Category: Self Improvement / Healthy Living

Blogishness, Self Improvement / Healthy Living

Can Omega 3’s Help With PTSD and Depression? Yes, According to…

Michael Anthony

A friend shared with me some articles about the research that the military’s doing regarding Omega 3’s and how low levels are linked to suicide and depression.

Article 1) Click here.

Article 2) Click here.

I can’t comment too much about the articles since I’ve only recently read them, but I do know that a healthy diet is a great defense when dealing with PTSD, Anxiety, TBI and depression.  Here’s what my friend added in: “(Apparently the depression link was strong enough to prompt them making the recommendation for all DoD personnel-they had done some sort of study of suicide victims in the military and found extremely low levels of the omega 3 chemicals across the board, so that prompted the study the second article talks about).”

 

Michael Anthony is an Iraq War Veteran and is the Author of: Mass Casualties: A Young Medic’s True Story of Death, Destruction, and Dishonor in Iraq.

Best Of, Self Improvement / Healthy Living, Self Improvement / Healthy Living

Hypothyroidism – An Experiment for the Cure

Michael Anthony

Recently, I was diagnosed with Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid).  This is the second time in my life that I’ve been diagnosed with hypothyroidism.  The first time was back in 2005 when I was nineteen.

Here’s the story:

I was nineteen years old and my doctor at the VA diagnosed me with hypothyroidism.  I was prescribed Levothyroxine NA (Synthroid) 0.025 mg tablets.  After taking the pills for a few weeks I started to get really moody.  I stopped hanging out with friends and got a case of ‘the blues’.   (Now, granted, this could be correlated to a typical case of nineteen year old teen-age angst.)  But eventually, I decided that I wanted to stop taking the pills.

I consulted Dr. Google and I read that several people were claiming that Organic Virgin Coconut Oil was good for hypothyroidism.  After several weeks/months, I stopped taking my Synthroid and started taking a tablespoon of coconut oil every day and began taking my daily multi-vitamin and omega 3 pills.  Several months later, when I had my blood tested again, I no longer had hypothyroidism.  I was last tested in 2011 and I still had normal thyroid levels.  I haven’t been to the doctor since then, but I went this past Tuesday, and I was once again diagnosed with hypothyroidism.   (For these last few years I haven’t been taking my daily tablespoon of coconut oil and I’ve lapsed on my omegas and multi-vitamins.)

thyroid_gland

My doctor has again prescribed me Levothyroxine NA (Synthroid) 0.023 mg tablets.  I’ve decided, though, that since I’ve already beaten hypothyroidism once the natural way that I’m going to try again (and this time keep up with my regimen).

I’ve been researching diets all across the web, talking to people, and looking at all the possible options.  My next lab tests are in three months so I told my doctor that in three months if my thyroid function isn’t better naturally than I’ll take the medication.

I will detail my findings here.

I’m not trying to sell you a book or some magic formula (as I’ve seen on other sites across the web) I’m trying to beat this for myself and I’m hoping that I’ll be successful and that I’ll be able to pass on the success to others.

I’ve already beat it once.  Here’s hoping that I can again.  And you can too!

Symptoms:

Thinning hair (but I am getting a little older)

Tiredness (but I am in grad school full time, working, and the wife is pregnant)

Weight gain (pretty consistent 155 lbs (occasionally fluctuates a few pounds though))

Memory (possible memory problems but I’ve never had a great memory)

Iraq War VeteranMichael Anthony is an Iraq War Veteran and is the Author of: Mass Casualties: A Young Medic’s True Story of Death, Destruction, and Dishonor in Iraq.

Best Of, Self Improvement / Healthy Living, Self Improvement / Healthy Living

PTSD – Success Stories

Michael Anthony

Throughout the years I’ve received hundreds, upon hundreds, of email from people asking questions about PTSD.  From what to do about it for themselves, to friends, husbands, wives, sons, daughters, etc.  And throughout the years I’ve answered all emails personally with my own thoughts on what each situation calls for, and have written several blog posts on the subject matter, and throughout the years I’ve received emails back saying that “this helped,” or “that helped,” in regards to PTSD.

