A teacher whose job sent her mental health spiralling had to fork out hundreds of dollars for a therapist because her school wasn't signed up to an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).

The 32-year-old Aucklander, who does not want to be identified, said her school wasn't open to the idea that teachersmight need external mental health support.

"There was an attitude that said 'if we advertise the fact that we're supporting staff then we're creating a culture of weakness being acceptable'," she said.

Instead, she was left to battle anxiety and intense feelings of guilt and insecurity alone.

READ MORE:*Teacher mental health suffers amid shortage crisis*Burnout main reason for primary and secondary teachers leaving profession*Teachers learn calming techniques to combat stress

"Having a panic attack in front of students is super ugly," she said.

Her days turned into a game of clock-watching, holding it together until the bell rangand then crashing. It affected her teaching "terribly", she said.

LAWRENCE SMITH/STUFF

An Auckland teacher says schools should provide external mental health support.

She confided in her manager, but theynever checked back in, she said. Anti-anxiety medication from her GP didn't touch the sides.

Teaching was a "really, really hard job to be weak in", she said, as teachers were expected to be rational authority figures.

Teachers were also competitive about who had it worse, she said, whether that was the longest hours, the biggest class or the tallest stack of marking.

That was rampant at her school, where she said teachers were expected to strive for unachievable targets while receiving little praise or encouragement.

"There's this idea, if I struggle and if I suffer and if I endure, then I've achieved something," she said.

JOHN BISSET/STUFF

Teacher wellbeing was one of the priorities fro striking teachers.

When shewanted to ask for help, school counsellorswerethe only option available. But she knew them, and they knew the people who she said were part of the problem.

"The idea that you can see your school support team for anything to do with work anxiety is ridiculous," she said.

So she found a private therapistat $160 a session. She had only been able to afford three sessions.

She said if EAP had been available, it "would have made the process of finding support [...]a lot quicker and smoother".

Therapy had proved incredibly helpful, she said. Her therapist had given her tools for maintaining positive relationships with her students and acting rationally when things seemed overwhelming.

They were skills that benefited her students, so she questioned why the school wasn't willing to support teachers to seek help.

An Official Information Act request to schools in Auckland revealed 10 per cent of secondary schools werenot signed up to an EAP programme.

Jack Boyle, President of the Post-Primary Teachers' Association (PPTA), said while there wasn't a black and white requirement for schools to sign up to EAP, they had a requirement to provide a safe working environment, which includes mental wellbeing.

Requiring teachers to go through internal procedures to get help created "arbitrary and unnecessary barriers" to support, he said.

All schools should provide EAP, he said, and one of PPTA's recommendations was for theMinistry of Education to have a single EAP contract to which all schools were signed up.

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Auckland teacher says job sent her mental health spiralling, but her school wouldn't help - Stuff.co.nz

Have you ever thought of quitting your life? Almost all of us would have had thought about killing ourselves in certain situations. Suicidal behavior is evident in humans throughout history. It has always been a global concern.

Research shows that about 10 lakh people attempted suicide last year, out of which 8 lakh people have died. Data reveals that only 10% were impulsive suicides, and the remaining 90% are planned suicides. Further, studies have found that only 30% of people kill themselves due to psychological issues, and the remaining 70% were due to situational problems. It is also the second leading cause of death among adolescents.

Even the slightest knowledge about suicidal behavior or its symptoms can help us in preventing suicide.

How to identify suicidal behavior?

Researchers have emphasized an acronym to provide a crisp overview of the possible symptoms for suicidal behavior:

IS PATH WARM

I Ideation: Suicidal ideation is the conception of thoughts about quitting life, or planning to commit suicide. And this thought predominantly occupies the mind inducing suicidal behavior.

S Substance abuse: The relationship between substance use and suicide is an unending affair. Individuals see substance as a way to numb their pain and overcome depression. But the same behavior stands as a threat to the lives. Most individuals deliberately intoxicate themselves to take their life.

P Purposelessness: Risks of suicide increases with the loss of purpose of life. Someone who thinks who has lost the meaning of life or the reason to live is susceptible to killing oneself.

