MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'anxiety'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 01:47:51 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5181895&cid=t_92581_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F09%2F02%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-september-2-2011%2F It starts at a young age. Schools encourage it. Our families help define it. We begin our lives with the labels they give us like big brother, baby sister, only child. And as we get older, they just get more serious. Sometimes the way we’re perceived such as the “good one,” the “bad one,” the “troubled one,” the “drama queen,” inevitably follow us throughout the rest of our life. Sometimes these seemingly harmless labels take on a life of their own. If we don’t achieve our own sense of self, they begin to define who we are. And we grasp on tight. These lyrics from the Barenaked Ladies song What a Good Boy reminds me of the pressures they can have on us: “When I was born they looked at me and said What a good boy, what a sma... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5181895 Fri, 02 Sep 2011 12:04:52 +0100 5181895 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5174714&cid=t_92581_113_f&fid=38494&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcuretogether.com%2Fblog%2F2011%2F08%2F29%2F6100-patients-with-anxiety-report-what-treatments-work-best%2F We present these findings as just what they are – patient-reported data – to stimulate discussion and generate new insights for further research. Stay tuned for more and please let us know in the comments below if this was helpful or interesting for you. Please tweet, blog, or pass this along to anyone who can benefit or is interested in Anxiety. Thank you! (Source: The Collective Well) The Collective Well blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5174714 Mon, 29 Aug 2011 13:59:43 +0100 5174714 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5169572&cid=t_92581_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F08%2F27%2F5-tips-for-staying-calm-in-a-hurricane%2F When hurricanes or tropical storms are forecast to reach us, we often go into a panic and fear the worst about the coming storm. The uncertainty of the storm provokes a certain in anxiety in most of us. Some of those fears are very real, as government officials ask residents to evacuate areas directly in the path of the hurricane. Low-lying areas are especially at risk for flooding. Calm is a hard emotion to muster when our entire environment is turning against us. It is ever harder to remain calm when you’re asked to evacuate your home, and live in a shelter or with a family member for a few days. Will my home still be standing when I return? What about my most cherished possessions? Even folks who aren’t asked to evacuate fear the loss of electricity to their homes, and wheth... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5169572 Sat, 27 Aug 2011 15:18:51 +0100 5169572 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5159209&cid=t_92581_109_f&fid=34752&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPsychsplash%2F%7E3%2FWwy5dqGZeRw%2F URL: http://womenforsobriety.org/beta2/Women for Sobriety (WFS) is an organization whose purpose is to help all women find their individual path to recovery through discovery of self, gained by sharing experiences, hopes and encouragement with other women in similar circumstances. We are an abstinence-based self-help program for women facing issues of alcohol or drug addiction. Our “New Life” Program acknowledges the very special needs women have in recovery – the need to nurture feelings of self-value and self-worth and the desire to discard feelings of guilt, shame, and humiliation. For: ConsumersTopics: Abnormal, Addiction, Anxiety, Behaviour Management, Clinical Psychology, General Psychology, Lifestyle, Self-harm and suicide, Substance AbuseFeatures: Advertising, Articles, Chat ... PsychSplash blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5159209 Thu, 25 Aug 2011 17:00:52 +0100 5159209 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5159683&cid=t_92581_136_f&fid=39025&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Feverythingchangesbook%2F%7E3%2FccYjD7AR3SA%2Flife-is-too-short-cancer By Sarah J. I keep finding myself thinking: If my doctor gives me a few months to live, would I want to live them the way I have been? The answer of course is no. I’m sure I’m not the first cancer patient who thought about quitting their job, moving to a tropical island, and having a torrid affair with a cabana boy (or girl) after writing a memoir. Yet here I am today, back to the same old grind as before cancer with only a few changes. Why? Reality. Medical and credit card bills prevent any job quitting or island hopping. Since cancer entered my life, and especially during my transition from cancer patient back to an average Jolene, I have struggled to find balance between the reality of my life and that feeling that I should be out living it my way. I call this “Life’s Too Short... Everything Changes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5159683 Thu, 25 Aug 2011 15:05:35 +0100 5159683 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5159550&cid=t_92581_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FIDhru9OeEyQ%2F According to a new study published by the American Psychological Association, women are more likely to suffer from anxiety or depression, while men face more substance abuse or antisocial difficulties. Researchers also found that women with mental disorders are more likely to internalize their emotions and move into a state of withdrawal, loneliness and depression. Interestingly enough, men, on the other hand, are more likely to externalize their emotions, leading to aggressive, impulsive, coercive and noncompliant behavior. So when it comes to mental illness, it appears that women tend to reach for the antidepressants while men tend to reach for a beer. Go figure. Research like this makes me feel that depression can sometimes seem like the latest trend. These days, if you haven’t be... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5159550 Tue, 23 Aug 2011 18:52:04 +0100 5159550 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5159682&cid=t_92581_136_f&fid=39016&url=http%3A%2F%2Fturquoisegates.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F08%2Fout-of-sync.html A life raft made of spheres and oblongs, a handful of pills to chase away sadness, chase away the chaotic mind, smooth the anxiety out like wrinkles on a dress shirt, float me into peace at night and drift me out of flashbacks by day. I feel angry at these pills, angry at my need. I long for the day I throw the bottles out forever, when my personal demons are finally hushed to a whisper and the armor of God is once more light enough to carry.I knew lament so deeply as a nurse working with terminal kids. The bereft, uncomprehending shock of the loss of a child. I heard from those parents that for a while the earth seemed shifted off it's axis, flowers blooming when there should be ice forming, sun instead of rain, beauty instead of desolation. Their souls in gray and unchangeablely out of s... Turquoise Gates blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5159682 Mon, 22 Aug 2011 18:36:00 +0100 5159682 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5139875&cid=t_92581_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F08%2F18%2Fintroducing-to-the-edge-and-back%2F Living with a mental health issue or mental disorder as serious as bipolar disorder, depression or anxiety is no easy task. Ask anyone who grapples with these concerns on a day-to-day basis. But what can complicate even serious mental illness is a misdiagnosis of one disorder over another. To the Edge and Back is a blog about the trials, tribulations and triumphs of day-to-day life with a very peculiar psychological impairment. Steven Pace says that he is capable of tremendous achievements in a variety of fields on any given day. However, due to the chaotic and disruptive nature of his affliction, he fears that he may never be able to maintain a consistent level of productivity that would allow him to be recognized as a contributing member of society. This blog will share bits of his journ... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5139875 Thu, 18 Aug 2011 17:22:46 +0100 5139875 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5130968&cid=t_92581_133_f&fid=35095&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FAutismsEdges%2F%7E3%2FxgguL-RQVg8%2Foctopuss-garden-by-sea.html (Source: Autism's Edges) Autism's Edges blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5130968 Mon, 15 Aug 2011 02:18:00 +0100 5130968 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5118709&cid=t_92581_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F08%2F11%2Fthe-ecstasy-of-crossing-something-off-the-list%2F Recently, my older daughter and I went to the post office to apply for her passport. I’d been dreading this trip for days. Every task associated with it filled me with anxiety — but nothing ended up being as hard as I expected. And as we walked out of the post office, I felt a giant surge of energy, happiness, and relief. Ah, the ecstasy of crossing something off the list! Even accomplishing the smallest task gives me a little jolt. This is my new Secret of Adulthood: Crossing something off the list is very cheering. (Also: Make sure you know where to find family members’ birth certificates. I was very happy when I found that document in the proper file.) (Source: World of Psychology) World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5118709 Thu, 11 Aug 2011 10:25:40 +0100 5118709 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5107601&cid=t_92581_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F08%2F08%2Fantidepressants-overprescribed-in-primary-care%2F Antidepressants have long enjoyed a reputation as being a quick and “easy” treatment for all types of depression — from a mild feeling of being a little down, all the way up to severe, life-debilitating depression. But like all medications, they have side effects and instances where they should not be prescribed. Hence their continued need for a prescription after seeing a doctor. So what does it mean when primary care physicians are handing them out like candy? It suggests that your family doctor doesn’t really understand how antidepressants work, or what they are approved to treat. In short, it suggests that antidepressant medications are being over-prescribed by well-meaning doctors who are simply not using very good judgment. Melissa Healy, writing for the LA T... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5107601 Mon, 08 Aug 2011 10:35:31 +0100 5107601 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5103379&cid=t_92581_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F08%2F05%2Fdepressions-other-symptoms%2F The hallmark symptoms of clinical depression are no doubt sadness and loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed. Many people also are familiar with appetite and sleep changes. But there’s a whole set of other physical symptoms that are less known but just as debilitating. In fact, depression can literally hurt. According to a study conducted at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, up to about 76 percent of people who report the typical emotional symptoms also report physical signs, such as stomach problems, headaches, backaches and chest pain. Depression also is a chameleon. It can look like various other illnesses and conditions, even, for instance, the flu. Which, not surprisingly, makes diagnosing depression tricky, and thereby finding the right treatment... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5103379 Fri, 05 Aug 2011 16:31:02 +0100 5103379 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5096202&cid=t_92581_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhhpblog.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2Fwordpress%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2011%2F07%2FSzymanski-OCD.flv When I leave for work in the morning, I go through my precommute checklist. Train pass, check. Wallet, check. Coffee mug, check. Smart phone, check. Keys to the house, check. Only when I’m sure that I have everything I need do I open the door and head outside. Sometimes I worry that this morning routine is becoming too much of a ritual. Is it possible that I have obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD for short)? Probably not. The fact that I am able to get out the door every morning means that my daily ritual isn’t interfering with my ability to function, says Dr. Jeff Szymanski, a clinical instructor in psychology at Harvard Medical School. You have OCD when obsessions and compulsive behavior (more…) *This blog post was originally published at Harvard Health Blog* (Source... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5096202 Fri, 05 Aug 2011 12:00:48 +0100 5096202 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5096825&cid=t_92581_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FmKQN3HWkuXc%2F I think smartphones are making people dumb. Now before you go off on a rant about how you can’t live without your iPhone, or the fact that you have your “life” stored on it in the form of 300 contacts, 400 songs and 500 photos, not to mention apps that allow you to calculate your heart rate while simultaneously purchasing a skinny latte, hear me out: Smartphones have turned into an obsession. How do I know? I have conducted my own very scientific research which consisted of sitting in a restaurant one day and simply watching people. From the couple sitting next to me to the teens at the table across the room to the guy across from me (my husband, no less), everyone was more focused on their smartphone than anything–or anyone–else. Why do they think they are so... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5096825 Thu, 04 Aug 2011 15:46:50 +0100 5096825 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5096341&cid=t_92581_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F08%2F04%2Fdoctor-is-my-mood-disorder-due-to-a-chemical-imbalance%2F Dear Mrs. ——– You have asked me about the cause of your mood disorder, and whether it is due to a “chemical imbalance”. The only honest answer I can give you is, “I don’t know”—but I’ll try to explain what psychiatrists do and don’t know about the causes of so-called mental illness, and why the term “chemical imbalance” is simplistic and a bit misleading. By the way, I don’t like the term “mental disorder”, because it makes it seem as if there’s a huge distinction between the mind and the body—and most psychiatrists don’t see it that way. I wrote about this recently, and used the term “brain-mind” to describe the unity of mind and body.1 So, for lack of a better term, I’ll just refer to “psychiatric illnesses.” Now, this notion of... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5096341 Thu, 04 Aug 2011 10:35:19 +0100 5096341 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5086454&cid=t_92581_133_f&fid=35095&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FAutismsEdges%2F%7E3%2FlTdyxsGy5AA%2Fat-last-we-are-muggles.html (Source: Autism's Edges) Autism's Edges blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5086454 Sun, 31 Jul 2011 18:57:00 +0100 5086454 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5086455&cid=t_92581_133_f&fid=35095&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FAutismsEdges%2F%7E3%2FHQoGbqyp8As%2Fsummmmertime-and-livin-part-2.html (Source: Autism's Edges) Autism's Edges blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5086455 Sat, 30 Jul 2011 13:44:00 +0100 5086455 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5069709&cid=t_92581_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FkOzcxJyGWCw%2F Fretting over unemployment, mounting bills, troublesome family members or a jerk of a boss can no doubt cut into our lives. When the clock says 3:23am and all you can do is stew over your problems, they can seemingly grow bigger by the sleepless second. But fear not: A new study says they have just the solution. Instead of spreading out your worries throughout the day–or night–pencil in 30 minutes to wallow in them. According to research published in the July issue of the Journal of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, when people with adjustment disorders, burnout or severe work problems confined their anxieties to a single, scheduled 30-minute period each day, they were better able to cope with their problems. Researchers call it “compartmentalizing”–time that ... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5069709 Wed, 27 Jul 2011 15:38:29 +0100 5069709 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5069533&cid=t_92581_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F07%2F26%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-july-26-2011%2F I call one of my relatives a “bad news bear.” Although he has good intentions, his spewing out the world’s greatest tragedies every few minutes does not help me. In fact, all that worrying and anxiety could hurt. After calling him out on it, he said his main intention was concern. I get that. I think parents today are like him. They just want to protect their children from the onslaught of offenders who are posted up all over the news 24/7. If you love someone, however, how do you best protect them? I think there is a balance between caring and being overprotective. And everyone deals with this in their own way. Some loved ones may minimize your pain because they hurt seeing you upset. That’s why they say things like, “I’m sure you’ll feel better s... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5069533 Tue, 26 Jul 2011 11:02:25 +0100 5069533 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5062363&cid=t_92581_122_f&fid=34736&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FChannelN-PodcastsPoweredByOdiogo%2F%7E3%2F1Mn8zmxQWT0%2F Tristan Jepson Memorial Foundation 2008 Lecture Ian Hickie presents research on mental health issues in the Australian legal profession. He discusses help-seeking behaviours, productivity, disability, economic burden of illness, suicide and prevention efforts, substance use, neurobiology, treatments, gender and age differences, stigma and discrimination, and more. Extremely well-researched presentation with many statistics and perspectives. The 40 minute lecture is followed by a panel discussion, a Q&A session with the audience, and a brief talk by organization co-founder George Jepson. The Tristan Jepson Memorial Foundation works to “raise awareness, improve education and build effective models of support which focus on mental health wellbeing” in the legal profession, and... Channel N blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5062363 Mon, 25 Jul 2011 11:30:04 +0100 5062363 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5050914&cid=t_92581_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FO712DJOvAhQ%2F Very interesting new data reinforcing two main themes we have been analyzing for a while: 1) We better start paying serious attention (and R&D dollars) to lifestyle-based and non-invasive cognitive and emotional health interventions, which are mostly ignored in favor of invasive, drug-based options 2) Interventions will need to be personalized. The study below analyzes data at the country level, but the same logic applies to the individual level Many fear Alzheimer’s, want to be tested: survey (Reuters): - “The telephone survey of 2,678 adults aged 18 and older in the United States, France, Germany, Spain and Poland was conducted by researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health and Alzheimer Europe, with funding by Bayer AG” - “When asked to identify the most feared disea... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5050914 Thu, 21 Jul 2011 15:26:15 +0100 5050914 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5050752&cid=t_92581_109_f&fid=38953&url=http%3A%2F%2Frileyjennifer.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F07%2Ffear-stem-cells-and-emotional-memory.html This summary is from Science Daily which also has the link to the actual article.Fear Boosts Activation of Immature Brain Cells: Adult Neural Stem Cells Play Role in Creating Emotional Context of MemoryScientists have long known that fear and other highly emotional experiences lead to incredibly strong memories. In a study appearing online in advance of publication in the journal Molecular Psychiatry, UC Berkeley's Daniela Kaufer and colleagues report a new way for emotions to affect memory: The brain's emotional center, the amygdala, induces the hippocampus, a relay hub for memory, to generate new neurons.In a fearful situation, these newborn neurons get activated by the amygdala and may provide a "blank slate" to strongly imprint the new fearful memory, she said. In evolutionary terms, i... Psych Scamp blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5050752 Tue, 19 Jul 2011 20:17:00 +0100 5050752 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5036280&cid=t_92581_109_f&fid=34752&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPsychsplash%2F%7E3%2FILnQI1hFutw%2F URL: http://www.synergyservices.org/Ending violence in our community requires a comprehensive approach of efforts to provide safe places for victims of violence, to empower survivors to rise above their circumstances and to educate the entire community. Through integrated programs in the areas of residential services, clinical services and community education, Synergy touched more than 40,000 people last year. For: Anyone, ConsumersTopics: Anger, Anxiety, Behaviour Management, Child and Adolescent, Clinical Psychology, Depression, Emotional Health, Insomnia, Life, Lifestyle, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Quality of Life, Self-help, Solution Focused, StressFeatures: Collaborative News, Information Ending violence in our community requires a comprehensive approach of efforts to provide... PsychSplash blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5036280 Sat, 16 Jul 2011 17:00:23 +0100 5036280 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5028453&cid=t_92581_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F07%2F13%2Fwhy-sugar-is-dangerous-to-depression%2F You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to appreciate the link between sugar and depression. Anyone who doubts the relationship need only to spend a night in our house and see what type of behavior happens when two kids consume 12-ounce cans of Coke or Sprite — and the demonic demonstrations that happen after a 7-11 slurpee, especially if it’s red or blue, or God forbid, a mix. People who suffer from depression are especially vulnerable to sugar’s evil power. I am so sensitive to white-flour, processed foods that I can practically set an alarm to for three hours after consumption, at which time I will be cursing myself for inhaling the large piece of birthday cake at the party because I am feeling so miserable. That doesn’t stop me from eating dessert at the next gathering, of c... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5028453 Wed, 13 Jul 2011 19:34:30 +0100 5028453 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5028851&cid=t_92581_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FeQAr3441zXw%2F According to a new study, the U.S. ranked 11th on a list of the most stressed-out nations (ironically far behind the number one India, a place where anti-stressing yoga has its origin). That’s the good news. The bad news is: Experts are now telling us to quit babbling about it, which is funny because all these years we have been encouraged to talk about our feelings because it was supposedly the healthy, mature thing to do (even though a bottle of wine and a 14th viewing of When Harry Met Sally would have done the trick sometimes). But apparently, venting about the stress in our lives to our best girls is not the way to cope with our stress. I, for one, am glad to hear that because nothing ruins a girls’ night out more than someone sitting there ranting about her jerk of a boss... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5028851 Wed, 13 Jul 2011 17:59:27 +0100 5028851 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5028428&cid=t_92581_109_f&fid=34706&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdrdeborahserani.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F07%2Fout-of-body-experiences.html Out-of-body experiences (OBEs) are typically associated with individuals who have certain kinds of dissociative or post traumatic disorders. Though people who are generally in good health also report having OBEs, the experience is poorly understood. Often, out-of-body experiences are met by others with skepticism and stigma.A new study, published in the July 2011 issue of Cortex, has shown that OBEs are related to anomalies in the neural systems in the brain's temporal lobes - and that the body's sense of itself, called body awareness, misfires. Data from this study has enabled scientists to better understand how normal "in-the-body" mental processes work... and why, when they break down, they produce such striking experiences.We know that epilepsy, headaches and seizures have a basis in b... Dr. Deborah Serani blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5028428 Mon, 11 Jul 2011 17:13:00 +0100 5028428 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5028459&cid=t_92581_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F07%2F11%2Fi-am-so-not-sorry-an-exercise-in-exposure-therapy%2F One form of cognitive behavioral therapy is exposure therapy, where your brain is supposed to form new connections and rewrite the language of your amygdala (fear center), so that it doesn’t associate every dog with the pit bull who took a bite out of your thigh in the fourth grade. By doing the exact thing that you most fear, you are, essentially, telling the old neurons in your brain to take a hike so that new ones, who don’t know anything about the pit bull, can now live inside your brain and tell you that everything is peachy. Yeah, well, that’s the theory. So you jump into a pit bull fight and say, “Here, doggie, doggie, you want a treat?” If he doesn’t take your leg off, you are good to go! If he does take your leg off, you have much more exposure therapy ahead of you&#82... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5028459 Mon, 11 Jul 2011 15:35:27 +0100 5028459 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5028460&cid=t_92581_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F07%2F11%2F10-practical-ways-to-handle-stress%2F Stress is inevitable. It walks in and out of our lives on a regular basis. And it can easily walk all over us unless we take action. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to minimize and cope with stress. Here are 10 ideas for handling stress without causing more strain and hassle. 1. Figure out where the stress is coming from. Oftentimes, when we’re stressed, it seems like a big mess with stressors appearing from every angle. We start to feel like we’re playing a game of dodge ball, ducking and darting so we don’t get smacked by a barrage of balls. We take a defensive position, and not a good one at that. Instead of feeling like you’re flailing day to day, identify what you’re actually stressed about. Is it a specific project at work, an upcoming exam, a dispute with yo... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5028460 Mon, 11 Jul 2011 10:19:54 +0100 5028460 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029226&cid=t_92581_151_f&fid=36896&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSuboxoneTalkZone%2F%7E3%2Fy5ayPpVzbt8%2F Last night I came across a medical student web site that included a link to a post of mine from a couple years ago, that described my feelings about Xanax, Valium, Klonopin, and other benzodiazepines.   The people commenting at that site appreciated my comments, and my comments were ‘seconded’ by other physicians.  Here’s the post again, for those who missed it the first time: Twelve Things I Hate About Benzodiazepines Author: Jeffrey Junig MD PhD Because of several highly publicized deaths from combining Suboxone with benzodiazepines or “benzos”—a class of sedative medications that includes Xanax and Valium—I am frequently asked about the safety of combining Suboxone with those medications. The risk of life-threatening respiratory depression can be mitigate... Suboxone Talk Zone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029226 Fri, 08 Jul 2011 19:17:17 +0100 5029226 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5008305&cid=t_92581_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F07%2F08%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-july-8-2011%2F The stories you tell yourself about yourself are probably not only untrue, but could be hazardous to your health. This is particularly the case where those “stories” are negative and unconscious. I’ll share a personal story to explain what I mean. When I was about 8 or 9 years old, my dad got laid-off from his job. In order to collect unemployment, he needed to show he was actively searching for a job. One week he applied for a job as a courtesy clerk for a local supermarket. He didn’t think he would actually get it nor did he really want it. He assumed being in his thirties and working in management positions prior made him overqualified. But surprise, surprise, he got the job anyway. He remembers it as one of the most embarrassing days of his life and was a... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5008305 Fri, 08 Jul 2011 09:17:44 +0100 5008305 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4992756&cid=t_92581_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F07%2F01%2Fis-anyone-normal-today%2F Take a minute and answer this question: Is anyone really normal today? I mean, even those who claim they are normal may, in fact, be the most neurotic among us, swimming with a nice pair of scuba fins down the river of Denial. Having my psychiatric file published online and in print for public viewing, I get to hear my share of dirty secrets—weird obsessions, family dysfunction, or disguised addiction—that are kept concealed from everyone but a self-professed neurotic and maybe a shrink. “Why are there so many disorders today?” Those seven words, or a variation of them, surface a few times a week. And my take on this query is so complex that, to avoid sounding like my grad school professors making an erudite case that fails to communicate anything to average folks like me, I often ... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4992756 Fri, 01 Jul 2011 15:03:11 +0100 4992756 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4984501&cid=t_92581_109_f&fid=34752&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPsychsplash%2F%7E3%2FbjbrRmU_AUk%2F URL: http://psychology.vanguard.edu/amoebaweb/Outstanding resource maintained by Douglas Degelman, Ph.D. Professor of Psychology at Vanguard University of Southern California. Features over 2000 categorized links to quality psychology content. For: Anyone, Researchers, StudentsTopics: ADHD, Abnormal, Academia, Addiction, Anxiety, Behaviour Management, Bipolar, Clinical Psychology, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Depression, Eating Disorders, General Psychology, Mental HealthFeatures: Articles, Databases, Information, Links Outstanding resource maintained by Douglas Degelman, Ph.D. Professor of Psychology at Vanguard University of Southern California. Features over 2000 categorized links to quality psychology content. Also, lists monthly featured websites, psychologically related, of cours... PsychSplash blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4984501 Thu, 30 Jun 2011 17:00:13 +0100 4984501 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4984499&cid=t_92581_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F06%2F29%2Ffamilies-affected-by-mental-illness-feel-little-support-from-churches%2F A new study conducted at Baylor University indicated that families with a mentally ill member would like their congregation to offer more assistance. The study, published in the journal “Mental Health, Religion and Culture,” was the first to look at how mental illness of a family member influences an individual’s relationship with the church. “Families with mental illness stand to benefit from their involvement with a congregation, but our findings suggest that faith communities fail to adequately engage these families because they lack awareness of the issues and understanding of the important ways that they can help,” said Diana Garland, Ph.D., dean of Baylor’s School of Social Work and co-author of the Baylor study. The study surveyed nearly 6,000 participant... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4984499 Wed, 29 Jun 2011 15:11:12 +0100 4984499 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4975942&cid=t_92581_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F06%2F28%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-june-28-2011%2F Sometimes when I’m in need of a little inspiration, I head out for a short walk. Today, as I meandered through the tree lined path of my apartment complex, I found it. I kept ending up in the direction of a beautiful fountain. The sound of the water as it sprung up in the air like fireworks and then gently falling as it lapped softly against the rocks was soothing. I thought about what the water represented, that regardless of whether it was thrust up in the air or moved gracefully to the bottom, it was the same unchanged substance. I realized that no matter what you did to it, the water was still water flowing in a fountain. The same could be said about you. You may have emotions that carry you from the highest mountain peaks to the valley lows, but you are at the core that unchange... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4975942 Tue, 28 Jun 2011 10:11:39 +0100 4975942 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4976159&cid=t_92581_136_f&fid=39213&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbeingcancer.net%2F2011%2F06%2F27%2Fcheshire-cats-grin-new-blog%2F This entry comes from New Zealand. The other day while driving back from pink palates, with jelly legs, i keep on thinking about dieing, something which will, yes will happen to all of us, and well nobody knows when this is going to happen to them. But me being me is just hoping for 10 years, and then something started to sink in if the militia come back and overtakes my body again, I don’t just get to die. I have to suffer, badly, and no I don’t think I’m so special that I have already paid my dues, but the realisation of this really shook me…… I don’t know how the saying goes, is it ‘pray for the best, expect the worst’? The so called best doesn’t even factor in to most of my daily questions, cynical much? And then on the other hand me and Mike are very lucky, luckier t... Being Cancer Network blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4976159 Mon, 27 Jun 2011 13:36:03 +0100 4976159 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4968580&cid=t_92581_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F06%2F24%2Fintroducing-panic-about-anxiety%2F Lots of people experience panic attacks. For some people, it can get so bad that they also get agoraphobia — the fear of leaving one’s house. So I’m happy to introduce Panic About Anxiety with Summer Beretsky, a blog that will explore panic, agoraphobia and even topics about general anxiety in upcoming entries. If you’re not familiar with Summer, you can check out her archives at the World of Psychology blog. She is a graduate of the University of Delaware, where she received her Master of Arts degree in Communication. She enjoys writing about her experiences with anxiety, panic, and Paxil. She contributes to the World of Psychology blog here on PsychCentral and has written for the Los Angeles Times. You can follow her on Twitter @summerberetsky. You can read more about her here. W... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4968580 Fri, 24 Jun 2011 14:34:41 +0100 4968580 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4968834&cid=t_92581_136_f&fid=39016&url=http%3A%2F%2Fturquoisegates.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F06%2Fwhos-disobeying.html I plod to the bedroom for what feels like the 100th time and I'm counting slowly, all the way to ten, taking the edge off my biting tongue. SLEEP, child. Again and again I go in, explain, discipline, explain, lie the child back down. It seems endless. He could go on like this for hours (although I cannot). It is hard to know, especially with the psychological scars my children bear since my cancer, heart, and now PTSD problems have ripped me away from them to sit in a solitary hospital bed. It's hard to know if it's a real need or a child's disobedience.There's an easy way to check. As you pull that crying child close, and he melts into your arms, and he asks between sobs for you to cuddle him, try it. Just try laying down and cuddling. My child immediately sucks in the sobs and gives... Turquoise Gates blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4968834 Thu, 23 Jun 2011 22:24:00 +0100 4968834 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4960118&cid=t_92581_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F06%2F23%2Fmeditation-for-slow-learners%2F You can’t read too many health headlines anymore before you run across a story extolling meditation’s many health benefits: from calming anxiety to increasing resilience, from lowering blood pressure to building immunity. Meditation does it all! And is being embraced in practically every medical field. But what is it? I’m a bit of a slow learner, so even as I promised myself two years ago that I would start each day with 20 minutes of meditation, I am still thumbing through books trying to figure out how, exactly, you do it. I have learned much from Elisha Goldstein’s Psych Central blog, “Mindfulness and Psychotherapy.” Because I believe, on some level, that all forms of meditation are about creating space. And Elisha reminds his readers of that by continually repeating the mea... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4960118 Thu, 23 Jun 2011 10:16:50 +0100 4960118 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4960334&cid=t_92581_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation.com%2Fbetter-treatment-for-women-alcoholics%2F Early treatment for women with alcohol addiction (EWA) reduces mortality: a randomized controlled trial with long-term register follow-up.Gjestad R., Franck J., Lindberg S. et al. Request reprint Alcohol and Alcoholism: 2011, 46(2), p. 170–176.Compared to usual treatment, over the next 27 years introduction of a comprehensively serviced female-only alcohol treatment unit in Sweden substantially extended the lives of its patients – a uniquely convincing demonstration that improving treatment can save lives.Summary Alarmed by rising numbers of alcohol dependent women and their high death rate, in the 1980s Sweden established a female-only unit at a hospital alcohol treatment centre in the capital Stockholm. Compared to ‘treatment as usual’ wards and clinics, the Early Treatme... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4960334 Thu, 23 Jun 2011 05:22:09 +0100 4960334 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4960121&cid=t_92581_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F06%2F22%2Fcultivating-self-compassion%2F When something has gone wrong, when there’s been a mistake made, no matter how small, many people are all too quick to point the finger — at themselves. They flog themselves for any failure, letting their self-esteem bend and bow at the face of disappointments and triumphs. For many, self-esteem is shaky at best. But there’s something you can build that’s more substantial than self-esteem. Something that doesn’t waver and can actually boost your well-being — and your performance isn’t a factor. According to psychologist Kristin Neff, Ph.D, in her book Self-Compassion: Stop Beating Yourself Up and Leave Insecurity Behind, that something is self-compassion. Being self-compassionate means that whether you win or lose, surpass your sky-high expectations or fall short, you sti... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4960121 Wed, 22 Jun 2011 15:12:04 +0100 4960121 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4953292&cid=t_92581_136_f&fid=39016&url=http%3A%2F%2Fturquoisegates.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F06%2Fday-set-aside-for-thankfulness.html For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. For every high priest taken from among men is appointed on behalf of men in things pertaining to God, in order to offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins; he can deal gently with the ignorant and misguided, since he himself also is beset with weakness; and because of it he is obligated to offer sacrifices for sins, as for the people, so also for himself. And no one takes the honor to himself, but receives it when he is called by God, even as Aaron was. (Hebrews 4:15, 5:1-4)I am thankful to call Christ my High Priest. Thankful that I am free, under His grace, to attend church wherever I feel called. I am thankful to have a new pastor who deals g... Turquoise Gates blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4953292 Mon, 20 Jun 2011 15:40:00 +0100 4953292 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4945208&cid=t_92581_151_f&fid=36896&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSuboxoneTalkZone%2F%7E3%2FVpNNB4h6x5I%2F I received the following e-mail a couple days ago: Hi I had been on Suboxone for 9 years. I was put on it the week it was approved by FDA. I found your posts in a blog. I was looking for a class action suit against this terrible drug. That man who said he was enjoying a Suboxone was right. I was on it almost 9 years and did get high and stay high all day, just like methadone. It causes depression and brain damage. I have been off it for 2 months now and am very sick with depression, panic attacks, and have not been able to even take care of myself. Please, if people want to get off drugs help them and send to treatment and AA NA. thanks nancy Those of you who have read this blog for a while may remember the posts ‘back in the old days’—a few years ago—when I would get these kinds o... Suboxone Talk Zone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4945208 Sat, 18 Jun 2011 23:50:00 +0100 4945208 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4934753&cid=t_92581_136_f&fid=39016&url=http%3A%2F%2Fturquoisegates.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F06%2Fhope-breaking-through.html One misty, moisty morning,when cloudy was the weather;I chanced to meet an old man,dressed all in leather.He began to complimentand I began to grin,"How do you do?How do you do?Hod do you do?" again.~One Misty Morning, children's nursery rhyme~After a week of sun, we had rain and dreary skies yesterday. It was also my first day taking care of my home and children all by myself - the first time since late April. The weather matched my mood.I'm a researcher at heart. Constantly on the look-out for trends, patterns, similarities, differences. I find myself applying a grid to this stage of poor mental health, looking for triggers and safe places, keys to shut things off and turn them on. Variables I can adjust.The thing about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is that there are often multiple laye... Turquoise Gates blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4934753 Thu, 16 Jun 2011 15:16:00 +0100 4934753 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4934336&cid=t_92581_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F06%2F14%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-june-14-2011%2F I have a “friend” who spent their entire 2010 stuck in what-ifs. What if I lose my job? What if I never feel better? What if my dreams don’t come true? Do you have a friend like that? Do you have a friend who attacks your self-esteem by laughing at your mistakes, criticizes your weaknesses and points a finger at your flaws. Worse yet, does she ever say, “You won’t ever be successful in life” because all your efforts are “just not good enough.” Some kind of friend right? But what if I told you that friend was not a friend at all, but your thoughts. Closer to you than any friend would ever be, this inner self-critic sits on your shoulders and constantly berates you. That type of constant negative feedback will wear on a person’s soul and ... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4934336 Tue, 14 Jun 2011 11:17:46 +0100 4934336 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4953295&cid=t_92581_136_f&fid=39016&url=http%3A%2F%2Fturquoisegates.