Well, now it’s been several years, and I know that PTSD is still prevalent in our military, but I also know that it IS being addressed and that there ARE answers and options out there for veterans.  I’ve already received many emails from people who’ve successfully dealt with PTSD, but now I think it’s time to do an actual call for these emails and stories.   So…

If you or a loved one have dealt with PTSD in some form, and it’s gotten better and has been dealt with in a successful way, then please shoot me an email and share your story.  I’ll be putting together some of the stories for a series of future blog posts.

Thanks!

Michael

Iraq War Veteran Michael Anthony is an Iraq War Veteran and is the Author of: Mass Casualties: A Young Medic’s True Story of Death, Destruction, and Dishonor in Iraq.

Related PTSD blog posts:

PTSD: What to Do When Your Spouse has PTSD (Updated Version)- Best Ways to Treat PTSD

PTSD: How to Prevent PTSD

PTSD: What to do when Your Child has PTSD

PTSD: What to Do When Your Spouse has PTSD

How Yoga Can Help Soldiers with PTSD: Part 3/3

Politics / News, Self Improvement / Healthy Living

The Transition from Military to Civilian

Michael Anthony

military civilianImagine being away for a long time, in a place that doesn’t even resemble the world you grew up in.  It used to be a feather pillow, jeans that fit just right and the smell of fresh cut grass that meant you were home.  Now you’ve dedicated yourself to being a soldier, bravely and lovingly protecting the place you call home from thousands of miles away. Hospital corners, camouflaged pants and the smell of smoking guns becomes your new norm.  What happens when your tour comes to an end and it’s time to trade in your combat gear for street clothes?  Will you be prepared? This life-changing transition of re-integrating into American society has the potential to knock even the most decorated soldier off his or her feet.

Planning Ahead

Transition planning is everything, especially coming back into a world that isn’t quite how you left it.  With unemployment rates high and an economy that has taken a hit, finding a job can be a much heftier mission that you might have originally anticipated.  Thus, financial planning for potential hardships when a soldier returns home is key in making the military to civilian transition as seamless as possible. To cover all bases, its best to make a three-fold monetary plan of action: prepare for deployment, ensure security for the duration of your tour and have an exit strategy in place, accounting for potential economic changes that might occur while deployed.

When creating your plan of action, it is important to take advantage of the military benefits available to you, like career counseling/placement and special investment vehicles. Seek out a recruiting firm that specializes in placing military personnel, meet with a representative to discuss your career interests, education and experience and keep in touch with the representative over the course of your tour.  Consider opening a thrift savings plan that can be managed for the duration of your deployment and thereafter, offering special tax advantages for military personnel saving for retirement. Start planning your return home 8-12 months in advance with your placement representative. They can act as a liaison between you and potential employers.

Integrating Back into Civilian Life

Many veterans experience waves of emotions when they are integrating back into civilian life such as fear, anxiety and frustration. Proper transitional planning will allow you to enjoy the experience of coming back home to your friends and family.  Minimize the negative emotions ahead of time through planning so when you reunite with your feather pillow, the jeans that fit just right, and the familiar smell of fresh cut grass, you can exhale and do so with a smile.

Jeffery Sterner writes and blogs about personal financial well-being and issues that influence it for Debt.org, America’s Debt Help Organization.

Blogishness, Politics / News, Self Improvement / Healthy Living

PTSD and Veteran Suicide in 2013

Michael Anthony

All Military Branches CartoonSo the statistics just came out and 2012 was the highest year so far in veteran suicides.  The number have constantly been going up for the past decade with each subsequent year the new highest year for veteran suicides.

On the same note, two of the most popular posts on my website have been posts about PTSD and what to do if you/a friend/or a spouse has PTSD.  A week doesn’t go by where I don’t get at least two or three emails of people looking for help, either for themselves or a friend.

Just thought I’d mention those two things.  Things don’t seem to be getting better, only worse.  What more can we do?

Related Posts:

PTSD: What to do when your spouse has PTSD

PTSD: Best ways to treat PTSD

 

 

Self Improvement / Healthy Living, Self Improvement / Healthy Living

SMART TIPS TO EAT HEALTHY ON BUDGET

Michael Anthony

Now-a-days, as there is an increase in the price of essential goods it became very challenging to eat healthy on a budget. It is very essential to eat nutritious food with secure diet to live healthier. Consuming nourishing food on financial plan is a tricky but not impossible. Making and choosing the best options will enable to make it possible. Below-mentioned are few tips which can be followed to nourishing consumption on a budget.