A Anxiety: Anxiety disorders are complex psychological problems. Anyone undergoing major depression or experiencing mental illness are more likely to lose the strength and attitude towards life. It often paves the way for suicide attempts.

T Trapped: Feeling of being entrapped in a tough situation or a complicated problem, and thinking of there is no way out of it except death.

H Hopelessness: This is closely associated with the entrapment phase. The act of losing hope on life and consistent worries about the future provokes the person to take his/her life.

W Worthlessness: Persistent thoughts of doubting their self-worth and feeling as if their life has no significance in the world. Considering themselves as a burden to family, and merely comparing themselves to nonentities.

A Anger: Anger is the root cause of many problems. Likewise, uncontrollable anger results in the impulsive thoughts of ending life.

R Recklessness: Involving in activities without bothering about the consequences. People with high reckless behavior are much impulsive towards committing suicides.

M Mood Swings: Sudden mood changes such as lingering between extreme happiness and sorrow, exhibiting perpetual sadness, and disinterest in life.

Apart from the above signs, Aloofness, withdrawal from friends and family, exhibiting dramatic changes in character, appearance, and attitude are possible signs of suicidal behavior.

There are enormous reasons that amount to killing oneself. However, Anger issues and substance are found to be the common reasons for suicide attempts in men. In women, the debacles they face in their day to day life induces suicidal thoughts.

Prevention:

Suicide is inhibitable. Yet we lose a life to self-destruction every 40 seconds. People with suicidal thoughts are always seeking out for help in some way. They even consciously make some unsuccessful suicide attempts to send a signal to their friends and family.

How to help them?

Converse: A modicum of compassion, empathy, emotional support, and care could inhibit someone from attempting suicide. Spending some time to talk with a suicidal person is the best way to help them. WHO, in association with IASP, encourages everyone to spend 40 seconds of their time to initiate a conversation to show concern over someones life. It is a way of showing people they are not alone, which could drag someone away from suicide.

Counseling: In some situations, People tend to suffer despite the emotional support. In such cases, only trained mental health professionals such as psychological counselors could help them. Find a therapist. While looking for the right therapist, Counsellors listed on Three Best Rated are known to be reliable. Attending counseling sessions helps to find a way out of suicidal thoughts.

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Spend 40 seconds to save a life - Thrive Global

US President Donald Trump launched a Twitter attack on a former US ambassador to Ukraine on Friday while she was testifying during impeachment hearings against him.

Marie Yovanovitch, the third witness in the televised hearings, testified while the president tweeted against her, reports foreign policy expert Brooks Spector.

Yovanovitch was a career diplomat who fought against corruption in Ukraine. She was recalled by Trump earlier this year.

Spector says Trump's Twitter tirade is indicative of his inability to tolerate criticism from women.

When two male diplomats testified before Yovanovitch last week, Trump "didn't do a thing", Spector explains.

There she is on Friday giving her testimony in her calm, reasonable and measured tone... As we are watching this, the crawler at the bottom of the screen there's been a Twitter attack on her by Donald Trump.

He didn't do a thing on Wednesday when two male diplomats testified... the moment there was a female diplomat doing this, off he went on a tangent. He went at her.

You have to wonder just how symptomatic of his mental workings this is... He cannot stand criticism by a woman of confidence and knowledge who just stands up to him by virtue of what she says.

The impeachment hearings are centred on Trump's request that Ukraine investigate political opponent Joe Biden.

Spector predicts that things are only going to get worse for Trump, with at least six witnesses expected to testify this week.

Listen to the latest developments on Today with Kieno Kammies:

This article first appeared on CapeTalk : 'Trump's Twitter attack on impeachment witness shows his attitude towards women'

Continued here:
'Trump's Twitter attack on impeachment witness shows his attitude towards women' - 702

THE brother of a man who went missing in Cork to be found a month later in London has recalled the "horrendous tale" in new book for charity.

Ronan Baxter made headlines across Ireland and the UK when he disappeared from his father's home- but was discovered weeks later in London in 2005.

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Spearheading the campaign to find Ronan were his family, including brother Ciaran, an accountant, who has written a book about the ordeal.

