byFrank Langfitt

 

Protecting Your Online Persona

1. Don't post anything on social networking sites (like MySpace or Facebook) that you wouldn't want a prospective employer to see. Derogatory comments, revealing or risqué photos, foul language and lewd jokes all will be viewed as a reflection of your character.
2. If your network offers the option, consider setting your profile to "private," making it viewable only by selected friends. Since you can't control what other people say on your site, consider using the "block comments" feature.
3. Check your profile regularly to see what comments have been posted. Use a search engine to look for online records of yourself to see what is out there about you. If you find information you feel could be detrimental to your candidacy or career, see about getting it removed.

Source: CareerBuilder

All material taken from OF LIKE MINDS (December 2007 on-line newsletter, on 12/2/07):
http://www.oflikeminds.com/HowToHelpSomeoneWithMentalIllness.htm 

A family member, friend, coworker, neighbor or other concerned individual who cares about someone who is living with a mental illness can help in many ways. Your commitment to them can help them to feel supported in their recovery efforts, to feel safe and to begin to enjoy life.

How can you help?

Read more...

Depressive disorders make one feel exhausted, worthless, helpless, and hopeless. Such negative thoughts and feelings make some people feel like giving up. It is important to realize that these negative views are part of the depression and typically do not accurately reflect the situation. Negative thinking fades as treatment begins to take effect. In the meantime:

• Set realistic goals and assume a reasonable amount of responsibility.
• Break large tasks into small ones, set some priorities, and do what you can as you can.
• Try to be with other people and to confide in someone; it is usually better than being alone and secretive.
• Participate in activities that may make you feel better.
• Mild exercise, going to a movie, a ballgame, or participating inreligious, social, or other activities may help.
• Expect your mood to improve gradually, not immediately. Feeling better takes time.
• It is advisable to postpone important decisions until the depression has lifted. Before deciding to make a significant transition--change jobs, get married or divorced--discuss it with others who know you well and have a more objective view of your situation.
• People rarely "snap out of" a depression. But they can feel a little better day by day.
• Remember, positive thinking will replace the negative thinking that is part of the depression and will disappear as yourdepression responds to treatment.
• Let your family and friends help you.