell and his bride, Sherri, during the 2012 National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week. They will be discussing the in’s and out’s of living with invisible disabilities, marriage and how to reach out. This year, the interview will be by video!

ADDITIONAL RELATED RESOURCES

National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week Online Seminar. Lisa Copen interviewed IDA Founder and President, Wayne Connell on BlogTalk Radio. September 16, 2010. Featured again September 2011. Listen Here

Chronic Illness Tips: 263 ways to more than “just get by.” Available to download for FREE! Tips adapted  from IDA’s booklet, “But You LOOK Good!”  into a collaborative project by NICIAW Founder, Lisa Copen.

Invisible Illness and Finding Support. Guest Speakers IDA Founder Wayne Connell and his wife, Sherri. 2010 and 2011 National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week.

IDA Featured During National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week 2010 and 2011

About

The Invisible Disabilities Association (IDA) encourages, educates and connects people and organizations touched by illness, pain and disability around the globe. Formerly known as The Invisible Disabilities Advocate, IDA was founded in 1997 and incorporated in 2004 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit. IDA reaches out through our websites, projects, articles, pamphlets, booklet, social network, resources, videos, radio interviews, seminars, events and more! Get the word out! Share a link to our articles and pages with Google Plus, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and through Email by clicking on the Share link. Leave a comment!

Filed Under: Coping and Thriving, Living with Invisible Disabilities Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , ,

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Free Financial Planning Webinar for Caregivers February 24, 2011

February 21, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Financial Planning Webinar for Caregivers Thursday, Feb. 24

What is the value of a true labor of love? For family caregivers in the United States, the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) estimates their efforts were worth approximately $375 billion in 2007. In addition, the average family caregiver for someone 50 years or older spent $5,531 on out-of-pocket caregiving expenses in 2007—more than 10 percent of the median income for a family caregiver that year, according to AARP.

It’s clear that being a family caregiver can be financially challenging.  Allsup and the National Family Caregivers Associationwould like to help.

Register today for the family caregiver webinar, “Reaching Out for Financial Help: Make the most of what you have—Get more of what you need.” The webinar will focus on issues related to gaining control of someone else’s finances and will include an opportunity to “Ask the Experts”— Allsup Personal Financial Planning Director, Paul Gada. Suzanne Mintz, NFCA CEO, will be available to address family caregiving questions.

“The sooner you get control of your finances, the better chance you have to avoid financial pitfalls,” Gada said. “This webinar will explain, in practical everyday terms, many of the legal and financial tools caregivers can use to make the most of what they have and get more of what they need.”

The webinar will be held Thursday, Feb. 24, 2011, from 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. EST. 

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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

Get a Free SSDI Evaluation from Allsup 

Common Mistakes When Social Security is Denied

Six Advantages of Representation for SSDI

About

The Invisible Disabilities Association (IDA) encourages, educates and connects people and organizations touched by illness, pain and disability around the globe. Formerly known as The Invisible Disabilities Advocate, IDA was founded in 1997 and incorporated in 2004 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit. IDA reaches out through our websites, projects, articles, pamphlets, booklet, social network, resources, videos, radio interviews, seminars, events and more! Get the word out! Share a link to our articles and pages with Google Plus, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and through Email by clicking on the Share link. Leave a comment!

Filed Under: Coping and Thriving, Living with Invisible Disabilities Tagged With: , , ,

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Managing Your Persistent Fears, Anxieties and Stresses

January 23, 2011 by 1 Comment

Written by Stan Popovich

Everybody deals with anxiety and depression, however some people have a difficult time in managing it. As a result, here is a brief list of techniques that a person can use to help manage their most persistent fears and every day anxieties.

When facing a current or upcoming task that overwhelms you with a lot of anxiety, the first thing you can do is to divide the task into a series of smaller steps. Completing these smaller tasks one at a time will make the stress more manageable and increases your chances of success.

Sometimes we get stressed out when everything happens all at once. When this happens, a person should take a deep breath and try to find something to do for a few minutes to get their mind off of the problem. A person could get some fresh air, listen to some music, or do an activity that will give them a fresh perspective on things.

