Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Sunday, August 08, 2010
Monsieur Jean LeFloc'h
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Friday, January 08, 2010
France Moves To Outlaw Mental Abuse In Marriages
The bill's aim is to protect women from the verbal threats and intimidation that often lead to physical violence. But skeptics say verbal abuse is next to impossible to prove, and that the law would clog the courts with "he said, she said" cases.
The proposed law covers every kind of insult, including repeated rude remarks about a partner's appearance, false allegations of infidelity and threats of physical violence.
There are situations where the man constantly degrades the woman with his remarks and destroys her, little by little. - French parliamentarian Martine Billard
The French parliament is expected to approve the legislation in February, and the government says the law will be in place within six months. If convicted, violators could face fines or jail time.
Some media reports have poked fun at the legislation, jibing that screaming at your wife could now make you a felon in France.
But parliamentarian Martine Billard, who helped draft the bill, says psychological abuse is a serious matter.
"There are situations where the man constantly degrades the woman with his remarks and destroys her, little by little. And this is often done in front of the children," he said. "This law will allow these women to bring charges and rebuild their lives."
Billard rejects critics who say the new law would allow couples to be hauled in for having an argument. She says it must be proved that the abuse is repeated and done with the intention of destroying the victim's dignity.
France already has a law against psychological harassment in the workplace. This one would simply apply an equivalent standard to the home front, Billard says.
A woman dies every two days at the hands of her husband or partner in France, according to crime statistics. The French government recently declared ending violence against women a national cause. Several chilling public-service ads on television warn viewers about conjugal violence, while giving a new telephone hot line to report it.
While men inflict physical violence, many people say women engage in psychological violence. We foresee a dangerous situation where this law will lead to charges against the victims by the perpetrators.
- Viviane Monnier, who runs a women's shelter in Paris
One TV spot shows viewers how kids learn violence from their parents. Two young children are playing dress-up and having tea. When the tiny wife mistakenly spills some tea in front of her tiny husband, an adult-style clash unfolds.
French Prime Minister Francois Fillon recently unveiled an array of new measures to fight conjugal violence. Among them: electronic bracelets for violent repeat offenders, more women's shelters and booklets about gender equality to be handed out to new immigrants.
"And this new law will allow us to react to insidious situations where the violence leaves the victims destroyed psychologically, but with no physical trace," Fillon said.
On a recent afternoon at a women's shelter in northeast Paris, several mothers and their young children relaxed in a small living room with a children's play area in one corner and a washing machine in another. The shelter provides a temporary escape and counseling for women abused by their partners.
But shelter director Viviane Monnier says that she fears the new law, because it also applies to men, will end up being used in a perverse manner.
"While men inflict physical violence, many people say women engage in psychological violence. We foresee a dangerous situation where this law will lead to charges against the victims by the perpetrators, who will claim they are the victims of verbal abuse," Monnier said.
France will soon find out whether banning psychological abuse helps to diminish domestic violence.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Friday, November 13, 2009
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
Qu'est-ce que le trouble bipolaire ?
Le trouble bipolaire : Guide d'information
Pourquoi le trouble bipolaire est-il considéré comme une « maladie » ?
Dans la vie, il y a toujours des hauts et des bas. Il est normal de se sentir heureux, triste ou irrité. Le trouble bipolaire, que l’on appelle également maladie affective bipolaire, est un état pathologique ; les personnes qui en sont atteintes, souvent qualifiées de maniacodépressives, présentent des sautes d’humeur extrêmes, qui n’ont parfois rien à voir avec les événements qu’elles ont vécus. Ces sautes d’humeur se répercutent également sur la façon dont la personne pense, se comporte et agit.
Le trouble bipolaire est tout à fait involontaire, et ne résulte pas d’une personnalité « faible » ou instable. Il s'agit d’une affection médicale qui peut être traitée.
Le trouble bipolaire est-il une maladie courante ?
Vous ou un être qui vous est cher peut-être atteint d’un trouble bipolaire. Vous vous sentez peut-être isolé face à cette maladie, mais vous n’êtes pas seul. En effet, environ un ou deux pour cent des adultes dans le monde en souffrent. Par ailleurs, le trouble bipolaire s’attaque tant aux hommes qu’aux femmes.
À quel moment de la vie survient le trouble bipolaire ?
Les signes avant-coureurs du trouble bipolaire sont décelés de plus en plus souvent pendant l’adolescence et au début de l’âge adulte. Cependant, plus la personne est jeune au moment où les symptômes commencent à se manifester, plus ces symptômes s’écartent du portrait habituel de la maladie. On peut les attribuer à tort à un sentiment de détresse ou de rébellion typique de l’adolescence, et c’est pourquoi il arrive que le diagnostic de trouble bipolaire ne soit posé qu’à l’âge adulte.
Chez certaines femmes, le trouble bipolaire apparaît pendant la grossesse ou peu de temps après l'accouchement. On constate des épisodes de manie, ou d’exaltation, après la grossesse dans environ 0,1 pour 100 des cas. La dépression est toutefois plus fréquente (voir les symptômes de la manie et de la dépression). Si vous ou une proche avez ressenti des symptômes de dépression après la grossesse et si ces symptômes sont graves ou durent plus de deux semaines, il est souhaitable de demander de l’aide.
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
For my Friends and Family
Bipolar Disorder: Tips for Family and Friends
Ongoing treatment -- both psychotherapy and medication -- is essential to controlling the mood swings of bipolar disorder. How can family members help their loved one stick with treatment?