Ronan has depression and schizophrenia and left his home with some money, his bank book and a bus pass.

With no passport, he managed to catch a flight from Cork Airport to Heathrow - staying in London without his medication.

Speaking to Ryan Tubridy on RTE Radio One, Ciaran recalled the panic when they realised Ronan - who they assumed had taken a weekend trip to Dublin - was not coming home.

He said: "The initial reaction when he walked out the front door that day, he was an adult, he was 39 years of age, the immediate reaction is, look, hes going to come back.

"Hes only gone to Dublin for the weekend, he had a bus pass, he didnt have a passport so our immediate reaction was hell be back.

"By the end of the first week, we realised we had a serious problem, he wasnt coming home."

Ciaran then sprung to action printing posters and finding contacts in the gardai through family friends.

After a front page story in the Cork Echo, two weeks later a man contacted the guards to say he had seen Ronan in the airport and despite already checking CCTV footage, the man was right.

Ciaran and his family had to make the decision to contact the media for help on the matter - originally worried about public reaction due to the stigma of mental health issues.

He explained: "It was horrendous to be quite honest with you, because we were bringing our family story out into the public domain and said look, here we are, theres nothing we can do and we need your help.

He added: "It was as if the floodgates had opened.

"I think theres a stigma in this country, and in all countries around mental health.

"We had posted posters all over the city about Ronan, lots of people knew our story, lots of people knew we were looking for Ronan."

Despite their worries, Ciaran revealed that the media coverage allowed people to talk with the family about Ronan and offerhelp.

He said: "Once it went out in the media, once it was front page news, the floodgates opened and people came to us offering help, it was as if it was then okay to approach us and talk about it."

Ciaran revealed that when in London, they got a helping hand from a Kerry man in Scotland Yard and the family had to report Ronan missing to each individual police station.

Working day in and day out without sleep, he explained: "You don't sleep when this happens, you're waiting for dawn, you're waiting for light to come so you can start again."

After a front page piece in a London paper, Ronan was spotted and the brothers were reunited.

Ronan said: "He broke down, completely broke down and we broke down too to be honest with you.

"I think we plucked him from the abyss.

"That was the attitude we had going, we said, were going to go in there, were going to get him and were going to bring him home."

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Ciaran has written a book on the fantastic story of their families search and rescue of Ronan, with his full consent, named Bring Him Home: The Search for Ronan.

All proceeds made from the book will be donated to Cork Penny Dinners with Ciaran explaining organisations like them are "the real heroes of Irish society today".

He finished: "It's an Irish story, It's a true story, with a happy ending."

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Originally posted here:
Cork man recounts horrendous ordeal of mentally ill brother going missing for month before turning up in Lon - The Irish Sun

Of the studio's recent success on its research and making the announcement for ODW workout modules, Sankalp Shakti - the husband-and-wife fitness trainers duo said, "The findings of our successful study has been one of our proudest moments in a decade of our fitness career. After much research and analysis, we've been able to design the first of its kind high-focused workout modules for women, that are not only meditative in nature but also fun. It is something that will get you rolling. We couldn't be more elated!"

After examining the body for its best natural movement and analysing the comfort zone to each own mind, every women will be trained for their specific body type. To get this going, GOODWAYS FITNESS have categorised ODW modules into:

- Workouts that are well mixed with Yoga & Meditation sessions to stimulate a complete body-mind connection

- Training programs that are rich in movement and are good for muscles and the cardiovascular system. >From active cardio to high powered strength, circuit & functional training sessions.

- Workouts that incorporate all dimensions such as physical, emotional, mental and spiritual through Animal flow workouts, Aerobics, Zumba, Bollywood Aerobics, Steppers & Dumbells, and Power Yoga etc., and a lot more.

"The results you want from your workouts won't come from one training session or one day of eating right. What's going to build the kind of body you want is the perfect rhythm that your body gets attuned to" explained Sankalp.

Ten years back, when the newlywed couple Sankalp Shakti, also the Director at Goodways Fitness, decided to make women fit, they chose Techniques based on a scientific workout with a holistic understanding one's body.