A person should visualize a red stop sign in their mind when they encounter a fear provoking thought. When the negative thought comes, a person should think of a red stop sign that serves as a reminder to stop focusing on that thought and to think of something else. A person can then try to think of something positive to replace the negative thought.

Another technique that is very helpful is to have a small notebook of positive statements that makes you feel good. Whenever you come across an affirmation that makes you feel good, write it down in a small notebook that you can carry around with you in your pocket. Whenever you feel depressed or frustrated, open up your small notebook and read those statements. This will help to manage your negative thinking.

Learn to take it one day at a time. Instead of worrying about how you will get through the rest of the week, try to focus on today. Each day can provide us with different opportunities to learn new things and that includes learning how to deal with your problems. You never know when the answers you are looking for will come to your doorstep. We may be ninety-nine percent correct in predicting the future, but all it takes is for that one percent to make a world of difference.

Take advantage of the help that is available around you. If possible, talk to a professional who can help you manage your depression and anxieties. They will be able to provide you with additional advice and insights on how to deal with your current problem. By talking to a professional, a person will be helping themselves in the long run because they will become better able to deal with their problems in the future. Remember that it never hurts to ask for help.

Dealing with our persistent fears is not easy. Remember that all you can do is to do your best each day, hope for the best, and take things in stride. Patience, persistence, education, and being committed in trying to solve your problem will go along way in fixing your problems.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Stan Popovich is a Penn State Graduate with a B.S. in Earth Science and Computers and Associates in Business Management. He is a layman who has struggled with anxiey and fear for over 15 years and the author of “A Layman’s Guide to Managing Fear Using Psychology, Christianity and Non Resistant Methods” – an easy to read book that presents a general overview of techniques that are effective in managing persistent fears and anxieties. Stan wrote this book based on his experiences and his interviews with various professionals. For more information, visit his website at www.managingfear.com

Please do not substitute information found on this website for professional advice. Contact a local doctor or counselor for guidance.

About

The Invisible Disabilities Association (IDA) encourages, educates and connects people and organizations touched by illness, pain and disability around the globe. Formerly known as The Invisible Disabilities Advocate, IDA was founded in 1997 and incorporated in 2004 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit. IDA reaches out through our websites, projects, articles, pamphlets, booklet, social network, resources, videos, radio interviews, seminars, events and more! Get the word out! Share a link to our articles and pages with Google Plus, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and through Email by clicking on the Share link. Leave a comment!

Filed Under: Coping and Thriving, Living with Invisible Disabilities Tagged With: , , , , , ,

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5 Strategies to Improve the Odds of Finding a Job

January 15, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Disability-Related Interview Tips: 5 Strategies to Improve the Odds of Finding a Job

Author: Lisa Jordan

The labor market is challenging as it is, but if you are a person with a disability, you are often faced with additional obstacles in order to find meaningful employment. Statistics show that for every one interview a non-disabled person does, a person with a disability does five in order to secure a job!** While the numbers seem staggering, the five strategies below can assist in improving the odds.

1. Decide up front whether or not you will disclose your disability. Make a list of the pros and cons of disclosure. A hidden disability may not require disclosure unless you are requesting an accommodation. You may choose to disclose an apparent disability ahead of time to ensure the interviewer focuses on you and your abilities vs. you and your disability. The decision to disclosure is yours. Do what feels comfortable, and remember, disclosure doesn’t mean telling your life story! Keep it simple, practice what you’ll say, and only share what is relevant to the job.

2. When you are scheduling an interview, be sure to ask up front what the process involves (e.g. Will testing of any sort occur? How will the tests be administered? Where will the interview occur?). If you do require an accommodation at the initial interview, ask the employer as far ahead of time as possible. Don’t wait until the last minute! Be open to other suggested accommodations by the employer if they would satisfactorily meet your needs. Remember, an employer is not required to provide you with the exact accommodation you request. Show your openness during this interactive process.

