Back and neck pain during pregnancy

July 7th, 2008

Back and neck pain is common are two of the most common discomforts that pregnant women experience, especially when they are trying to sleep, because there is additional weight that the back must support. The Sleep Better Pillow has been designed to mould itself to their head, neck and shoulder.

If you have children or someone close to you has them, then is it likely that you know about some pregnancy pains or discomforts. Back and neck pain is common are two of the most common discomforts that pregnant women experience, especially when they are trying to sleep. This is why women who are going to have babies always try to look a comfortable position to sleep, and a very good way to achieve this is by using a neck pain pillow or a back rest pillow.

Back pain and neck pain can disrupt a pregnant woman’s daily routine but the problem continues even at night when it is time to sleep. This kind of pain does not allow anyone to have a good night of sleep, and this problem becomes bigger for women in this condition. But what causes this kind of pain during pregnancy? There are a number of factors which are responsible for this. For example, an increase of hormones lead to a shift in joints and loosening of ligaments that may affect the support a woman’s back usually experiences. Another cause is that a pregnant woman’s center of gravity will gradually move forward which causes her posture to change, and of course, because of the baby, there is additional weight that the back must support. The good news is that these problems can be solved with a back support pillow.

The Sleep Better Pillow is a good example of a back rest pillow or a lumbar support pillow because it has been designed to be able to mould itself to a person’s head, neck and shoulders, giving a pregnant woman in this case perfect spinal alignment all night long. This is very useful as doctors recommend these women to avoid sleeping on their back and make sure that their back is perfectly aligned, which is very difficult to accomplish with a regular pillow. But the Sleep Better Pillow is perfect for people who has to or likes to sleep on their side, because its heat and pressure sensitive foam reacts to a person’s body and moulds to one’s body shape. Besides it includes arm tunnels that work like a bridge and are very useful for side sleepers because they can place their arm there and rest comfortably without disturbing the head, back or neck.

Back rest pillows are highly recommended by doctors and pregnancy specialists, and in most cases pregnant women reported having been able a considerable reduction in back and neck pain, and in some cases these pains disappeared completely, which allowed them to sleep and rest comfortably at any time of the day, which made their lives and their pregnancies much easier.

Sign of Pregnancy – Keep Your Spirits High

July 7th, 2008

It’s important to not let the sign of pregnancy or early sign of pregnancy bog you down. Keep yourself mentally and physically fit to bear up with all the changes. And a weekly pregnancy calendar can help reduce your anxiety a lot.

It’s important to not let the sign of pregnancy or early sign of pregnancy bog you down. Keep yourself mentally and physically fit to bear up with all the changes. And a weekly pregnancy calendar can help reduce your anxiety a lot.

The moment you notice the first sign of pregnancy like nausea, breast tenderness or the like, you rush to get a medical test done. And when pregnancy is confirmed, you feel unmatched joy. However, in truth, joy is not the only feeling you experience. You are most likely to feel a wide range of emotions – elation, apprehension, anxiety and so on. As a matter of fact, some women may find coping with early signs of pregnancy or the early bodily changes difficult. Here are a few tips on keeping yourself in good temper and mood.

Share Your Joys And Anxieties

Don’t confine yourself after noticing the signs of pregnancy. Rather, even if you are an introvert, try to discuss them with your partner, family members, and friends. Even when your pregnancy is confirmed, share your joy with all the people who are close to you. Speak about the coming days to them and discuss the likely changes and precautions to be taken. This will definitely ease your mind.

Try Meditation

Meditation is a wonderful stress buster. You are likely to need something like meditation because of the raging hormones inside you. Apart from other bodily changes, they also bring on mood swings and irritability. Therefore, try meditation during the very early days, when you first notice the early signs of pregnancy. If you are able to do it even for a limited time, go ahead and make it a routine throughout your pregnancy. It will most likely make those nine months extremely smooth for you. Get a good book on meditation for guidance or browse the net for more information.