Planning a budget:                      

Prepare a budget of regular goods which are necessary by making wise decisions and stick to it. Always make a list of groceries which you want to buy before going to the supermarket. Following this will makes you to know the unnecessary outlays.

Search:

Search for the retailers which are  offering goods on discounts and schemes as it aid you to buy more foods in fewer amounts and also help in savings. These savings can be used in the next budget.

Purchase in bulk:

Bulk purchasing can save more incomes. Calculate the amount of food that your family sustain in a month and makes the purchases accordingly. Only buy foods which can be stored for a long time.

Buy season foods:

Instead of buying unseasonal foods which cost higher price, you can acquire the seasonal intakes which charges the lowest price and within your budget.

Approach local markets:

It is always a better choice to approach the local markets as it provides the essential for low cost and which comes with your financial plan. You can also find the organic and fresh food in such markets.

Use coupons and gift vouchers:

Coupons and gift vouchers can also be used for purchasing. Use these tickets which aid you to save earnings and offers discounts on the whole sum.

Storable foods:

Purchase preservative goods such as canned or frozen vegetables and fruits as they can be stored for long period and you can use whenever needed. If the storable consumptions are available for cheap, buy and preserve them in storage capacities.

Procure smart:

Don’t go in a rush and buy the unnecessary things, stick to your list without getting deviated towards your delights. Shop smart by comparing the value of an item as they are produced by distinct companies. Buy the items which are of best value and cost suitable price.

Work with scraps:

Rather than throwing the leftovers, preserve and use them as your next suppertime. Try to avoid waste and prepare food by measuring your family sustains. If the food prepared is left extra, seize it in the containers and have it in the next meal.

Rise own yield:

You can also raise your own yields if you have enough time to produce. Make use of your backyard and start with the small produces like vegetables and fruits as it ensure and allow you to use the fresh goods without any unsafe essences.

Maintain a healthy diet to stay fit and strong. You can also choose processed foodstuffs, taking advantage of discounts and deals and so on to eat nutritious foods on a budget. Make use of your savings or low interest credit cards to make the payments. If you are in middle of the month, out of cash or on a grocery shopping with the insufficient cash take short term loans such as payday loans  as these credit instant cash and don’t require a credit check.

Author Bio: I am Michelle Ryan from UK. I’m into Finance and Health who had experience in writing quality guest posts. Catch me @financeport

Best Of, Self Improvement / Healthy Living, Self Improvement / Healthy Living

Profile Piece: Vegan Dad Interview

Michael Anthony

This week, instead of doing a typical blog entry, I decided to do a quick interview with John Potter.  He’s a father, vegan, and blogger at: VegDad.com.  What’s great about John’s story is that he’s a man who turned his life around, and it all started when he changed his diet.

Tell me a little bit about yourself and who you were pre-vegan:

I am 37 years old, happily married to my wife of 10 years Amanda. And I have two beautiful little girls Jewel and Jessie hence my website and nickname Vegdad. I am currently a human resources director for a non-profit health center in Oklahoma. I have worked as a graphic and web designer for 10+ years and just recently decided to make a career change for the better. Pre-vegan I was your typical soon to be middle aged dad just kinda going through the motions and eating whatever I wanted, although I will admit I was never a huge fan of pork.

Going vegan is a pretty big life decision, what was it that spurred you to change everything and become vegan?

First was my health. My blood pressure was climbing, and my weight was at almost 230 lbs. I was dealing with depression even though I did not realize it…. And I was drinking way too much alcohol. I knew I wasn’t being the best parent but had no idea how much my diet was actually contributing to my overall state of mind. I then came across the documentary “Forks over knives” on Amazon and rented it. I watched the movie on a Thursday and by the following Sunday I made the declaration to my wife and kids that I was going Vegan. I immediately purchased “The China Study” and read it cover to cover further reinforcing my commitment to my health.

How was the transition? Any bumps in the road? Any unexpected, but pleasant, experiences?

It was phenomenal. For me I began running and eventually won several 5k events and trained to a point where I could run 14 miles at one go. The only bumps was realizing that eating out was not going to be an option unless I made sure the menu had an item I could manipulate. Pleasant experiences are everywhere; I recently talked with Rich Roll via email about my transformation. It was a very humbling experience speaking with one of the top vegan athletes in the world. My energy has gone through the roof and I constantly am seeking new challenges physically… And by the way the food tastes a lot better!!!