3. Be proactive! Be prepared to demonstrate how you will be able to perform the essential functions of a job with or without an accommodation. Don’t wait for an employer to ask, especially if your disability is apparent. Share with confidence how you’ll be able to successfully get the job done and include examples of how past accommodations or modifications have worked to everyone’s advantage. Your confidence will help dispel any concerns the employer may have.

4. Don’t let your disability define you. You are a combination of many wonderful skills and abilities. The more positive you are, the more an employer will focus on your attributes. Remember – you are a job candidate that just happens to have a disability. Keep the focus on YOU!

5. Practice, practice, practice! Don’t go to a job interview thinking you will be able to “wing it,” especially as it relates to addressing your disability. Often, when we’re nervous, we will either say too much or too little. It’s always best to script out what you will say, anticipate possible questions, and then practice your response. Get the advice of a trusted friend or colleague. Go in prepared to dazzle them!

**This specific statistic was taken from “Windmills” Attitudinal Training Program.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/human-resources-articles/disabilityrelated-interview-tips-5-strategies-to-improve-the-odds-of-finding-a-job-1293195.html

About the Author

Lisa Jordan is a disability and workforce development expert. Lisa uses her keen ability to identify challenges and develop solutions so that workforce development professionals can increase their comfort level, productivity and effectiveness when working with a diverse clientele. Download Lisa’s Special Report on 5 Easy Disability Tips to Immediately Increase Agency Accessibility by visiting http://www.human-solutions.net

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ADDITIONAL READING:

Chronically Ill Patient’s Rights – Attorney Jennifer C. Jaff

Life After the Diagnosis - Trish Robichaud

Working with Chronic Illness – Rosalind Joffe

About

The Invisible Disabilities Association (IDA) encourages, educates and connects people and organizations touched by illness, pain and disability around the globe. Formerly known as The Invisible Disabilities Advocate, IDA was founded in 1997 and incorporated in 2004 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit. IDA reaches out through our websites, projects, articles, pamphlets, booklet, social network, resources, videos, radio interviews, seminars, events and more! Get the word out! Share a link to our articles and pages with Google Plus, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and through Email by clicking on the Share link. Leave a comment!

Filed Under: Coping and Thriving, Living with Invisible Disabilities Tagged With: ,

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Researcher Finds Unlisted Chemicals in Consumer Products

October 27, 2010 by 1 Comment

Scented consumer products shown to emit many unlisted chemicals

Press Release
FROM: Hannah Hickey University of Washington  206-543-2580 hickeyh@uw.edu

(NOTE: researcher contact information at end)

For Immediate Release Oct. 26, 2010 
 
      The sweet smell of fresh laundry may contain a sour note. Widely used fragranced products – including those that claim to be “green” – give off many chemicals that are not listed on the label, including some that are classified as toxic.
 
     A study led by the University of Washington discovered that 25 commonly used scented products emit an average of 17 chemicals each. Of the 133 different chemicals detected, nearly a quarter are classified as toxic or hazardous under at least one federal law. Only one emitted compound was listed on a product label, and only two were publicly disclosed anywhere. The article is published online today in the journal Environmental Impact Assessment Review. 

“We analyzed best-selling products, and about half of them made some claim about being green, organic, or natural,” said lead author Anne Steinemann, a UW professor of civil and environmental engineering and of public affairs. “Surprisingly, the green products’ emissions of hazardous chemicals were not significantly different from the other products.”  

     More than a third of the products emitted at least one chemical classified as a probable carcinogen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and for which the EPA sets no safe exposure level. 
     Manufacturers are not required to disclose any ingredients in cleaning supplies, air fresheners or laundry products, all of which are regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Neither these nor personal care products, which are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, are required to list ingredients used in fragrances, even though a single fragrance” in a product can be a mixture of up to several hundred ingredients, Steinemann said. 
     So Steinemann and colleagues have used chemical sleuthing to discover what is emitted by the scented products commonly used in homes, public spaces and workplaces. 
     The study analyzed air fresheners including sprays, solids and oils; laundry products including detergents, fabric softeners and dryer sheets; personal care products such as soaps, hand sanitizers, lotions, deodorant and shampoos; and cleaning products including disinfectants, all-purpose sprays and dish detergent. All were widely used brands, with more than half being the top-selling product in its category. 

