All posts by Sumana Rao

Don't worry about the people in your past; There's a reason they didn't make it to your future.
Causes Of Borderline Personality Disorder

Causes Of Borderline Personality Disorder

The exact cause of borderline personality disorder (BPD) is not fully understood, but it is the result of a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurobiological factors. Here are some factors that are believed to contribute to the development of BPD:

·         Genetics: There is evidence to suggest that BPD may have a genetic component, as it tends to run in families. Studies have shown that individuals with a family history of BPD or other mood disorders may be at higher risk of developing the disorder themselves.

·         Brain abnormalities: Research using neuroimaging techniques has identified differences in the brains of individuals with BPD compared to those without the disorder. These differences include abnormalities in areas of the brain involved in regulating emotions, impulse control, and decision-making.

·         Environmental factors: Traumatic experiences, particularly during childhood, are strongly associated with the development of BPD. These experiences may include physical, sexual, or emotional abuse, neglect, or other forms of early-life adversity. Chronic invalidation or inconsistent parenting styles may also contribute to the development of BPD traits.

·         Biological factors: Certain biological factors, such as alterations in neurotransmitter levels (e.g., serotonin and dopamine) and disruptions in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, may contribute to the emotional dysregulation and impulsivity seen in BPD.

·         Temperamental factors: Individuals with certain temperamental traits, such as high sensitivity to emotional stimuli, impulsivity, and difficulty regulating emotions, may be more vulnerable to developing BPD, especially in the context of adverse experiences.

·         Psychological factors: Maladaptive coping strategies, such as avoidance or emotional suppression, may contribute to the development and maintenance of BPD symptoms. Additionally, identity disturbances and interpersonal difficulties may exacerbate symptoms of the disorder.

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Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: March 19, 2024
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Types of Borderline Personality Disorder

Types of Borderline Personality Disorder

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) does not have distinct subtypes recognized in the same way as some other mental health conditions like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. However, individuals with BPD can present with a wide range of symptoms and behaviors, leading to variations in how the disorder manifests. Clinicians may describe certain patterns or presentations within BPD, but these are not officially classified as subtypes by diagnostic manuals like the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition). Instead, BPD is considered a spectrum disorder, meaning that symptoms and severity can vary widely among individuals.

some clinicians may refer to specific presentations or patterns commonly seen in individuals with BPD. These may include:

1.      Quiet Borderline: Some individuals with BPD may exhibit fewer outwardly visible symptoms and may struggle more internally with mood swings, self-esteem issues, and fear of abandonment. They may appear withdrawn or passive in social situations but still experience intense emotions and interpersonal difficulties.

2.      Impulsive Borderline: This presentation of BPD is characterized by impulsive behavior, such as reckless spending, substance abuse, binge eating, or engaging in risky sexual behavior. These individuals may struggle more visibly with impulsive actions compared to other symptoms of BPD.

3.      High-functioning Borderline: Some individuals with BPD may maintain stable relationships and hold down jobs or educational pursuits, leading to the perception of being “high-functioning.” However, they may still experience significant distress internally and struggle with emotional dysregulation, self-esteem issues, and relationship challenges.

4.      Petulant Borderline: This subtype is characterized by passive-aggressive behavior, resentment, and feelings of victimization. Individuals may resist authority, display stubbornness, and exhibit chronic feelings of being misunderstood or mistreated.

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Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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Symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder

Symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder

Following are common symptoms of borderline personality disorder-

·         Intense and unstable emotions: Individuals with BPD often experience intense and rapidly shifting emotions, including anger, anxiety, and sadness.

·         Unstable relationships: They may have difficulty maintaining stable and satisfying relationships, often alternating between idealizing and devaluing others.

·         Distorted self-image: People with BPD may have an unstable sense of self, frequently changing goals, values, and career plans.

·         Impulsive behavior: This can include reckless spending, substance abuse, binge eating, or engaging in risky sexual behavior.

·         Self-harming behavior: Individuals with BPD may engage in self-harming behaviors such as cutting or burning themselves to cope with emotional pain.

·         Fear of abandonment: They may have an intense fear of being abandoned or rejected, leading to desperate efforts to avoid real or perceived abandonment.

·         Chronic feelings of emptiness: People with BPD may feel chronically empty or bored, leading to a sense of inner turmoil.

·         Dissociation: Some individuals with BPD may experience dissociative symptoms, such as feeling disconnected from their thoughts, feelings, or identity.

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Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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How Prevalent And Who Suffers From BPD

How Prevalent And Who Suffers From BPD

BPD is estimated to affect 1-2% of the general population, making it common among psychiatric disorders.