I’ve noticed that every vegan has a go-to argument they use whenever talking to meat-eaters. What’s your, quick, go-to argument that you use whenever you’re talking to a meat-eater?

I show them a before and after pic, then challenge them to a 5 mile run…. lol… I also utilize the anatomy of a carnivore versus a human and then ask them to go eat a piece of carcass on the side of the road next time they say they are carnivores…. I always recommend “The China Study” as a fall back. I might not be a Dr., but that book is written by one of the only Dr.’s in the country that realizes the importance of a plant based diet.

Favorite two dishes as a vegan?

Lately I have been on a vegan gyro kick…. I have not completed a perfect recipe for it but plan on posting it on my website vegdad.com once I do. My other favorite and fall back food is an Amy’s bean and rice vegan burrito for convenience. I normally do not recommend prepackaged foods, however in this fast pace world it is hard to rely solely upon whole vegan meals without supplementing a little.

You’ve told us about your pre-vegan now tell us a little about your life as a vegan now, and what you’re up to?

As a vegan I have won several 5k events. I dropped a total of 62lbs. lowered my blood pressure to normal and as of lately I have committed to becoming a vegan body builder. I packed back on 20 lbs. of which 14-16lbs are lean muscle gains. I started my blog vegdad.com and with my bodybuilding background I have started seeing a huge interest in younger vegans wanting to get big on plant based protein. I am currently considering writing a book on how middle aged men should consider my journey for their families’ sake. My wife and kids have been awesome, and my children eat more vegetarian daily. I am not sure if it was my being vegan that led to me become a Buddhist or vice versa. All I know is that the good karma that is in my life right now is awesome and the compassion that I feel for my fellow human and animal brethren grows daily.

Any final tips for the new vegans out there?

Research, research, research! Don’t listen to the carnivores. If someone says you can’t survive on it, know that you can as long as you do it right. Chips and coke are vegan, however six months of eating that way you will become the stereotypical representative of vegans (sick and pale). Eat right, eat diversely, take a multi-vitamin, get exercise and support the cause, support the planet, and support the future. Vegan Power!

Don’t forget to check out John’s blog: VegDad.com

 

Blogishness, Self Improvement / Healthy Living

Is The World Becoming More or Less Vegan/Vegetarian Friendly?

Michael Anthony

I recently read two interesting articles about vegan/vegetarianism.  The first appeared in the UK’s Guardian, and it regarded scientific projections that the whole world will have to be vegetarian by 2050.

“There will not be enough water available on  current croplands to  produce food for the expected 9 billion population in 2050  if we follow  current trends and changes towards diets common in western  nations,” the report by Malik Falkenmark and colleagues at the Stockholm  International Water Institute (SIWI) said.

“The report, called Feeding a thirsty world:  Challenges and opportunities for a water and food secure world, is being  released at the start of the annual world water  conference in  Stockholm.

There, 2,500 politicians, UN bodies,  non-governmental groups and researchers from 120 countries are meeting to  address global water supply problems.

The report says dramatic cuts in our meat  consumption are the only answer.

‘There will be just enough water if the  proportion of animal-based foods  is limited to 5% of total calories and  considerable regional water  deficits can be met by a reliable system of food  trade,’ it states.”

However, I also recently read a report that bananas are no longer going to be vegan? 

“As Science Daily reports, scientists have come up with a new spray they say will prevent bananas from ripening into brown mush for almost two extra weeks. The downside? The spray is made from chitosan, which is derived from the shells of shrimp and crabs.”

The articles are both very interesting and should be read in their entirety but it does raise an interesting issue.  Do you think the world is becoming more or less vegan/vegetarian?  Put your thoughts in the comments.

 

Best Of, Blogishness, Blogishness, Comedy, ptsd, Self Improvement / Healthy Living, Self Improvement / Healthy Living, Uncategorized

PTSD: What to Do When Your Spouse has PTSD (Updated Version)- Best Ways to Treat PTSD

Michael Anthony

Lately, I’ve been getting a lot of comments, and emails, about my blog post: PTSD What to do When Your Spouse has PTSD. There are a lot of resources out there to help our loved ones with PTSD, but some things have changed since I originally wrote the article, and the article wasn’t as in-depth and helpful as it should’ve been, so an updated version is in order.  (Also, since all of the comments and emails I’ve received have been related to PTSD for military personnel, this article will be in reference only to treatment of PTSD for active duty or prior service military personnel—although, I’m sure, it can apply to the populace in the civilian world also suffering with PTSD.)

