HOW TWITTER SAVED MY LIFE

As I approach my first year on Twitter, I still believe it to be the best social media network that I have used. Why?

Well, for an active mind like mine, I would have to admit the 140 character limit was a great turn-off at the beginning and can still be annoying when on a writing roll. Yet, that very limit creates a situation where one has to be creative, thoughtful & learn how to self-edit. I have been writing for years and editing is as much a part of the process as research. However, Twitter prompts one to really re-think and examine language; to explore intent. The immediacy of Twitter’s micro-blogging format almost forces one to be creative with words and syntax. It works for Twitter and is also good for writing, thinking, and living, in general.

Twitter is King (Sorry Facebook). When I follow a new Tweep I often get a ‘Hello’ greeting from them right away. The whole Twitter experience is more like talking to someone across the table, though in reality they may be on the other side of the world. Less delay in replies than in any other social networking site I have used. Twitter’s design may not be perfect (yet!) but at best, it is the Global Village the internet itself is supposed to be. Twitter is the best of the internet at work:

people striking up new relationships with others whom they most
likely would NEVER have ever met without its existence.

Direct access to myriad information links

And a variety of other great uses specific to the Twitter user.

For, how I use Twitter does not necessarily have to be the same way the next person uses it.

RELATIONSHIPS

I LOVE to connect with other people, share, learn, teach where possible. Twitter is my home on the web for this. It has blessed me with the opportunity to meet so many great, interesting and diverse people since joining. Often, it is like a dream come true.

INFORMATION

I am also an info geek, and so I use Twitter to get the latest updates in technology, entertainment, and world news. I do not have to go to the television or newspaper for what I can already find on Twitter early on when the info is red hot and just breaking.

MUSIC & VISUAL MEDIA

A musicologist, I also love to share favorite music with my fellow Tweeps. Twitter makes this easy. Often I will Blip a tune using Blip.fm, or I may upload from my own personal library & Tweet music via Swift.fm. Then there’s good ole YouTube which is quite Twitter-friendly also. It is rather easy to get lost in looking for and sharing great music via Twitter.

But there is even more …

CELEBRITY INTERACTION

I would not say I am the kind of person who is easily star struck, yet of course I do have my favorites in the entertainment world, like any one else. Twitter allows [the very 21st century thing of] communicating with film & television actors, musicians, & other celebrated people, by-passing handlers such as managers, agents, assistants and the like in many cases - something unheard of even ten years ago! Nothing like discussing your favorite author with you favorite actor or singer on Twitter …Talk about your Global Village! Awesome.

TO MY RESCUE

A little over ten years ago I found myself relocating from Toronto back to my native Nova Scotia when great fortune turned into misfortune. The fallout from this move was quite immense - perhaps most apparent in how it changed my social life. In short, I went from having a so-so social life to none at all. I do NOT recommend moving clear across the country and uprooting one’s life after a certain age to anyone based on this less than great experience. I mention it now though because of how the internet and MOST SPECIFICALLY Twitter has helped fill the void where offline friends once were. I say offline and not real-life as many do because for me at least, Twitter IS real-life. Now I have online friends, Tweeps, whom I care about, learn from, and get to know more each day thanks to Twitter.

In these past several unpredictable years of my life I have known profound loneliness where it has seemed the dark clouds would never lift. Amazingly, Twitter has revealed a very promising ray of light. While I cannot say for sure what the future holds, I can honestly say this close-to-one-year on Twitter has changed my life for the better. I feel like I should write Twitter chiefs Jack Dorsey & Evan Williams a ‘love letter‘. Only I don’t know THEM that well!

Ah, though, I am greatly looking forward to seeing where some of my existing Twitter relationships might go as time progresses. After all, it is all about connecting; all about the people, the info exchange. Yes, and like life - it’s ALL ABOUT THE LOVE!

#TWITTERWorks

CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME IN MEN

Societal Presets Make it Even Harder for MEN with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. This is a sad truth I have had to learn in just living my life ... ~ Kirk

When a debilitating chronic illness strikes, every individual, including those around the person, is effected. Each individual is effected differently based upon the role which they serve in the family and the expectations they place upon themselves as well as the expectations which others may place upon them. Such a case is true with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is an illness of unknown origin whose primary symptom is of extreme fatigue and flu-like symptoms. As published in the ANNALS OF INTERNAL MEDICINE in 1988, the Centers for Disease Control has developed a case definition for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome which includes:

I. New onset of persistent or relapsing fatigue, with at least 50% reduction of activity level for at least 6 months.

II. Exclusion of other conditions through History, Physical examination and Laboratory Examination.

III. 6 of the following 11 symptoms:

1. Mild fever
2. Sore throat
3. Painful lymph nodes
4. Muscle weakness
5. Muscle pain
6. Prolonged fatigue after exercise
7. Headaches
8. Joint pain
9. Neuropsychologic complaints
10. Sleep disturbance
11. Acute onset of symptoms

And 2 of 3 signs on physical examination:

1. Low grade fever
2. Throat inflammation
3. Palpable or tender lymph nodes

IV. OR 8 of the 11 symptoms without physical signs.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome attacks all individuals regardless of race, gender, age and socio-economic status. It "robs" an individual of the opportunity to participate in generally perceived "normal" productive daily activities of work and play. While clearly all of the individuals afflicted are devastated by such, with our present culture, males facing this illness may find some additional burdens.