·         Gender: BPD is more frequent in women than in men, with some studies suggesting that women are three times more likely to receive a diagnosis of BPD than men. However, this gender disparity may be influenced by several factors, including differences in help-seeking behavior and diagnostic biases.

·         Age of onset: Symptoms of BPD typically emerge in late adolescence or early adulthood, with most individuals receiving a diagnosis in their late teens or early twenties. However, BPD can also be present in older adults, and symptoms may persist or evolve over the lifespan.

·         Comorbidity: BPD is commonly associated with other mental health conditions, including mood disorders (e.g., depression, bipolar disorder), anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, eating disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The presence of comorbid conditions can complicate diagnosis and treatment of BPD.

·         History of trauma: Individuals with a history of trauma, such as physical, sexual, or emotional abuse, neglect, or other forms of early-life adversity, are at increased risk of developing BPD. Traumatic experiences, particularly during childhood, are strongly associated with the development of BPD symptoms.

·         Family history: BPD tends to run in families, suggesting a genetic predisposition to the disorder. Individuals with a family history of BPD or other psychiatric disorders may be at higher risk of developing the disorder themselves.

·         Personality traits: Certain personality traits, such as impulsivity, emotional dysregulation, identity disturbances, and interpersonal difficulties, may increase the likelihood of developing BPD. These traits may be evident in childhood or adolescence and can contribute to the development of BPD symptoms over time.

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Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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Borderline Personality Disorder Symptoms And Treatments

Borderline Personality Disorder Symptoms And Treatments

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a mental health condition characterized by pervasive instability in mood, behavior, self-image, and interpersonal relationships. While there is no known cure for BPD, various treatments and strategies can help individuals manage symptoms and improve their quality of life.

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) can affect individuals from all walks of life, regardless of age, gender, race, or socioeconomic status. However, certain demographic and clinical factors may increase the risk of developing BPD.

If a person is suffering from this condition, it is better to address them sooner. After an extended period, it is harder for the person to return to a stable baseline in case there is an emotional trigger. If not addressed, it can lead to impulsivity, quality of life, extreme response to stress and sometime struggle with self-control or regulation can lead to dangerous behavior and self-harm.

How Prevalent And Who Suffers From BPD – Click to know more

How Prevalent And Who Suffers From BPD

Symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder – Click to know more

Symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder

Types of Borderline Personality Disorder – Click to know more

Types of Borderline Personality Disorder

Causes Of Borderline Personality Disorder – Click to know more

Causes Of Borderline Personality Disorder

What Treatments Are Available For BPD – Click to know more

What Treatments Are Available For BPD

References:

·         https://www.rtor.org/

·         https://www.mind.org.uk/

·         https://www.nami.org/

·         https://www.skylandtrail.org/

·         https://www.rethink.org/

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Diabetes Okra green chutney recipe

Okra Green Chutney Recipe For Diabetes

Okra is one of the most loved vegetable in the world. It contains good amount of digestive fiber that helps to clear system and to is a vegetable that removes unwanted toxins from the body. Okra is good for diabetes condition. It has no fat, contains little carbohydrates and it is packed with antioxidants. Consuming okra promotes not only gut health also skin and joint health. It reduces cholesterol and good for heart.

Okra green chutney is a very simple recipe that needs very few common ingredients from the kitchen.

Okra green chutney recipe:

Ingredients:

  1. Tender okra -12
  2. Green chili- 3
  3. Tamarind – 1 inch
  4. Garlic -3-4 cloves
  5. Oil – 2 Tsp
  6. Curry leaves – Few
  7. Mustard -1 tsp
  8. Urad dal- ½ tsp
  9. Salt -as per taste

Preparation:

  1. Wash and cut okra into small pieces. Cut green chilis into two halves
  2. Place a frying pan on medium heat, add 1 tsp oil. Transfer okra pieces and green chili pieces and fry for aout 3 to 4 minutes.
  3. Remove okra from heat source and cool it.
  4. Transfer fried okra, green chili to grinding jar. Add salt, tamarind and garlic.
  5. Grind the contents to a paste without adding water. Transfer okra chutney into a container
  6. Prepare seasoning with mustard, urad dal and curry leaves.
  7. Season okra chutney and serve with rice, chapati, bread or roti.

Image credit: Cut okra: https://www.pxfuel.com/en/free-photo-odbsx (Free for commercial use)

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: March 18, 2024
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comfortable sleeping

Ways To Create A Comfortable Sleeping Environment

Creating a comfortable sleep environment is crucial for getting good quality rest. We all know that not getting enough sleep can lead to several health conditions including weight gain, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart conditions etc. Some people suffer from sleep deprivation due to sleep apnea, insomnia, restless leg syndrome types of conditions. Comfortable sleeping area or bedroom helps to fall asleep sooner and gives us the rest that we need.