     Researchers placed a sample of each product in a closed glass container at room temperature and then analyzed the surrounding air for volatile organic compounds, small molecules that evaporate off a product’s surface. They detected chemical concentrations ranging from 100 micrograms per cubic meter (the minimum value reported) to more than 1.6 million micrograms per cubic meter. 

     The most common emissions included limonene, a compound with a citrus scent; alphapinene and beta-pinene, compounds with a pine scent; ethanol; and acetone, a solvent found in nail polish remover. 

     All products emitted at least one chemical classified as toxic or hazardous. Eleven products emitted at least one probable carcinogen according to the EPA. These included acetaldehyde, 1,4-dioxane, formaldehyde and methylene chloride. 

      The only chemical listed on any product label was ethanol, and the only additional substance listed on a chemical safety report, known as a material safety data sheet, was 2-butoxyethanol. 

“The products emitted more than 420 chemicals, collectively, but virtually none of them were disclosed to consumers, anywhere,” Steinemann said.   

Because product formulations are confidential, it was not possible to determine whether a chemical came from the product base, the fragrance added to the product, or both.Tables included with the article list all chemicals emitted by each product and the associated concentrations, although do not disclose the products’ brand names. 

“We don’t want to give people the impression that if we reported on product ‘A’ and theybuy product ‘B,’ that they’re safe,” Steinemann said. “We found potentially hazardous chemicals in all of the fragranced products we tested.”   

The study establishes the presence of various chemicals but makes no claims about the possible health effects. Two national surveys published by Steinemann and a colleague in 2009 found that about 20 percent of the population reported adverse health effects from air fresheners, and about 10 percent complained of adverse effects from laundry products vented to the outdoors. Among asthmatics, such complaints were roughly twice as common. 

     The Household Product Labeling Act, currently being reviewed by the U.S. Senate, would require manufacturers to list ingredients in air fresheners, soaps, laundry supplies and other consumer products. Steinemann says she is interested in fragrance mixtures, which are included in the proposed labeling act, because of the potential for unwanted exposure, or what she calls “secondhand scents.” 

     As for what consumers who want to avoid such chemicals should do in the meantime, Steinemann suggests using simpler options such as cleaning with vinegar and baking soda, opening windows for ventilation, and using products without any fragrance. 

“In the past two years, I’ve received more than 1,000 e-mails, messages, and telephone calls from people saying: ‘Thank you for doing this research, these products are making me sick, and now I can start to understand why,’” Steinemann said.  

     Steinemann is currently a visiting professor in civil and environmental engineering at Stanford University. Co-authors are Ian MacGregor and Sydney Gordon at Battelle Memorial Institute in Columbus, Ohio; Lisa Gallagher, Amy Davis and Daniel Ribeiro at the UW; and Lance Wallace, retired from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The research was partially funded by Seattle Public Utilities.

READ ARTICLE HERE

For more information, contact Steinemann at 206-616-2661 or acstein@uw.edu. Steinemann is currently at Stanford University as a visiting professor in civil and environmental engineering.  

Battelle media contacts: Katy Delaney at 614-424-7208 or delaneyk@battelle.org and T.R. Massey Massey at 614-424-5544 or masseytr@battelle.org.  
More information on the project is at http://depts.washington.edu/exposure/ 
More information on volatile organic compounds is available from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (http://www.epa.gov/iaq/voc.html) and the National Library of Medicine (http://toxtown.nlm.nih.gov/text_version/chemicals.php?id=31)  

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ADDITIONAL READING:
 

Tips for Organizing Your Home – Marcia Ramsland

About

The Invisible Disabilities Association (IDA) encourages, educates and connects people and organizations touched by illness, pain and disability around the globe. Formerly known as The Invisible Disabilities Advocate, IDA was founded in 1997 and incorporated in 2004 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit. IDA reaches out through our websites, projects, articles, pamphlets, booklet, social network, resources, videos, radio interviews, seminars, events and more! Get the word out! Share a link to our articles and pages with Google Plus, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and through Email by clicking on the Share link. Leave a comment!

