Showing posts with label disorders. Show all posts
Showing posts with label disorders. Show all posts

Saturday, February 4, 2012

Iowa State Star Basketball Player has Anxiety Disorder

I admit it, I'm an Iowa State fan. I graduated from UNI and Drake, so I like them too. And yes, I even like the Iowa Hawkeyes. But nothing gets me more excited than Iowa State basketball. And when they play well like they are doing this year, I enjoy it even more. This year, they are led by a transfer named Royce White. His story is very interesting and is a story of redemption, struggles, and overcoming many obstacles. And from all reports from fans, Iowa State staff, and family, he has been nothing but a role model since he has been at Iowa State. And as he has become more famous across the country due to his performances, the national media have dug into his backstory and learned another interesting piece about Royce: He has an anxiety disorder. This explains why such a good player can't seem to even hit the rim when he shoots free throws!! Turns out, he has had this disorder since he was young and he has to work and focus everyday just to make it through the day. As a person who struggles with anxiety myself, I can relate to his story to some extent. But I have also worked with students and known adults who have to battle their own anxiety disorder every day as well. I found this story on ESPN to be very interesting and very inspiring. I plan on sharing it with students this next week in hopes that they might be inspired as well. I hope he continues to succeed and bring more attention to his disorder and how anyone can achieve, no matter what obstacles stand in their way. Good luck, Royce!



Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Parenting Children with Difficult Behavior Seminar Series. And it's FREE!




Parents: Heads up on an upcoming class that is FREE!!!

If you want more details, please email me or call, but here are the basics. Sounds like a good deal and not too much of a time commitment.

What is it?: This class series is designed for parents of children (ages 5-12) who are diagnosed with ADHD and/or other behavioral disorders and for parents who are having challenges managing their children's behavior. You will receive concrete strategies for dealing with behavioral challenges in your children. Come, listen, and share! CHILDCARE AND SNACKS ARE PROVIDED!

Where is it?: Family Enrichment Center, 2309 Euclid Ave., Des Moines, IA

When is it?: 5:30-7:00 p.m. on 12 Tuesday evenings from March 22nd to June 7th. So, it starts VERY soon! It is highly recommended that you attend ALL sessions in order to increase the success of the strategies presented.

Space is limited, so call today for more information or to get signed up. Call Child Abuse Prevention Council at 515-725-3682. If you have other questions, you can also contact me through email or phone at the school. (Even though it is Spring Break, I am still checking my messages)




Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Eating Disorders in the News...What Can Parents Do?

I read every word of the recent story in the Des Moines Register about the story of Krista Phelps, a great track athlete and student, who passed away earlier this summer due to complications brought on by anorexia. I am not sure how long the story will be available through the Register's online website, but here is the link:

I have posted the full article and information that accompanies the article in my Life Skills room on our "Health and Mental Health in the News" bulletin board. It is a tough read at times, but an important read for students and parents and it works to get the discussion going as to what can we do to work with students or children who suffer from eating disorders.

First off, learning the warning signs that an eating disorder might be present. This WebMD article does a great job of laying out some signs bullet point by bullet point of anorexia and bulimia.

Next, treating the disorder. Although I have a Master's in School Counseling, if a student is suffering from an eating disorder, that student likely needs more support and treatment than I can give. Talking about it is the first step, and one of the hardest steps. From there, consulting your family doctor and going from there is next. This link has a ton of information, but towards the bottom it gives tips for how to talk to someone you feel might be suffering from an eating disorder, how to suggest treatment, and what treatments are available. My role in all of this would likely be in support and post-treatment help and support.

My last link is one geared more for teens and comes from the Center for Young Women's Health. But let's make sure we remember, eating disorders are not just found in girls and women, they can be in adolescent boys and men as well, just not as likely. We need to be on the lookout for anyone showing the signs of an eating disorder, not just middle school girls.


Email me if you have questions or feel free to leave a comment