Get Mild Exercise

Go for a walk every day. It would help you get some fresh air and cope with indigestion, heartburn, constipation, and hemorrhoids. Also, consult your obstetrician for a diet schedule. However, avoid walking too fast or taking heavy exercise. You can also give yoga a try during pregnancy. It can help you stay fit during your entire pregnancy as well as have an easy labor. Make sure you don’t do it yourself. Get a good instructor for you instead.

Pregnancy Calendar

It’s a pretty good idea to get a pregnancy calendar. It will keep you updated about the status of baby’s growth and various pregnancy symptoms.

Don’t Hesitate To Visit A Psychologist

In case you are unable to cope with the pregnancy related issues, it’s best to visit a psychologist. It’s no use to keep on struggling with what is proving to be too much for you to handle. Leave it to the experts. They will counsel and guide you to deal with it all.

Remember preparing yourself mentally for the pregnancy period should commence as early as possible. The moment you notice the first sign of pregnancy, you must put in all your efforts to have a hassle free pregnancy period.

Infant Massage and Your Baby

July 7th, 2008

Massage is an important routine, and it’s not just for adults anymore. Usually, we think of stress relief, but for babies, infant massage promotes the growth and well-being of your child.

There is a growing trend towards infant massage. Some mothers are learning these special techniques, or taking their children to baby classes where they can learn the proper movements.

There is actually proof that these rubdown techniques not only relax your baby, but more importantly, aid in their development into intelligent, happy children who are fully aware of the world around them.

The Benefits

Although it is a new trend, studies have been conducted by education experts to see how infant massage influences kids and mothers. There is a wide range of physical, mental, emotional and developmental benefits to the practice. These studies also show that these techniques help kids to interact with adults more easily.

Physically, these specific movements stimulate babies’ nervous systems. In particular, it speeds up the process called myelination, which promotes communication between the brain and body. This is very important in early growth, because it means that they will be better able to develop control over their movements.

Another benefit is that it helps with circulation and respiration. When the blood flows through the body more easily, it helps to get rid of toxins, and regulate all the body’s important functions. Better circulation also means better sleep.

Studies have shown that massage helps babies’ immune systems develop. There has been a link observed between this technique and the production of white blood cells that help to fend off diseases. Infant massage has been particularly helpful to babies that suffer from life-threatening hereditary diseases.

Baby massage also helps with digestion. A good, routine session will help a baby get rid of gas, reduce constipation and prevent colic.

Helping Your Baby Relax

Encouraging relaxation is one of the most important overall benefits of the practice. The kneading movements reduce muscle tension and anxiety. This contributes to better sleep, which is as important to a baby’s health as a proper diet.

Infant massage not only relaxes kids, but aids in their development. In order to develop into healthy toddlers, babies need lots of stimulation. This can be stressful and difficult for them, but infant massage gets them used to stimulation in regular daily doses. This helps them get ready for the stimulation they will receive as they become more used to the world around them. It helps get them started reacting with their world, an important first step in the development of a young child.

When we start teaching our toddler important life skills, this experience with stimulation gives them a head start. Babies who have had a regular massage routine often show traits of intelligence and calmness in early life. Studies have shown that these children also show lower levels of hyperactivity when they are toddlers and young kids.

Finally, the practice helps the child bond with caring adults. As a parent, learning these techniques can be a great way to help your baby develop. You can also take your baby to classes, where a masseuse who has undergone training can show you how it is done. This is a wonderful way to get your child used to adults and the world around them.

Infant massage, either done at home with the right techniques, or in classes where they have specialized training, has wonderful benefits for a new child and parents.

How to Treat a Yeast Infection

July 7th, 2008

The following article discusses how to treat a yeast infection by comparing the short and long term outcomes of pharmaceutical solutions with natural remedies.

Discovering how to treat a yeast infection isn’t always as easy as you might think. There are so many different products and prescriptions available that don’t work, that it can be difficult to find yeast infection treatment that does work.