Shakti elaborates, "Strong is the new skinny. For decades women have spent hours at the gym in efforts to look skinny but now they seek real 'strength'. Women today don't want to just look fit, but also feel fit. The results you want from your workouts won't come from one training session or one day of eating right. What's going to build the kind of body you want is the workout that excites and the focus that drives you to pursue it. A simple concept that is often overlooked."

"In a One Direction Workout (ODW), your mind becomes focussed so that you do not have to focus on the workout, but the focus itself becomes an exercise.", further added Shakti.

Source: Press Release

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GOODWAYS FITNESS announces One Direction Workout plan that aligns mind with body - myKhel

As spring registration opened Wednesday at City College of San Francisco, administrators slashed 289 classes to close a new $13.1 million budget deficit, The Chronicle has learned.

It cut hundreds of others last summer and spring to patch a $32 million hole, prompting protests from students and teachers especially as the college sought to increase executive pay.

No one at the leadership level of the college wants to cut classes, said college spokeswoman Evette Davis. But she said budget woes make it necessary to remove underenrolled classes.

The colleges continuing financial problems raise questions about whether its internal budget controls have improved much since 2012, when accreditors and state fiscal monitors cracked down on the school in large part because of that issue. City College spent five years fighting to retain its accreditation and emerged from the crisis in 2017.

The (college) district is projected to have an operating deficit of $13.1 million this year, Senior Vice Chancellor Tom Boegel wrote to deans and department chairs.

He warned that if cuts werent made, the district would not be able to maintain the 5% reserve, and would in fact end the year with a negative reserve.

A healthy reserve is considered to be 15%.

Boegel provided a list of 225 credit classes and 64 noncredit classes that the college wont be offering this spring.

Credit classes cut include: Elementary German, Intro to Museum Studies, International Business Finance, Women/Gender in Middle East, Practical Mathematics I, Colonial History of Latin America, Intermediate Golf, Intensive Water Aerobics, Politics of Globalization, Conversational Filipino, Intermediate Photoshop and Android Programming.

Last semester, the college waited until after students had registered to announce the course cuts.

That created confusion, Davis said. This time, were making a real effort to avoid that.

Nanette Asimov is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: nasimov@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @NanetteAsimov

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CCSF slashes another 289 classes as spring registration opens - San Francisco Chronicle

Move East is Halifaxs newest spot to sweat, stretch, and work it out.

We are really promoting strength and conditioning, and technique-driven classes, said owner Hannah Kovacs.

Located at 6130 Quinpool Road, Move East offers a variety of fitness classes to suit all preferences and skill levels.

You have a real variety based on your fitness level, your age, your mood, Kovacs said. You have the ability to choose your workout routine.

The spacious studio is divided into two parts: the field for weights-focused classes such as HIIT and strength training, and the cabin for heated classes including yoga and aerobics.

Its not overwhelming heat, Kovacs said of the cabin. We use infrared heat, so its not so much heating the air around us, but heating the bodies and objects in its path...it helps people sweat, and really walk out of there feeling accomplished.

One of the classes unique to Move East is the 30 for 30, a hybrid class that consists of both strength training and stretching.

Its 30 minutes for people to actually incorporate a proper stretch into their fitness routine, knowing they still got a really great workout for the first 30 minutes, Kovacs said. Were trying to encourage people to take better care of their bodies.

The studio offers both memberships and individual class packs, and is drop-in friendly.

While she previously worked in marketing, Kovacs first turned toward group fitness to fill the void left behind from her competitive soccer days in university.

When I graduated and was off in the world, I realized I miss being part of a team, she said. So I thought group fitness would be a good substitute for that.

After becoming certified as a fitness instructor, she worked in fitness studios in Toronto before decided the time was right to move home to Halifax and open a space of her own.

I specifically wanted to be in this area, Kovacs said, noting that there are fewer fitness options available in Halifaxs west end. It was the right opportunity and the right time, and here we are.

Along with her team of skilled trainers, Kovacs also takes part in teaching classes. The full schedule can be found online.

I love teaching, thats the whole reason this studio exists, she said. Ill probably teach for the rest of my life, until Im 80. Its something that brings me pure joy ,and its the thing that I do and I feel the most like myself.