Filed Under: Coping and Thriving, Living with Invisible Disabilities Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , ,

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Things I Know Are True

September 14, 2010 by 1 Comment

filmKyli lives with Dysautonomia/POTS. She is a courageous, persevering young lady who reaches out to others living with this often disabling disorder. She enjoys making videos that have helpful tips as well as those that are simply creative and enjoyable.

“.. one night I sat down with pen & paper, and realized I knew all of these things to be true :)  Now I reread them whenever I’m in doubt. Hope you enjoy this video. XOXO, Kyli …. Music is “Painted Dream” by The Dada Weatherman. Check him out here: ww.myspace.com/thedadaweatherman.”

 

Video Found at: http://www.youtube.com/user/chronicallykyli

About

The Invisible Disabilities Association (IDA) encourages, educates and connects people and organizations touched by illness, pain and disability around the globe. Formerly known as The Invisible Disabilities Advocate, IDA was founded in 1997 and incorporated in 2004 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit. IDA reaches out through our websites, projects, articles, pamphlets, booklet, social network, resources, videos, radio interviews, seminars, events and more! Get the word out! Share a link to our articles and pages with Google Plus, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and through Email by clicking on the Share link. Leave a comment!

Filed Under: Coping and Thriving, Living with Invisible Disabilities Tagged With: , , ,

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This video is for you

September 14, 2010 by 1 Comment

film

Although Kyli struggles to get through her days, she loves to reach out to others living with her debilitating condition, Dysautonomia/POTS.

“Just something I put together on the spur of the moment yesterday after reading some messages from you guys. Please don’t forget how amazing you are! Hugs, Kyli”

Video Found at: http://www.youtube.com/user/chronicallykyli

About

The Invisible Disabilities Association (IDA) encourages, educates and connects people and organizations touched by illness, pain and disability around the globe. Formerly known as The Invisible Disabilities Advocate, IDA was founded in 1997 and incorporated in 2004 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit. IDA reaches out through our websites, projects, articles, pamphlets, booklet, social network, resources, videos, radio interviews, seminars, events and more! Get the word out! Share a link to our articles and pages with Google Plus, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and through Email by clicking on the Share link. Leave a comment!

Filed Under: Coping and Thriving, Living with Invisible Disabilities Tagged With: , , , ,

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Cleaning the Kitchen … the POTSY Way

September 13, 2010 by 3 Comments

Kyli shares with others living with Dysautonomia/POTS (or other limiting conditions) some tips that she has found to be helpful around the kitchen. Even simple arranging or pulling up a chair can often make a big difference.

“Just some kitchen cleaning tips. Let me know what you guys think of this new series I’m trying to do :) I’m hoping as my week goes on & I pay attention to all of the little changes/adjustments I’ve made because of POTS, I’ll share them with you and learn some new things along the way.:) Love you guys! Kyli”

Video Found at: http://www.youtube.com/user/chronicallykyli

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ADDITIONAL READING:

Researcher Finds Unlisted Chemicals in Consumer Products

Tips for Organizing Your Home – Marcia Ramsland

About

The Invisible Disabilities Association (IDA) encourages, educates and connects people and organizations touched by illness, pain and disability around the globe. Formerly known as The Invisible Disabilities Advocate, IDA was founded in 1997 and incorporated in 2004 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit. IDA reaches out through our websites, projects, articles, pamphlets, booklet, social network, resources, videos, radio interviews, seminars, events and more! Get the word out! Share a link to our articles and pages with Google Plus, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and through Email by clicking on the Share link. Leave a comment!