Yeast infections are caused by Candida fungus that normally lives in the human body in small quantities. But an overabundance of Candida fungus causes the condition commonly referred to as “yeast infection”. Yeast infection may affect any part of the body and may infect both men and women but it is most common in women. Vaginal yeast infection affects 75% of women, who are constantly looking for best methods how to treat a yeast infection.

If you find out you have all the yeast infection signs and decide that you want to get treat it yourself then there are many possibilities available to you. There are of course prescription or over the counter medications available but there are also other natural ways how to treat a yeast infection.

If you do not treat a yeast infection properly it may very dangerous. Some companies offer over-the-counter oral drugs which they promise will bring a end to your yeast infections but in reality can make the infection worse or only appear to go away. Although some products may temporarily cover the symptoms, most oral pills do not destroy the infection at it’s source.

For women who have recurring yeast infections, going to the pharmacy to purchase an over-the-counter treatment is not only time-consuming, but can prove to be quite expensive. The best way to treat a yeast infection is to deal with the root cause of the problem. This is where natural remedies come in. If you want a long term, more permanent solution, go natural!

Natural Remedies to Treat Yeast Infections

Here are some examples of natural remedies used to treat yeast infections:

Mix a teaspoon of baking soda into a glass of lukewarm water. You may want to hold your nose while you drink it, because it will taste awful!

Another option is to drink a glass of buttermilk every day. Directly after drinking the buttermilk, drink a small glass of water to get rid of the aftertaste. The cultures in the buttermilk are the ingredients that kill the infection.

Some women choose to douche with a solution made up of a pint (500ml) of distilled water and a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar. This solution can also be used to soothe the external areas affected by the infection. The douche may be repeated if the infection is advanced.

Plain yogurt can be used to treat yeast infections as well. Yoghurt contains the bacteria lactobacillus acidophilus. Lactobacillus acidophilus is a bacterial that lives in all healthy vaginas and is conveniently located in yogurt! Lactobacillus acidophilus produces hydrogen peroxide, which will kill the yeast infection. Coat a tampon liberally with yogurt and insert it at bedtime. It is recommended that you leave the tampon in place for at least eight hours. Remove the tampon in the morning. Most supermarkets and health food stores carry yogurt with active cultures. But make sure your yogurt has live cultures of the bacteria or the yogurt treatment will not work.

Tea tree oil can be used in a similar manner to treat yeast infections, as it contains known chemicals which reduce fungus. tea tree oil can be used as a topical antiseptic to relieve such conditions as acne, athlete’s foot, and yeast infections. In fact, this oil has been used in the treatment of candidiasis which is an infection of the mouth and throat. Although research is ongoing, studies have shown that tea tree oil has been effective in treating vaginal infections. Put a few drops of the tea tree oil onto a tampon and insert it into the vagina.

Another method to relieve the itching caused by yeast infections, is to apply a wet teabag that has been in the freezer. Be sure to take the teabag out before it is frozen. Apply the cold teabag to the affected area.

PMS And Back Pain

July 7th, 2008

No one know for sure what causes PMS or why some months are worse than others…find pain relief and help the body to rid itself of certain diseases.

It’s no secret that many women suffer through their monthly periods, experiencing cramps, bloating, and lower back pain, to name just a few. But a large number of them—estimated at anywhere from 30 to 90 percent—also endure the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Most women feel some discomfort before their periods. But if you have PMS, you may feel so anxious, depressed, or uncomfortable that you can’t cope at home or at work.

What causes PMS?

No one know for sure what causes PMS or why some months are worse than others, but PMS is often linked to the changes in hormone levels that happen during a woman’s menstrual cycle. PMS is not caused by stress or psychological problems, though these may make the symptoms worse.

“We probably don’t get nearly enough magnesium from out diet,” says Dr. Carolyn Dean, who specializes in managing and healing commonly misdiagnosed and chronic conditions such as hormone imbalance, and mood swings. “The Recommended Daily Allowance for magnesium is 350-400 milligrams (mg) per day, but for optimal health you may need twice as much.”