  • First, and foremost, the primary point of contact for any vet suffering from PTSD should by their local VA.  The staff at the VA are trained to handle veterans with PTSD, and what’s great about seeking therapy or counseling from the VA, rather than a private organization, is that the VA employs a lot of prior service military personnel as their counselors and therapists.  And 100% of the time I hear from other vets, and in my own experience, that it’s always easier to talk to another vet whose “been there” and “done that,” rather than some random therapist or counselor who has no idea.
    • Also, the VA has special services for the spouses and family members of military personnel, so a wife, or husband, or children, can seek their own counseling as well.

With that said, I’ve also heard from a lot of vets that the services offered at the VA are severely lacking and not helpful.  So it may work for some, but not for others.

Sometimes for vets, who are used to a certain tempo of physicality, and who aren’t used to sharing their feelings, it can be too odd and unwelcoming to have to sit down and suddenly talk about their feelings.  The good news is that there are a lot of other options, and a lot of them are shown to work better than typical therapy.

  • Neurofeedback.  A lot of people aren’t familiar with neurofeedback but the military has been pouring millions of dollars into neurofeedback programs that can help veterans with PTSD—and there are places all across the U.S. that offer it free to veterans.
    • What is Neurofeedback?
      • Basically, a bunch of doctor’s hook up sensors to a person’s scalp and the sensors read the person’s brain activity.  They then hook the sensors up to a computer program and somehow, through the sensors and the computer program, a person’s brain can actually be rewired.
  • I’ve actually done neurofeedback before and it can actually be a fun type of therapy.  Basically it’s like playing a video game, but instead of having a controller in your hands, your brain controls the movements on screen, and the program trains your brain to act in a certain way and thus rewires the parts of the brain affected by PTSD.  EVERY veteran I know who’s used the program has been pleased with the results.  And best of all, it’s not like therapy AT ALL, you literally play videogames with your mind—yes, I’m serious!—and sometimes they let you watch movies instead and your brain controls when the movies stop and play and pause, etc.
  • Link to an organization that details all the different places where a veteran can get free neurofeedback: http://www.homecoming4veterans.org/

 veteran with ptsd

  • Meditation.  Recently there was an article in the Washington Post about Transcendental Meditation and its usefulness to veterans.  (Link here.)  Basically, the military has been conducting a lot of research into what they call a “mental toughness” program and a main tenement of that program is meditation.  Meditation allows a person to sit alone in a quiet space and just BE with themselves, and the military’s research has shown that soldiers who meditate are less likely to get PTSD, and in the instances that a person has PTSD, it can be an effective coping mechanism, either by itself or combined with another program.
    • Meditation is probably the hardest thing listed in this program.  Seeking therapy or counseling can be easy because all a person has to do is talk.  Neurofeedback can be easy, because like I said, it’s just like playing a videogame.  But meditation can be the hardest, because a person has to force themselves to sit still, and quiet, for an hour a day—without falling asleep.  It sounds easy.  But it can really be difficult, especially if a veteran has PTSD because of the images and memories of war they see when they sit still and close their eyes.  But luckily for this, too, there are programs all across the U.S. which are designed to teach someone how to meditate within a few short weeks.  (A book on meditation recommended by the military’s mental toughness program is: Mindfulness in Plain English, by Bhante Henepola Gunaratana.)
  •  Another main tenement of the military’s mental toughness program and that has been shown to help with PTSD, is physical exercise.  Everyone knows the benefits of physical exercise on the body, but a lot of people aren’t aware of the benefits of physical exercise on the brain.  The military’s mental toughness program has shown that people, who exercise at least three times a week, are more adept at handling stress and dealing with emotional issues; and in separate studies, exercise has been shown to cure depression.  A fit body means a fit brain.  A lot of veterans who get out of the military often lose that physical part of their lifestyle, they may go from working out three times a week to only once, or none.  Lack of physical exercise takes as much a toll on a person’s body as it does their emotional state.
    • yoga for veterans with ptsdA good physical exercise that’s recommended for veterans suffering with PTSD is yoga.  Yoga can be very strenuous and physically demanding, and is often done in heated rooms over 100 degrees, and at the end of every yoga session there is a fifteen minute period of meditation.  With yoga a person will be able to combine two methodologies from the military’s mental toughness program.  They will have the purely physical component of the exercise and the mental component of the meditation.  It’s a win win.
  • There are many places and organizations that offer yoga free for veterans, and it’s usually done in a group format so it can be done with a spouse, but another great thing about yoga and meditation is that it can also be done in the comfort of one’s own house, which is always an added benefit.