She said one of her favourite things about working in fitness is seeing the impact it has on those who attend.

Its been cool to see people come to class and connect with one another, and I think thats what group fitness allows people to do, she said.

You dont have your phone on you, and our approach to how we coach and instruct is team-based, so it really does cultivate that community feel and gets people talking to one another. Thats what makes me happy.

Continue reading here:

Move East has a fitness class for everyone - HalifaxToday.ca

If you too want to know about how Zumba leads to weight loss, lesser-known benefits of the workout, and myths of this aerobic exercise, then you are at the right place.

Dancing to Salsa beats sounds more like a dance party than a workout and that's why Zumba is so popular worldwide. Did you know Latin-inspired high-energy form of aerobic exercise is one of the popular group exercise classes in the world?For the unversed, one can burn around 369 calories in a 60-minute class and the same is more than cardio kickboxing or step aerobics.There are several health benefits of Zumba such as weight loss, core strength, boosts heart health, improves mood and energy among others.As per the American College of Sports Medicine, benefits of group workouts also include exposure to social environment and an accountability factor as well.

If you too want to know about how Zumba leads to weight loss, lesser-known benefits of the workout, and myths of this aerobic exercise, then you are at the right place.

1. When you first came up with Zumba, did you think that it will become this big phenomenon?

I knew from the reaction of everyone who attended my first classes that as a workout, Zumba would be very successful. What I couldnt imagine was the way the brand has changed peoples lives across the world - from enabling people to achieve physical and mental health outcomes to finding a new and rewarding career as an instructor.

2. What should weight watchers and inch loss watchers know about Zumba?

I know many people aspire to lose weight, and that is certainly possible with regular Zumba practice and a healthy diet. What is more important is recognizing that a little exercise goes a long way towards extending your life. And its never too late to join a Zumba class!

3. What are the lesser-known health benefits of Zumba and why is it one of the best workouts?

We have been overwhelmed by the number of people reporting mental health benefits from Zumba. This comes from 3 things: an exercise in general, the joy of the music-driven class environment, and bonding with fellow students. The combination of physical and mental benefits makes Zumba stand out.

4. What are the myths related to Zumba?

It is a myth that you have to dance well. Anyone can join in - just move to the music in your own way for an hour, the steps will soon come. It is also a myth that you can teach a Zumba class without undertaking an official Zumba training and being properly licensed. Make sure you find an instructor on zumba.com to ensure they are legitimate.

5. Till what age would you recommend people to follow a Zumba routine?

There is no age limit. We have people in their 80s in our classes, usually in the Zumba Gold format which is designed for older or less-conditioned individuals.

More:

Zumba creator Beto Perez OPENS UP on weight loss, lesser known benefits and myths of this workout - PINKVILLA

Cancer survivor Jane Zajaczkowski claims that her experience with the LiveStrong program at the Geauga YMCA has been one of transformation.

Because of LiveStrong I feel like a caterpillar who is in the process of transforming into a butterfly, she said.

The free 12-week program, a partnership between the LiveStrong Foundation and many YMCAs in the U.S., works to improve the overall health of those affected by cancer through exercise and support.

I am able to try new ways of exercising to improve my strength, balance, and overall fitness level," said Zajaczkowski."I had no idea that there were so many different ways to exercise a body.

LiveStrong program participants take part in an exercise program at the Geauga County YMCA.

Twice each week the Parkman Township resident meets with others who have been affected by the disease to take part in cardio workouts, water aerobics, weight training, yoga and more.

Workout plans focus on strength, flexibility and cardio endurance and are customized for each participant.

It has to hit all those elements but there are a million different ways to do thatyou see what thing is going to unlock it for each person, said Geauga Y personal trainer and wellness coordinator Nicole Wilson, who oversees the LiveStrong program. Weve done barre, Zumba, cycling and pickleball. Its totally adaptable.

The program was initiated at the Geauga Y in the fall of 2018 with a donation from University Hospitals and continues with financial support from other major donors and fundraising campaigns.