Dean, who serves on the medical advisory board of the Healthy Back Institute, suggests taking magnesium supplements to prevent or ease PMS symptoms, including back pain due to water retention. She recommends magnesium citrate and taurate, as well as spraying on magnesium oil that is absorbed through your skin.

Some researchers have found that calcium levels are lower in women with PMS and that calcium supplementation may reduce the severity of symptoms. One study, for instance, reported that 300 mg of calcium carbonate four times a day significantly reduced bloating, depression, pain, and mood swings.

How is PMS diagnosed?

There is no single test to diagnose PMS, but because thyroid disease is common in women of childbearing age, and because some of the symptoms of PMS—such as weight gain—are similar to symptoms of thyroid disease, your doctor may do a thyroid test. This can help rule out a thyroid problem as the cause of your symptoms. Often, a doctor will suggest that you keep a diary to track your symptoms for a few months.

How is PMS usually treated?

Medicines that are commonly prescribed include diuretics to help the body rid itself of extra sodium and fluid, which can ease bloating, weight gain, breast pain, abdominal pain, and back pain. Antidepressants can help with the severe irritability, depression, and anxiety that some women have with PMS. Doctors often prescribe birth control pills to help reduce some PMS symptoms by evening out hormone levels during your cycle.

Experts also suggest making some simple diet and lifestyle changes. These include eating more complex carbohydrates (such as whole grain breads, pasta and cereals), more fiber and protein, and more foods rich in potassium (such as fish, beans, and broccoli). Other things you can do: cut back on sugar and fat; avoid iodine salt (to reduce bloating and fluid retention) try sea salts, eliminate or cut back on caffeine and alcohol, get at least eight hours of sleep each night, and get regular aerobic exercise—even a short walk every day can help. In fact, research has shown that frequency—rather than intensity—of exercise can decrease PMS symptoms.

Are there alternative treatments?

According to a 2004 study in Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, a drugless intervention that may provide relief from PMS is something called “external qigong.” First, a little background: Human qi comes from two primary sources: one, your parents; and, two, essential substances in nature such as air, water, and food. Both of these qi sources—inherited and acquired vital energies—are refined and transformed by our organs.

By eating a healthy diet and breathing fresh air, the theory goes, the body extracts their most valuable essences and uses them to help form the vital energy. Following these simple principles are the first steps towards creating a healthy balance in the body.

In external qigong, a trained practitioner directs his or her own qi outward, with the intention of helping patients’ clear blockages, remove negative qi, and balance the flow of qi in the body, thus relieving pain and helping the body to rid itself of certain diseases. Scientists in South Korea report that qigong can improve many of the symptoms associated with PMS, and that it may work as well as more traditional methods of relief.

Other techniques—such as breathing exercises, meditation, aromatherapy, and yoga—focus on reducing stress and promoting relaxation. It this regard, it is also advisable (where practical) to schedule events you expect will be stressful—that big family reunion, for example—for the week after your period. And because many women seem to be more sensitive in the weeks before their menstrual period, relaxation experts suggest setting aside personal time to unwind, let out pent-up emotions, and focus on things that will nourish your spirit.

You may also want to try evening primrose oil, a plant oil that contains gamma-linolenic acid, which is an omega-6 essential fatty acid. Gamma-linolenic acid is involved in the metabolism of hormone-like substances called prostaglandins that regulate pain and inflammation in the body. Other natural remedies commonly used for PMS: ginkgo, vitamin E, royal jelly, dandelion, wild yam, oligomeric proanthocyanidins(OPCs), uva ursi, St. John’s wort, progesterone cream as well as Proteolytic Systemic Enzymes.

Colouring and Styling your Hair using Hair Extensions

July 7th, 2008

Are you one of those people who get’s bored with a hairstyle or hair colour really quickly? If you are then hair extensions may be your option.