"Learn as much as you can about the disease," says Kay Redfield Jamison, PhD, professor of psychiatry at John Hopkins University School of Medicine and author of An Unquiet Mind. "Read and read some more. Join support groups. You'll get emotional support and information you need."
Also, learn to watch for early signs of mania, especially insomnia. "Sleep deprivation is the easiest way for someone to become manic," Jamison tells WebMD. "Families and friends need to keep on top of that. If a patient is having sleep problems, get treatment for it."
The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance offers these suggestions to families and friends, to help a loved one with bipolar disorder stay with treatment:
Find the right doctor. Help them find a psychiatrist and other health providers who take time to listen closely. Encourage second opinions, if you feel it's necessary. Help by making appointments.
Make doctor appointments stress-free. Put together a list of questions to ask the doctor. Offer to go along to appointments. Get to know the doctors, nurses, and other practitioners involved in treatment.
Learn about bipolar disorder drugs. You should know about dosages, possible side effects, and what to do.
Relieve fears. Explain the role of medications -- that they greatly relieve symptoms without altering personality.
Gently remind. Little "medication reminders" can help ensure sticking with the prescribed treatment plan. Ask for permission to make these reminders.
Chart progress and problems. Help in keeping records of symptoms, treatment, and setbacks. A journal or calendar works well for this.
Relieve daily stress. Establish a daily routine that your bipolar loved one can easily handle. Help with everyday chores, like running errands. Identify triggers that make symptoms worse.
Use words of support. These will help: "I'm here for you." "You can get through this." "Don't give up." "Your brain is lying to you right now; it's part of the illness."
Encourage positive self-talk. Here's one example: "My life is valuable and worthwhile, even if it doesn't feel that way right now."
Write down "reality checks." These words can help your loved one through a tough time. An example: "I should not make major life decisions when my thoughts are racing and I'm feeling on top of the world. I need time to discuss these things with others before going through with them."
Prepare for crisis. If depressive or manic symptoms become severe, your bipolar friend of family member must promise to call you, another trusted person, a doctor, crisis line, or hospital. Ask that they make that promise to you.
Write a crisis plan. List symptoms of mania, depression, and suicide risk -- and what to do. List helpful phone numbers, including health care providers, family members, friends, and a suicide prevention crisis line: (800) 273-TALK. Give copies to trusted friends and family members.
Call the doctor about mood changes. A simple change in treatment could prevent a full-blown episode. It's best to call the doctor immediately when symptoms of depression or mania begin to appear.
Stay positive about bipolar disorder treatment. Medications and psychotherapy do work. Most people with bipolar disorder can return to stable, productive lives. Keep working to find the treatment that works best -- and provide the support your loved one needs to get there.
Sunday, November 01, 2009
Je vous embrasse tous tres fort, et je vous enverrez de nouvelles tres bientot.
Souvenirs, Souvenirs - des images de nous pour vous - Les Best Of
Fw: Souvenirs, Souvenirs - des images de nous pour vous - Les Best Of
Originally uploaded by Nana Sainton
Souvenirs, Souvenirs - des images de nous pour vous - Les Best Of
Fw: Souvenirs, Souvenirs - des images de nous pour vous - Les Best Of
Originally uploaded by Nana Sainton
Souvenirs, Souvenirs - des images de nous pour vous - Les Best Of
Souvenirs, Souvenirs - des images de nous pour vous - Les Best Of
Originally uploaded by Nana Sainton
Souvenirs, Souvenirs - des images de nous pour vous - Les Best Of
Souvenirs, Souvenirs - des images de nous pour vous - Les Best Of
Originally uploaded by Nana Sainton
Souvenirs, Souvenirs - des images de nous pour vous - Les Best Of
Souvenirs, Souvenirs - des images de nous pour vous - Les Best Of
Originally uploaded by Nana Sainton
Loic, moi, Ludovic et Sarah
Souvenirs, Souvenirs - des images de nous pour vous - Les Best Of
Souvenirs, Souvenirs - des images de nous pour vous - Les Best Of
Originally uploaded by Nana Sainton
Souvenirs, Souvenirs - des images de nous pour vous - Les Best Of
Souvenirs, Souvenirs - des images de nous pour vous - Les Best Of
Originally uploaded by Nana Sainton
Souvenirs, Souvenirs - des images de nous pour vous - Les Best Of
Souvenirs, Souvenirs - des images de nous pour vous - Les Best Of
Originally uploaded by Nana Sainton
Souvenirs, Souvenirs - des images de nous pour vous - Les Best Of
Souvenirs, Souvenirs - des images de nous pour vous - Les Best Of
Originally uploaded by Nana Sainton
Souvenirs, Souvenirs - des images de nous pour vous - Les Best Of
Souvenirs, Souvenirs - des images de nous pour vous - Les Best Of
Originally uploaded by Nana Sainton
Souvenirs, Souvenirs - des images de nous pour vous - Les Best Of
Souvenirs, Souvenirs - des images de nous pour vous - Les Best Of
Originally uploaded by Nana Sainton
Fw: Souvenirs, Souvenirs - des images de nous pour vous - Les Best Of
Fw: Souvenirs, Souvenirs - des images de nous pour vous - Les Best Of
Originally uploaded by Nana Sainton
Sarah et ISabelle