Although relatively new to Geauga County, the LiveStrong Foundation and the national YMCA organization have been partnered in the effort since 2008.

Wilson said that she and the other instructors have witnessed the programs impact.

Trainers see so much, she said. Its not only gaining physical strength its gaining emotional, mental and intellectual strength.

She also noted that the empowerment developed by participants helps them to realize that the disease doesnt solely dictate what their body can do.

Cancer survivor Marie Williams of Middlefield had never considered any type of gym activity before or after her diagnosis until a medical professional suggested LiveStrong as a way to help with her recovery.

Besides feeling more physically fit, I am thoroughly enjoying the fellowship of our group, Williams said. The other participants are inspiring and uplifting. We encourage each other. We laugh at the pitfalls of having two left feet in our attempts at line dancing. Some of us havent been in a pool in decades, and together weve discovered the fun of water aerobics. I could go on and on.

Our instructor spurs us on with enthusiasm, compassion and humor," she added. "They understand our needs. They laugh and cry with us. It is hard to find words to express my appreciation for their presence in my life. At this point they are not only instructors. They are friends.

Wilson noted that approximately 60 percent of those who take part in LiveStrong continue exercising at the Y after the program ends. Several have become workout buddies and hold each other accountable for sticking with the healthy routine.

The next Geauga Y LiveStrong program will start in February. Intake sessions begin in January. Neither Geauga County residence nor Y membership is required.

Those who are just diagnosed, are in treatment or in any stage of recovery/remission from cancer are invited to participate.

Read more from the original source:

Geauga YMCA offers LiveStrong program for those touched by cancer - News-Herald.com

All the smiling faces in a picture-perfect Facebook post Wednesday morning told the story: Former LSU and WNBA standout Temeka Johnson got her first career win as McKinley Highs head coach.

The Panthers beat Northeast 55-20 in their season opener Tuesday night. More games loom before McKinley, the No. 3 overall seed, begins play in the East Baton Rouge Parish Girls tournament, which starts Saturday at Zachary. Johnson says she has a clear mission.

Giving back to the game is something that is always important to me, Johnson said. Basketball has given me a lot and been a huge part of my life. Coaching was not something I always planned to do. But I do love what Im doing.

Johnson understands the unique situation she is in. Though she is known for hosting basketball camps for girls in multiple south Louisiana cities, this is her first coaching job at a school.

The McKinley team also is a special case in point. LHSAA sanctions in all sports made the Panthers ineligible for the Division I select playoffs a year ago. The previous two years, McKinley was the Division I runner-up. So expectations are high.

One thing these girls know is that I wont sugarcoat things for them, Johnson said. There are certain things I expect from them, and they have really responded. Since I started working with them over the summer, it really is amazing how they have progressed. I can see the growth they have made as players and young women.

Reigning Division II champion Lee and host Zachary are the top two seeds going into the EBR tourney. But a roster that includes two players who have signed with national powers, Erica Lafayette (Rutgers) and Kenyal Perry (Texas A&M), makes McKinley a team plenty of people will be watching.

The 6-foot-7 Perry left the McKinley team during her sophomore season and spent last season at a Houston area school. Perry is one of the tallest girls players to ever play in the Baton Rouge area.

Height is something you cant coach, the 5-foot-3 Johnson said. Since this summer, I have seen Kenyal grow so much in terms of her work ethic and approach to the game. She has become very focused on improving her skills.

Johnson was sure to note that McKinley is not a two-person team. She has enjoyed the challenge of learning each player's skills and levels of desire. She cites the play of Megan Brown, one of five seniors on the roster, as an example.

Megan Brown is one of our leaders, Johnson said. Shes about 5-5. But tell her that you need a rebound, a steal anything, and she is determined to get it.

Game experience as a coach is something Johnson wants to absorb. She has sought advice from multiple coaches, including former LSU assistant Bob Starkey of Texas A&M and University High coach Bonita Johnson, another former LSU player.

I'm not sure how I will react in some game situations, Johnson said. "I'm learning, too."

Excerpt from:
Former LSU star Temeka Johnson, in her first year as McKinley coach, is motivated to give back - The Advocate