Are you one of those people who get’s bored with a hairstyle or hair colour really quickly? If you are then hair extensions may be your option.

There are always new hairstyles coming into fashion and if your one of them who likes to follow fashion your more than likely to have the Pob haircut first shown by Victoria Beckham in August. From then on Victoria has been constantly altering her Pob from having it cut shorter to changing the colour to blonde. If you had long locks and decided to have the Pob you may now want long hair again but you know its going to take a very long time for your hair to grow that long. So why not think of hair extensions as an option.

Hair extensions aren’t just used by celebrities they are very popular with young adults as some fun as well as adults who want longer and thicker hair. These days hair extensions come in a variety of types, lengths, textures and colours. If you’re worried about getting extensions to match your hair colour there’s no need to worry, there are thousands of colours to choice from. Hair extensions give you that option of having long hair on a night out and then you are able to take them out when you just want your short or mid length hair as it is.

Changing the colour of your hair, having highlights and lowlights to adding colourful tips or strips to your hair are all options with the use of hair extensions. If you’re like me I always like to do something different when I have a night out and I usually end up curling, straightening and even adding some pink to my hair. This all takes time especially the adding pink. The idea of just having to clip a pink hair extension in sounds like less hassle and stress and proberly better for my hair, so I know I will be giving it a go next time I go out.

We all like a change of style whether you just straighten your hair if it’s normally curly or curling it when it’s usually straight. I prefer not to keep changing my hair length as I always remember having lots of layers cut into my hair. That was a good 4 years ago and I’m still growing the layers out. I have no decided to keep the length and just change the colour of my hair adding different colours or changing the tone of the hair colour. With the help of hair extensions I can also add pinks, blues and darker tones to my hair without using colouring kits.

So why not try out new styles out, if you do want to go short remember you can always use hair extensions to add the length you want when you want so why not try out new hair cuts and colours with the help of hair extensions you can go for that dramatic cut and still enjoy the pleasures of long hair.

Female Infertility: An Overview

July 7th, 2008

Inability of conceiving a baby or not able to get pregnant at least for a year in females is known as female infertility. Due to certain reasons and factors, a woman fails to fall pregnant and has to suffer a lot.

What is Female Infertility?
Inability of conceiving a baby or not able to get pregnant at least for a year in females is known as female infertility. Due to certain reasons and factors, a woman fails to fall pregnant and has to suffer a lot. According to the recent data, about 20 percent of couples based in US have to face infertility problems. In addition, getting treatments for improving fertility is a costly affair and can be really demoralizing.

Causes and Factors
This problem can have a range of beginnings or there are lots of factor that might cause infertility in women. However, diagnosis for the reasons of male infertility is easier in comparison to detecting status of a female. Usually, male infertility is caused by the low count of the sperm. Quality of sperm is also responsible for diminishing fertility rates in male. The female situation is far complicated and needs thorough investigation of weeks for identifying the true causes of this embarrassing situation.

The main reason of female infertility is PID or pelvic inflammatory disease. The disease can be caused by different factors that may leads to an infection in the pelvic area. In case infection happens around or at the site of fallopian tube, infertility can be diagnosed. Other causes include sexually transmitted diseases, unsafe abortions, appendix rupture, and pelvic tuberculosis.

Endometriosis is another important cause of infertility in women. It is caused by endometrial lining being shifted into the pelvis area and expanding with each menstrual cycle. It can further block the fallopian tubes restricting the egg to move from the ovaries and obstructs the release of the egg.

Besides, these factors, various kinds of hormonal disorders in the hypothalamus or pituitary can also cause infertility in women. It is said that excessive exercises, anorexia nervosa, and medical situations like failure of kidney can diminish fertility rate in women.

Possible Treatments for Improving Fertility in Women:
Here, we will discuss a number of effective treatments available for improving fertility conditions in women. By contacting, a good quality female fertility doctor, possible medication can be obtained.