Here are some steps you can take to create a comfortable sleeping environment at your home:

Choose a comfortable mattress and pillows: The right mattress and pillows can make a significant difference in your sleep quality. Invest in a mattress that provides adequate support for your body and pillows that are comfortable and supportive for your head and neck.

Keep your bedroom cool: A slightly cool room temperature (around 60-67°F or 15-19°C) is typically ideal for sleep. Use fans or air conditioning to maintain a comfortable temperature in your bedroom.

Make it dark: Minimize light exposure in your bedroom, especially from electronics like smartphones, TVs, and computers. Consider using blackout curtains or blinds to block out external light sources.

Reduce noise: Create a quiet sleep environment by minimizing noise disturbances. Use earplugs, white noise machines, or soundproofing materials if you live in a noisy area or share a living space with others.

Declutter your space: Keep your bedroom tidy and free of clutter to promote relaxation and reduce distractions. Consider removing electronic devices, work-related materials, and other items that may cause mental clutter.

Choose calming colors: Decorate your bedroom with soothing colors and textures that promote relaxation. Soft, neutral tones like blues, greens, and earthy hues can create a calming atmosphere conducive to sleep.

Optimize your bedding: Use comfortable, breathable bedding materials such as cotton or linen to regulate temperature and promote airflow. Make your bed using clean sheets and blankets regularly to maintain a fresh sleep environment.

Control allergens: Keep allergens like dust mites, pet dander, and pollen at bay by regularly vacuuming, dusting, and washing bedding in hot water. Consider using hypoallergenic mattress and pillow covers if you have allergies.

Create a soothing ambiance: Enhance your sleep environment with elements that promote relaxation, such as soft lighting, gentle scents (e.g., lavender or chamomile), and calming music or nature sounds.

Personalize your space: Make your bedroom a cozy and inviting sanctuary that reflects your personal preferences and comforts. Add personal touches like photos, artwork, or items that bring you joy and comfort.

By implementing these tips, you can create a comfortable sleep environment that supports better sleep quality and overall well-being.

Image credit: https://pxhere.com/en/photo/989585 (CC0 Public Domain)

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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Mattress cleaning tips

Tips For Clean Mattress

Mattresses harbor sweat, stain, dust, dirt, bed bugs, mites, hair etc. and while replacing the sheet, we tend to neglect mattresses.

We sleep on sheet thinking nothing is there on mattress or everything is clean.

Like bed sheets and pillows, we should give attention to cleanliness of mattresses.

Here are tips to take care mattresses. How to clean mattresses?

  1. Vacuum mattress: Remove dead skin, dust, hair. Every time when you change sheet vacuum mattress.
  2. Deodorize mattress: Spray baking soda on mattress, leave it for half an hour. Baking soda neutralizes odor. If you like add few drops of essential oil to baking soda before spraying.
  3. Stain: Body fluids like blood, urine, saliva falls on mattress.
  • To get rid of stain – blot the stain, and excess moisture that left behind by stain should be blotted using dry cloth.
  • Fresh body fluid – prepare baking soda, salt and water paste – rub on the area and leave it for few minutes. Use wet cloth and clean.
  • Another solution to clean stain is: Take 2 Tbsp. of Hydrogen peroxide and 1 Tbsp. of dish soap – apply on stained area. Use a tooth brush and clean the stained area. It discolors the stain. Dry the mattress using a fan or wet-dry vacuum
  • To remove stain and odor – use natural enzyme cleaners that are nontoxic.
  • Mix salt and lemon juice and prepare a paste. Apply this on stain and leave it for an hour. Wipe off salt using clean, dry towel.
  1. Turn and flip your matters: Every season rotate the mattress.
  2. No water on mattress: Memory foam holds water that does not go away. If mattress does get blot and use fan to dry. Extract moisture using a -wet dry vacuum. Make sure mattress is dried off completely before using it.
  3. Mattress protector: Buy mattress protector to protect the surface. It takes all the beating and protects mattress
  4. Eliminate bed bugs: If you find bed bugs in your mattress, immediately address it. Check bed frame, pillow and box spring for bed bugs. If you cannot handle bed bugs call professional service and eliminate them.
  5. Air it out: Take advantage of Sun and put mattress out in the Sun for couple of hours. It eliminates bacteria and bad odor.

Keep your mattress clean for better sleep and health!

www.werindia.com: Grandma’s tips

Image credit: https://www.needpix.com/photo/1839841/interior-furniture-bedroom-mattress-decoration-window-blanket (Free for commercial use)

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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