The main thing to keep in mind when dealing with PTSD is that there ARE options.  It’s not like after the Vietnam War when the military and spouses and soldiers didn’t know what was going on; we know what’s going on now and there ARE cures.

Civilianized: A Young Veteran’s Memoir

In this dark humored War Memoir, Iraq veteran Michael Anthony discusses his return from war and how he defeated his PTSD. Civilianized is a must read for any veteran, or anyone who knows a veteran, who has returned from war and suffered through Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

dark humored military memoir“An intense memoir.” -Kirkus

“I wont soon forget this book.” -Mary Roach

“A must read.” -Colby Buzzell

“[S]mart and mordantly funny.” –Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

“Anthony delivers a dose of reality that can awaken the mind…” Bookreporter

Order your copy of Civilianized: A Young Veteran’s Memoir .

Self Improvement / Healthy Living

Stress and Depression: Likely Causes for Drastic Weight Loss

Michael Anthony

Drastic weight loss is not always due to a physical illness. Sometimes, it could be caused by certain mood disorders. These disorders possibly root from a mental illness, which affects weight. Two of the most common mental illnesses are stress and depression.

Stress
We face stressors constantly. It can come in many forms: stress from commuting to work or school, getting a parking ticket, or not getting along with a co-worker; and stress due to divorce, financial problems, or job loss. When stress becomes chronic and is not dealt with correctly, it could lead to a lot of mental and physical health issues. Losing weight is just one of many manifestations.

Fortunately, weight loss caused by stress is the easiest to address. You just need to find ways to relieve it.

  • Getting a massage, going away for a short respite, or taking on a new hobby can be a good start.
  • There are foods that alleviate stress, too. You need to be more conscious about the foods you eat. It pays to stick to healthy and well-balanced meals.
  • Exercising is another proven stress buster.

You don’t have to carry out everything that is suggested all at once. Changing lifestyle does not happen overnight. Just like everything else, you can take baby steps. What’s important is you’re consistent in taking the necessary actions toward dealing with stress more effectively.

Depression
Some people may dismiss depression as just some form of sadness. But feelings of sadness and despair that a cup of coffee, hot chicken soup, or conversation can’t fix are no simple matter. Depression is a serious mental disorder. It can last for years. It can ruin lives. It’s even responsible for certain suicides.

It is more than just a simple disposition problem. Depression is probably the most misunderstood of all mood disorders. According to studies, depression has deep rooted causes. Doctors believe that it is caused by an imbalance in the brain’s ability to produce norepinephrine and endorphin, chemicals responsible for mood control.

Sadness and feelings of despair are not the only symptoms of depression. It also includes overall loss of interest at life itself – loss of appetite and loss of energy to perform life’s usual activities.

A person suffering from depression feels weak and sickly, constantly reporting body aches and pain. Furthermore, depression usually comes hand-in-hand with anxiety.

Help

Mental health is part of our overall health. Although we are not immune to events that could potentially cause us stress or depression, possessing the right attitude in coping with life’s challenges can be our saving grace. Having the wrong mindset could aggravate situations that were never dire to begin with.

 Losing sleep, appetite, focus… Lacking energy. Becoming indifferent. It’s important to distinguish when what you’re experiencing is more than just feeling blue. Do not dismiss tell-tale signs. Know when to seek help for yourself or for someone who is going through serious mental health problems.

A psychologist can help one deal with stress or depression through therapy. There are also dietitians or nutritionists who can guide you about good nutritional habits. They are not just knowledgeable on developing specific diets for people to lose weight but also to alleviate mood disorders. The help of a life coach can also be sought.

When we are in our lowest of lows, we tend to be very emotional about it. Objectivity evades us. Sometimes, to get a better perspective about life, we need an outsider to give sense to what’s happening around us. Reassessing life priorities can also help. It allows us to realize what’s really important. Although life is unpredictable, we can at least try to prepare for the usual phases that we go through.