Assistance in Hatching:
In this method, a small hole is done through the strong shell before the placing of egg into the womb for allowing easy fertilization.

Donation of Eggs:
When a donor shares some of her eligible eggs to a woman who can’t produce her own, it is called egg donation.

Reproductive Immunity:
In this stage the body’s immunological reasons are diagnosed to study the reasons for recurrent miscarriages in the early stages of fertilization.

Following drug therapies can be taken to overcome problems of recurrent miscarriages:

Transfer of Blastocyst:
To avert unsuccessful implantation problems, transfer of blastocyst can be done, usually 4-6 days after conception.

Freezing of Embryo:
This therapy works for women suffering from cancer and need radiation treatment. To protect their chances of becoming pregnant, they can actually freeze their embryos prior taking up the treatment.

Las Vegas Fertility:
Infertility is no doubt the saddest feeling for any woman. Residents of Las Vegas can find many great treatment centers or clinics in their neighboring areas and get adequate solutions for their problems. Fertility centers of Las Vegas are gaining popularity with their high quality solutions and individual attention to the needy women.

Almost Unnoticed FIRST WEEK Pregnancy Symptoms

July 7th, 2008

If you are currently trying to GET PREGNANT, you are probably looking and hoping for even the slightest pregnancy symptom. Very early pregnancy symptoms experienced within the first 7 days of conception could go unnoticed if you are not looking for them, yet most women experience them.

If you are currently trying to GET PREGNANT, you are probably looking and hoping for even the slightest pregnancy symptom. Very early pregnancy symptoms experienced within the first 7 days of conception could go unnoticed if you are not looking for them, yet most women experience them.

The first early pregnancy symptom that most women miss is a change in their cervical mucus. Once you conceive, your body starts forming the mucus plug. Where, most women after they ovulate, their cervical mucus dries up and becomes almost non-existant for several days, however if you have conceived, it is not uncommon for your cervical mucus to remain abundant. It may seem as though you are having a lengthened fertile period, but it may be that you have conceived and your body is forming the mucus plug.

Another early pregnancy symptom is tiredness. Not just tiredness though, it’s an unnusual kind of tiredness. Within the first week of pregnancy, you may find that you become tired in the afternoon, and acutually have to take a short nap, where you never needed to do this before. Another great indication of conception is if this tiredness occurs everyday.

Lastly, around the end of the first week of pregnancy you may experience irritability. Again, this is not just regular irritability. It’s an irritability that you cannot explain, i.e., there is no logical reason why you are irritated, other than YOU ARE PREGNANT and your hormones are soaring!

What is Mineral Makeup?

July 7th, 2008

Learn about the latest trend in beauty - mineral makeup

The current trend in the cosmetics industry is mineral makeup. This essential make-up is promoted to embody a more healthy and more substantial choice than conventional make-up. Certain components which are believed irritants are left out of the construct of mineral make-up cosmetics. Some of these irritants include: talcum, perfumes, dyestuffs, oils and preservatives.

Nowadays health conscious women have changed over to mineralized make-up cosmetics for their beauty requirements. Cosmetic companies are in ferocious rivalry to proffer mineralized make-up to consumers. These companies are entrusting a lot of money and time into the research and emergence of fresh lines of mineralized cosmetics.

A healthier make-up creation is being marketed by the cosmetic industry. Previously formulated make-up didn’t stress the advantages of minerals. These elements and pigments are anti-inflammatory and made pure. This makes it a perfect makeup for those people who are prone to blocked pores, acne and skin breakouts Theyproduct is completely and utterly natural in every way. Minerals, such as zinc oxide, supply a natural sunblock. This will allow for protective covering from ultraviolet light rays as well as preventing bacteria entering the skin through the pores. Most mineral make-up products are made entirely from organic ingredients and are very friendly towards the environment.