Filed Under: Coping and Thriving, Living with Invisible Disabilities Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

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Tips for Organizing Your Home – Marcia Ramsland

September 13, 2010 by 2 Comments

Marcia Ramsland knows many of the challenges of living with chronic illness, as her daughter has started having health issues as a teen. Marcia is often called The Organizing Pro. As her website says, she offers time saving tips for everday life!  Marcia is the author of a series of books to simplify your space, life and kids. You may have heard Marcia on the radio, seen her on TV or read her works in popular magazines.  www.OrganizingPro.com  

Audio aired in 2009 for The National Chronic Illness Awareness Week’s Online Seminars. NICIAW provides Online Seminars M-F once a year in September on BlogTalk Radio. NICIAW founded by Lisa Copen, founder of Rest Ministries. IDA has been thrilled to participate in NICIAW, help spread the word about it and/or be a guest speaker since its birth.

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ADDITIONAL READING:

Researcher Finds Unlisted Chemicals in Consumer Products

Cleaning the Kitchen … the POTSY Way

About

The Invisible Disabilities Association (IDA) encourages, educates and connects people and organizations touched by illness, pain and disability around the globe. Formerly known as The Invisible Disabilities Advocate, IDA was founded in 1997 and incorporated in 2004 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit. IDA reaches out through our websites, projects, articles, pamphlets, booklet, social network, resources, videos, radio interviews, seminars, events and more! Get the word out! Share a link to our articles and pages with Google Plus, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and through Email by clicking on the Share link. Leave a comment!

Filed Under: Coping and Thriving, Living with Invisible Disabilities Tagged With: , , ,

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Life After the Diagnosis – Trish Robichaud

September 12, 2010 by Leave a Comment

 Trish Robichaud is an author, speaker and life coach who lives with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and major depression. Her business partner, Jeff is also a coach, speaker and author living with MS. Their business, Changing Paces helps people with various disabilities and illnesses overcome challenges such as stress and barriers to working, as well as providing disability awareness to businesses.  www.ChangingPaces.com

Audio aired in 2008 for The National Chronic Illness Awareness Week’s Online Seminars. NICIAW provides Online Seminars M-F once a year in September on BlogTalk Radio. NICIAW founded by Lisa Copen, founder of Rest Ministries. IDA has been thrilled to participate in NICIAW, help spread the word about it and/or be a guest speaker since its birth.

About

The Invisible Disabilities Association (IDA) encourages, educates and connects people and organizations touched by illness, pain and disability around the globe. Formerly known as The Invisible Disabilities Advocate, IDA was founded in 1997 and incorporated in 2004 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit. IDA reaches out through our websites, projects, articles, pamphlets, booklet, social network, resources, videos, radio interviews, seminars, events and more! Get the word out! Share a link to our articles and pages with Google Plus, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and through Email by clicking on the Share link. Leave a comment!

Filed Under: Coping and Thriving, Living with Invisible Disabilities Tagged With: , , , ,

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Working with Chronic Illness – Rosalind Joffe

September 12, 2010 by Leave a Comment

Rosalind Joffe is a Life Coach and author who has been living with chronic illness challenges. She enjoys helping others with chronic conditions who are still able to work, succeed in their careers.  Rosalind is the author of  The Keep Working with Chronic Illness Workbook Sytem and the co-author of  Women, Work and Autoimmune Disease. www.WorkingWithChronicIllness.com and www.cicoach.com

Audio aired in 2009 for The National Chronic Illness Awareness Week’s Online Seminars. NICIAW provides Online Seminars M-F once a year in September on BlogTalk Radio. NICIAW founded by Lisa Copen, founder of Rest Ministries. IDA has been thrilled to participate in NICIAW, help spread the word about it and/or be a guest speaker since its birth.

About

The Invisible Disabilities Association (IDA) encourages, educates and connects people and organizations touched by illness, pain and disability around the globe. Formerly known as The Invisible Disabilities Advocate, IDA was founded in 1997 and incorporated in 2004 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit. IDA reaches out through our websites, projects, articles, pamphlets, booklet, social network, resources, videos, radio interviews, seminars, events and more! Get the word out! Share a link to our articles and pages with Google Plus, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and through Email by clicking on the Share link. Leave a comment!

Filed Under: Coping and Thriving, Living with Invisible Disabilities

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