While societal expectations are indeed changing, it has long been perceived that the male has unique and different responsibilities, within the family, than does the female member. For many, a male may base his self-worth on his ability to perform, to succeed and to provide for the family. Being afflicted with CFS, the male cannot meet such self-imposed and societal expectations. Often times, it is not uncommon for the individual to attempt to push or fight to keep himself functioning at his pre-illness level. The goal of such behaviors may be to escape from the feelings of being a failure and of "letting others down."

However, pushing oneself beyond the physical limits will typically result in a relapse of the condition thus only placing the individual deeper and deeper into the hole of recovery and a never ending vicious cycle begins.

Staring at an illness which impedes or blocks the ability to perform at even a minimal degree of the pre-illness capacity makes this task even more difficult. It is essential that all individuals with CFS, and especially males, must confront their own expectations of themselves. The individual must question if such are truly realistic and accept their individual strengths and limitations. Having such an illness does not render the male "less masculine" or lower his value to the family or society. It is imperative that each individual must develop the mindset of setting realistic goals within the individual's PRESENT abilities and to stick with such regardless of the pressure which might be received.

Males have far too often attributed self-worth with their income potential or employment position. As the illness encompasses the individual's life, the capacity to be gainfully employed and to use the energy to "climb the corporate ladder" becomes an even greater and burdensome task. Many will see themselves gradually falling behind their peers up the ladder of success. They may hear of others successes which further deepens the undercurrent of their own present shortcomings. Furthermore, as they are unable to perform the tasks within the workforce, the likelihood of receiving supplemental income through disability can become even more possible.

Dating back to the Stone Age, males were taught to hunt, feed and protect the family from all outside predators. However, what if the "predator" is an illness from within which renders the protector unable to perform those duties? Males are often taught, at a very young age, that others will have certain expectations from and for them, roles to perform and they are to never relinquish such regardless. The family may be forced to make dramatic changes. Often times, males feel powerless to stop the negative changes, let alone view themselves as the cause of such. The "demons" in their own head may begin to surface as well as fearing others perceptions as the effects of the illness begins to take its toll. "Old lessons" must be rewritten or discarded. New lessons of each individual pulling a "fair share" must emerge. Change need not necessarily be negative. One must remember that no matter what happens, others will continue to think whatever they are going to think. Facing and confronting others expectations is a task which everyone, with or without CFS, must undertake.

As with the females affected by CFS, many individuals can experience some change in weight as they no longer possess the energy to engage in physical activities or exercise. The loss of their physique is often times extremely difficult to face. Many such individuals may fear rejection by their loved one due to their perceived "non-attractiveness." In such cases, open communication with the loved one is often recommended.

For the most part, in spite of recent movements, the societal view that males should not express or verbalize their fears and feelings continues to exist. It is almost as if many males fear becoming "weak" to express their feelings, fears and disappointments. It is well known that fewer males tend to seek counseling or attend area support groups. Hopefully, as our society continues to change, males will allow themselves this avenue of assistance. It is only through the verbalization of the fears and feelings that any individual can face and overcome them. Without such, the feelings and fears tend to grow and grow within their own being.

An individual's ability to be "productive" in life has far too long been correlated with self-worth. The basis for this standard of "productivity" is generally based upon the individual's pre-illness capacity or level of functioning. For all individuals getting older in years, this is an unrealistic standard as we all lose abilities with age. Such is especially true for those afflicted with CFS. When the individual attempts to continue judging their life by this unrealistic standard, secondary depression will develop.

For all, and especially males, afflicted with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, the following suggestions should be considered:

1. Do not attempt to push yourself beyond your present physical capacities. Accept and work within your present realm of abilities.
2. Set immediate, realistic and obtainable short-term goals which can be achieved on a daily basis.
3. Talk, talk, talk. Express your feelings and fears -- not for the purpose of having others refute your beliefs, but rather to assist you in seeing yourself in a more realistic perspective.
4. Attend area support group meetings. Attend or develop a support group specifially designed to address the unique issues directly related to males afflicted with CFS.
5. Throw out "old lessons" of roles which a male should or must meet in order to be of any value. Write "new lessons" for your individual life.
6. Realize that change does not necessarily produce negative results or consequences. Look for the gains which can be achieved by and through the changes.
7. Accept that you may not be as powerless as you feel or fear. While you may not have power over your own physical abilities now, or how others may perceive you, you always have absolute power and control over how you view yourself.