Mineral face make-up can incorporate many ingredients, including mica. To be useable, the mica is crushed into a powder - the more fine-grained the grind, the silkier the make-up. After it’s crushed, pigments are added in numerous colors. These various pigmentations form the immense assortment of tones discovered in mineral make-up cosmetics.These cosmetics can be made in stylish colors as well as to produce differing results.

A different mineral utilized is iron oxide which is generally recognised as rust. It is added to the make-up for a chromatic or tanning aspect. Glow may be added to fashionable make-up through the inclusion of bismuth oxychloride. The bismuth likewise contributes a glow to the product creating a satin radiance to the skin. Lightening the make-up for diverse skin tones is accomplished by the addition of titanium dioxide.

Here are merely a couple of the minerals that are being employed in the manufacture of mineral make-up cosmetics. Many more cosmetics companies are fighting for the mineral cosmetics marketplace, and because of this further minerals will be processed and formulated for utilisation. Presently companies are extending merchandise that are mineralized that facilitate moisturising dry skin to appear and feel more smooth, prevent clogged up pores and acne, provide more equal coverage and a more silklike feeling than more time-honored cosmetics. They also offer a product to bring about the tactile sensation of natural skin.

Mineralized make-up is exploding in popularity as a dependable for you alternative to heavy chemical make-up. It is also very economical to use as only tiny amounts are needed for each application. Prices are very comparable with traditional makeup products. It is also exceptionally simple and quick to apply and is a perfect make up for those who prefer a natural look without spending hours in front of the mirror. Ever since I discover mineral makeup products I have been absolutely sold on the ease and the benefits. It makes me feel good about myself to not be putting chemicals on my face too!

Emotional Abuse - What is Emotional Abuse?

July 7th, 2008

Why is Emotional Abuse so difficult for the outsider to see or even, in many cases believe?

Emotional abuse exists and it is happening all around you but you may never even realize it. By its very nature, it is secretive and the next victim could be your sister, best friend, your neighbor, or it could even be you. Emotional abuse is masked with silence, guilt and an instinctive sense of betrayal and the negative side-effects of those who have suffered at the hands of an abusive partner, parent or role-model are huge and can last a lifetime.

Emotional abuse is one of the most unnoticed forms of abuse. Victims of emotional abuse do not bear the signs visible on those who are suffering from physical abuse. When someone says that they are being abused, the first reaction of people is to look for the typical signs present in a physically abusive relationship, such as bruising, cuts, scars or broken bones. In many cases the victim find themselves in a position of having to convince people of the truth, as often they are not believed. This is particularly the case if the abuser is known to the skeptic, as these perpetrators of abuse are often intelligent, charming and outgoing. Also, any kind of abuser is not going to go around wearing a sign saying “Look at me, I’m an Abuser”.

Although the scars are not visible, emotional abuse leaves scars that are long lasting and deeply entrenched in the mind and emotions of the victim and these scars can shape future relationships, actions and beliefs and can have a devastating effect on the victim’s sense of self-esteem. Victims of emotional abuse may seem introverted, frightened, quiet, withdrawn or they may appear to be confident, brash and an extrovert which is an act designed to fool the outside world so that they can hide the humiliation of the trauma they are experiencing.

Emotional abuse is always present with physical and sexual abuse but it exists in its own right also. The victim often suffers in silence, scared or even embarrassed to mention it to anyone, they may be left wondering what they have done to deserve this barrage of verbal ill treatment or may even wonder whether they misinterpreted the whole conversation and that possibly the verbal attack wasn’t meant in such a vindictive way after all.

Many abusers are in fact victims of bullying or have very little confidence and possibly low self-esteem. If abusers have suffered some type of abuse themselves and have learned to eradicate the feelings of helplessness which comes hand in hand with this, it may mean that they have deliberately chosen not to seek help but have decided that it is better to be the one who is dealing the abuse and not being on the receiving end of it.

If only all those people who have suffered or are still suffering from abuse would seek counseling, this continuous chain of torment and pain could be stopped in its tracks once and for all.