What Doesn’t Destroy Me Makes Me Stronger

May 14th, 2012 | Leave a comment »
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Stigmas are toxic. When those with mental illness are described as “crazy” or “psycho,” it illustrates how ignorant and asinine society continues to be. Mental health treatments have made significant progress, and we can now attribute many psychiatric diseases to neurochemical imbalances and organic causes. Yet sadly, this age-old stigma remains carelessly intact. Consequently, negative stereotypes inhibit those with mental illness from seeking effective treatments that can be life changing. In turn, many people continue suffering needlessly in an effort to avoid negative judgments from others AND from self.
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Chronic Pain: Searching for Something that’s Certain to Blame Will Lead to A River of Stigma and Shame

May 14th, 2012 | Leave a comment »
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If you are feeling lost and alone with chronic pain you are in good company. I have suffered half of my life with intermittent, debilitating pain. Interstitial Cystitis (IC) has had a wide-reaching effect on all aspects of my life. The long journey from anger and blame has led me to a place of knowledge and compassion. I understand the depths of sorrow that these conditions can cause. I have experienced narcotic dependence, horrible bouts of insomnia, agonizing pain, and at my lowest point, asking my family for forgiveness if I were to end my life. The sheer isolation of suffering with a poorly understood chronic illness finally hit me after my third CAT scan when my physician told me “you are literally full of it.”
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The Unnecessary Shame of Mental Illness: How Society’s Perception of the Disease Has Gone Mental

May 14th, 2012 | Leave a comment »
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THE THINKING DEAD

In the recent second season finale of AMC’s TV hit show “The Walking Dead,” one hot topic amongst fans was the absurd reaction from the beloved group of survivors towards Rick’s alleged secret. News of each character being infected with the zombie disease, even while being fully alive, brewed the beginning of a possible mutiny – An undeserving betrayal from the man who, at least to the best of his ability, kept the whole group alive.

In comparison, this similar epidemic has been experienced by all of us. While actual sufferers of anxiety and mental health illnesses have an unfortunate Mount Everest to climb, those of us without mental health challenges also have brains with faulty wirings needing repair. For some reason, we as a society have a phobia of mental health. Our brains have been programmed to stigmatize those with mental health conditions for no good reason. We must recognize that we are all infected with this contagious, irrational thought processing.
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Springtime Renewal

March 21st, 2012 | Leave a comment »
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For many, Spring is a time for renewal and revitalization. Just as in nature, rebirth and renewal are a standard part of life; we all can benefit from this period of new growth. In fact, the Renewed Freedom Center was created specifically with this intention in mind… to help anxiety sufferers experience relief and renewed freedom.

I consider myself a freedom connoisseur. After having lived many years as a prisoner to OCD and panic attacks, freedom from anxiety is certainly not something I take for granted. And I’m constantly reminded of that when anxiety sufferers share their own personal stories with me. It may surprise you to learn that anxiety disorders are the number one mental health problem in nearly every country and affect over 28% of Americans alone. Sadly, this sobering fact reveals that many individuals all over the world struggle with the crippling effects of anxiety, and experience little, if any, relief. The good news is that you don’t have to suffer from debilitating anxiety, because evidence-based treatment exists. It’s called Cognitive-Behavior Therapy (CBT), and more specifically: Exposure Therapy.
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Misdiagnosis is A Serious Problem: Ensure That Your Child is Correctly Diagnosed

March 21st, 2012 | Leave a comment »
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Many parents and teachers assume that Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the most prevalent childhood mental health disorder. In fact, anxiety is the most prevalent mental health disorder in children. Studies indicate that 13 out of every 100 children ages 9 through 17 experiences some kind of anxiety disorder. Furthermore, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), 25% of 13-18 year olds will experience an anxiety disorder during their adolescence. Anxiety disorders include Separation Anxiety Disorder (SAD) and Specific Phobias, which often occur in younger children, as well as Social Phobia, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), and Panic Disorder, which typically occur in older children or adolescents. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) also has a childhood onset, with varying degrees of severity.
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Helping Your Anxious Child: 10 Common Mistakes to Avoid

March 21st, 2012 | Leave a comment »
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1. Feeling the need to “rescue” your child from discomfort:
Although it can be heart wrenching to see your child in any kind of pain, teaching them that pain is an inevitable part of life is one of the most critical lessons a parent can impart. Popular culture sends a message that any discomfort is to be quickly and easily ameliorated. However, this type of thinking leads to great suffering when parents see their child in pain, despite the fact that enduring suffering is essential for growth. In fact, children need to be able to sit-with, accept, and push-through discomfort in order to gain the confidence, independence, and feelings of self-efficacy that is required for true success.
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CBS Interview with Dr. Yip – Hoarding & Relationships

March 21st, 2012 | Leave a comment »
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Hoarding has been a hidden condition for a long time, and many sufferers experience shame and embarrassment from it. Hoarding is not just clutter, and often has a negative impact on people’s social and personal relationships. Take a look at this clip and share with others to help us raise awareness about the debilitating effects of hoarding.

Our Very 1st PSA to Raise Awareness about OCD is LIVE!

October 25th, 2011 | Leave a comment »
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Did you know there are more kids suffering from OCD than diabetes. Our very first PSA to raise awareness about pediatric OCD is now live! Check it out and share with others to make an impact. Together we can change the world!

Interview: Pediatric and Adult Behavioral Clinical Trials

September 28th, 2011 | Leave a comment »
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Dr. Jenny Yip, founder and director of Renewed Freedom Center, was interviewed Friday via Skype by Dan Sfera from TheClinicalTrialsGuru.com. The topic of discussion was clincial trials focusing on pediatric OCD. Please enjoy the clip and share it with anyone interested in this important topic.

Ending The Pattern Of Destructive Misdiagnosis

August 30th, 2009 | Leave a comment »
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Is it ADHD? Anxiety? Giftedness?

Julie’s parents and teachers are worried. She is in the 4th grade and falling behind in her studies. Although she has a complex vocabulary, and demonstrates a high level of general knowledge, she is not performing up to her ability in the classroom. She has difficulty copying off the board, consistently falls behind in her class work, is unable to complete tests within time limits, and spends an inordinate amount of time on homework.

Her teacher is concerned because, although Julie seems to have much potential, she appears disengaged during lessons, and often stares out the window. She shows an interest in school projects; however, she often forgets to bring the necessary supplies to complete them. Julie, herself, reports that she gets bored easily.
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