This is what I live with everyday ...Sometimes the worst part is how OTHERS react to it.

Coping With the Reality of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

By DAVID TULLER

Researchers, doctors and patient advocates all agree that managing and coping with chronic fatigue syndrome is a major challenge for patients as well as their families. Here are some important factors they say are necessary to keep in mind.

1. C.F.S. is a real disease. Many people, including some doctors, believe that people suffering from chronic fatigue do not have anything physiologically wrong with them. The resulting stigma and discrimination often cause patients to blame themselves and can make it extremely difficult for them to obtain the care, support and empathy they need.

2. There are no diagnostic laboratory tests for C.F.S. A diagnosis is made on the basis of six months of fatigue and other symptoms that cannot be explained any other way. Some laboratory tests may be necessary to rule out other possible causes of chronic fatigue, like Lyme disease, multiple sclerosis, depression or hypothyroidism. C.F.S. is often misdiagnosed as other conditions that have similar symptoms.

3. C.F.S. is called “myalgic encephalomyelitis,” “myalgic encephalopathy,” or “M.E.” in other countries. Many patients and experts in the United States favor these more medical-sounding terms, especially because research has shown that they increase the seriousness with which clinicians and others view the condition. But the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is not currently in favor of changing the name.

4. Treatment may relieve fatigue, but there is no cure for C.F.S. Managing the disease and its symptoms through lifestyle and diet changes is critical in learning to live with it. To avoid relapses, patients need to closely monitor their energy levels, adjust their work and social activities and be sure not to overextend themselves, even when they are feeling well. Yoga, meditation and other movement and relaxation strategies, along with a modified exercise regimen, can also help patients to cope and rebuild their strength.

5. C.F.S. is not known to be contagious. It does sometimes cluster in families, but this is believed to be because of a common genetic susceptibility or familial predisposition rather than transmission from one person to another. Experts say patients should not be fearful that those close to them will also fall ill.

With the recent deaths in show business, I thought I'd try to help shed some light on the often misunderstood clinical Depression ...

A BIT ABOUT DEPRESSION ...

Do You Really Know
What Depression Is?

What Depression Isn't!

Depression is not a sign of a weak personality, nor is it something to be ashamed of. It is a real medical illness. People with depression cannot "just snap out of it" -- no more than it would be possible for a person with an HIV infection, diabetes, or some other medical illness to "just snap out of it."

From my earliest memories of dealing with this I can recall my well-intentioned mother, or a family member who did not know any better saying things like I was "CRAZY" or some other words that caused me to feel LESS THAN others in my own age group who seemingly were not suffering from this. People with negative, less-than-supportive attitudes and "cover-up" agendas are NOT good for the person suffering from depression and their words do not promote healing or even a better understanding. Look out for well-meaning, sour-tongued loved-ones.

The good news is that depression can be treated effectively.

Concerned About Your Mental Health?

In a recent survey, gay men reported that depression was their most serious health concern after HIV/AIDS. Lesbians reported that the issue of depression and mental health was their number one health concern.

There may be some basis for this concern. Research has shown that gay men and lesbians may have higher rates of depression when compared with the general population. Homophobia may be part of the reason-both internalized homophobia (directed against oneself)as well as the homophobia many gay people encounter at school, work, home, and in society at large. As a gay person in a homophobic society, being in or out of the closet can carry its own set of pressures and problems.

Understanding Depression

Depression is more than just feeling sad. People who are clinically depressed are not just moody or feeling "blue" for a few days. They experience long periods of feeling very down -- or in some cases, very anxious or extremely tired -- for several weeks or months. Drug and/or alcohol abuse may also be signs of depression. Becausedepression can change the way a person feels, thinks, and behaves, it can have negative effects on all aspects of a person's life, from school to work to family and social life.

What Causes Depression?

In addition to external, societal factors that may contribute to depression, there are other reasons why a person might become depressed. These include traumatic life experiences such as the death of a loved one, certain diseases or medications, substance abuse, hormonal changes, or a family history of depression. Sometimes the cause of depression is unknown.

Whatever the circumstances, depression is caused by an imbalance of certain chemicals in the brain. Normally, these "chemical messengers" help nerve cells communicate with one another by sending and receiving messages, and they may also influence a person's mood. In the case of depression, the available supply of the chemical messengers is low, so nerve cells can't communicate effectively.

Antidepressant medications such as LEXAPRO work by helping to correct the imbalance of certain chemicals in the brain. These medications may take several weeks to be effective, but they work well and are generally safe. With just one 10 mg tablet a day, LEXAPRO significantly improves the symptoms of depression and anxiety for many patients beginning at week 1 or 2.5

References: 1. Depression and mental health emerge as major concerns for the community: community health survey reveals top concern of gay men and lesbians. HealthyPlace Gender Community.