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F06%2Ftraining-wheels.html I walk a thin line between anxiety and laughter in large groups. I thought I could resign myself to this as part of this season. But then I went to church.This isn't my church. It's just a pretty one.It was one of those messages that you feel is written just for you. You slowly creep down in your seat to avoid the pastor's gaze, which you're sure is going to settle on you any minute now. And fill up your whole paper with notes.I'm ruminating on this while I put training wheels on my daughter's bike. First of all, you've got to get the assembly right or they won't work well - or even worse, might be dangerous. I installed one training wheel upside down, for instance. That is NOT going to work! I bloodied a few knuckles during the process. And then the bike is done, and I watch Amy ride and ... Turquoise Gates blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4953295 Mon, 13 Jun 2011 20:17:00 +0100 4953295 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4934339&cid=t_92581_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F06%2F12%2Fmoney-problems-6-steps-to-transform-your-money-life%2F I don’t know of anyone who doesn’t have a money problem right now, in this economy. Even the wealthiest of the wealthy are fretting because the fortunes they stashed in bonds and stocks aren’t performing with the same gust of the 90s, and, even if you have 5 billion dollars, seeing that figure change by a half of a billion produces anxiety and pacing. I wouldn’t know. But I’m guessing. So it was with interest I read financial advisor Karen Lee’s book, It’s Just Money, So Why Does It Cause So Many Problems?. Lee has worked in the financial services industry since 1987. During that time, she has worked with hundreds of families, individuals, and small businesses to help them work towards their financial goals. And to boot, she’s a regular guest expert on CNN. Here are... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4934339 Sun, 12 Jun 2011 12:28:50 +0100 4934339 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4911774&cid=t_92581_136_f&fid=39016&url=http%3A%2F%2Fturquoisegates.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F06%2Fhow-beautiful.html She's little and her problems seem so large. Whole days swallowed up for therapy, praying constantly for her complete healing, monitoring her for seizures. Miss one dose of her medication, and it's days before the seizures are back under control. She snuggles in my chair on a bad day for seizures, her eyes roll back, lids heavy, and she relaxes, this tense bundle of nerves. She fights the seizures, then fights the deep sleep that comes after them. She is the soldier falling asleep standing up, sword in hand. Afraid if she falls asleep on sentry duty, another seizure will sneak through.We all count days that I haven't given in to temptation. I pray, over and over, aloud in my home, the Lord's Prayer. I like the way Jon Foreman tweaked the words at the end: Keep me far from my vices and deli... Turquoise Gates blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4911774 Tue, 07 Jun 2011 15:14:00 +0100 4911774 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4911574&cid=t_92581_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F06%2F07%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-june-7-2011%2F Life lessons come in unexpected packages. Take yesterday, for example. I was peering into my nightly stack of “I’m-going-to-eventually-get-to-these-books,” when I came across the yellow covered copy of Frances Hodgson Burnett’s The Secret Garden. The only reason why I hadn’t finished yet, is that I did what I normally do when I’m infatuated with a book. I read it slowly as if each word were being analyzed with a microscope. I would ponder over an author’s choice of one word over another, for example or got lost in why a particular passage was so magical, so descriptively perfect. When I picked up where I left off, I was enchanted by the beginning of the last chapter, which started with this: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ “[... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4911574 Tue, 07 Jun 2011 11:32:53 +0100 4911574 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4893662&cid=t_92581_117_f&fid=38856&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timemastermd.com%2F%3Fp%3D2255 Men, You’re on the Penis Clock Women say, “the actual vaginal penetration should last for 7 to 20 minutes” but that is after 20 minutes to an hour of foreplay!  Normal men last around 7 minutes, and when asked, “we can just skip that really.” Minute Man While women do like intercourse to last longer than most men do, it depends on whether the sex is enjoyable or painful.  Some men however suffer their own mental pain, and those are the guys who worry about climaxing too fast.  According to the International Society for Sexual Medicine premature ejaculation is characterized by:  Ejaculation that always or nearly always occurs within one minute or less of vaginal penetration or immediate ejaculation upon entering the vagina! Caveman Sex – When did th... Timemaster MD blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4893662 Sat, 04 Jun 2011 02:42:56 +0100 4893662 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4893755&cid=t_92581_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2F2NjmJE1ZWUc%2F The pool at my apartment complex opened this past weekend. There we all were in our bathing suits — mostly pale-skinned but some unseasonably tan; mostly bikini-clad but some in one-pieces; flip-flopped and pony-tailed. Girls girls girls. Oh, and there were men there, too. But I have to say, I didn’t pay them much mind. I was focused solely on the ladies. This has nothing to do with sexual preference, though. No, I was simply sizing them up. Did she look better in her bikini than I did? Was her stomach flatter than mine? It’s the ones who look really good that drew my attention most, because they are the ones I’m holding myself up to in comparison. In a poll conducted by Fitness magazine, 80 percent of women said they think other women are scrutinizing them in their swimwear. (Who ... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4893755 Thu, 02 Jun 2011 16:22:59 +0100 4893755 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4872337&cid=t_92581_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FFN-w4diRYYI%2F Have you ever wished you could swallow a pill and forget all about your past? We haven’t, but it turns out researchers have: University of Montreal researchers say that the drug metyrapone, which reduces the stress hormone cortisol, can effectively block bad memories, therefore alleviating the negative emotions that come with them. Sounds a little scary to us, but for patients who’ve suffered traumatic events that cause significant anxiety or depression, it could be a Godsend. Researchers say that when we recall a negative or traumatic event, we actually re-write it into our memory; administering metyrapone close to the time of re-forming the memory can alter — or erase — our perception of the past. Sonia Lupien, Ph.D., who directed the study, explains: The results show tha... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4872337 Fri, 27 May 2011 16:14:40 +0100 4872337 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4872162&cid=t_92581_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F05%2F27%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-may-27-2011%2F I remember the first time I ever felt in control of my life. I was about 8 or 9 years old at the time and had a reoccurring nightmare about two kids chasing me down the street. When I told my dad about it he said, “You know you can control your dreams right?” He told me all I had to do was visualize what I wanted to happen in the dream before I went to sleep. Because I had the kind of faith in magic and pure wonder that only occurs in childhood, I wholeheartedly believed him. The next morning I woke up with a smile on my face. In my dream, the two kids that were chasing me finally caught up. But in their hands were melting ice-cream cones they had been trying to give me. That dream was years ago, but I will never forget it. More than teaching me how to control my dreams, it tau... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4872162 Fri, 27 May 2011 10:40:45 +0100 4872162 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4872165&cid=t_92581_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F05%2F26%2Fwhen-mental-illness-stigma-turns-inward%2F This study shows in some cases, it might even be increasing.) We see stigma everywhere. Every time violence is automatically connected to mental illness in an article or news report, we see it.* We see it in movies and other forms of media. We see it at work where stereotypes might be perpetuated, where employees are afraid to “come out” with their diagnosis. We see it with our families or friends, who might say versions of “just snap out of it” or “get over it already” or offer “advice” like sleep more, eat less, look on the bright side and try harder. There’s also just pure ignorance, especially when it comes to serious mental illness such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. As E. Fuller Torrey, M.D., wrote in Surviving Schizophrenia: A Manual for Families, ... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4872165 Thu, 26 May 2011 12:00:16 +0100 4872165 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4862550&cid=t_92581_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Forganized-medicine-is-out-of-touch-with-how-practicing-physicians-feel-about-obamacare%2F2011.05.24 There is a widespread discrepancy between the opinions of organized medical group leaders in the American Medical Association (AMA), the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), the American College of Physicians (ACP), and  practicing physicians.  AMA, AAFP, and ACP are part of organized medicine. These organizations supported the healthcare reform law in 2010 and continue to support the legislation. I believe they have taken this position because they want a seat at the table as implementation of the legislation moves forward. President Obama has not paid attention to them so far and there is little evidence that he will in the future. In March of 2010, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi famously said, “We have to pass the [health care] bill so that you can find out what is i... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4862550 Tue, 24 May 2011 16:00:17 +0100 4862550 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4852937&cid=t_92581_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F05%2F23%2F10-things-you-should-know-about-male-depression%2F What looks and feels like depression to a woman may not to a man, which is why so many men in America are misdiagnosed or missed altogether. However, considering that the rates of completed suicide of men are three to four times that of women, we need to educate ourselves about male depression and its unique symptoms. The following are 10 things you should know about male depression, compiled from Johns Hopkins Depression and Anxiety Bulletin and other sources. 1. Depression affects about 6 million American men and 12 million American women each year. But these numbers don’t tell the story of men, and older men, in particular. 2. Suicide in men peaks in the 20s and again in the 60s and 70s. 3. Many men experience “depression without sadness,” which makes it more challenging for prima... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4852937 Mon, 23 May 2011 16:45:23 +0100 4852937 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4852940&cid=t_92581_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F05%2F22%2Fam-i-a-defensive-pessimist%2F Photo credit: vrogy (Flickr) This blog post, I’m convinced, will be a real disaster. I mean, just think of all the things that could possibly go wrong! If I post it at the wrong time of day, no one will read it. If I don’t write with super-engaging language and in a clever tone, potential readers will bypass my post for something else on the internet that’s far more exciting. Oh, and I’ll probably (unknowingly!) insert a blatant typo that my eyes refuse to notice — even after several rounds of proofreeding. Or proofreading. Yeah, that second one. I’ve painted a pretty gloomy picture there, haven’t I? It feels a little awkward to admit that I’m a pessimist. The world really seems to be riding the wave of optimism these days, at least as far as... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4852940 Sun, 22 May 2011 22:14:59 +0100 4852940 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4841582&cid=t_92581_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F05%2F18%2Fapa-mental-health-blog-party-2011-roundup%2F Here is our roundup of posts from the Psych Central Blog Network that blogged about mental health today as a part of the American Psychological Association’s (APA) Mental Health “Blog Party.” Psych Central is the world’s largest independent mental health network run by ordinary mental health professionals. Each month, over 1.5 million people visit our site from around the world to learn more about better mental health and conditions like depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, ADHD and anxiety. Psych Central bloggers are some of the most dedicated and passionate people I’ve met in the field of mental health. Some are professionals, some are not, but all share one thing in common — they have a knack for writing about psychology and mental health issu... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4841582 Wed, 18 May 2011 14:55:30 +0100 4841582 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4841585&cid=t_92581_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F05%2F17%2Fnew-study-says-treating-mom-helps-childrens-mental-health%2F In this study, researchers learned that children’s improvement, in terms of both depressive symptoms and social functioning, is associated with the time it took their mothers to get better.” I sort of cringe when I read those facts because it took me two years to get better when I was severely depressed. My kids were the ages of one and three when my symptoms began, and they were three and five when I finally regained some stability. And yes, there were huge behavioral ramifications. Especially in my son. I suspect much of the anxiety he suffers today goes back to that frightening time in his life. Wall Street Journal columnist Melinda Beck writes about the new study in this week’s “Health Journal.” Beck mentions a report published in the journal Pediatrics that says at early a... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4841585 Tue, 17 May 2011 22:15:42 +0100 4841585 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4841586&cid=t_92581_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F05%2F17%2Fthe-healing-power-of-laughter%2F A year and a half ago, John McManamy interviewed me on the topic of humor in relation to mental health in a post he called “On the Dark Side of Humor.” I explained to him that of all my tools to combat depression and anxiety, humor is by far the most fun. I realize I run into trouble with some folks who think there is nothing funny about being depressed and not able to get up from bed. But even if you have a broken funny bone while buried in the Black Hole, the minute you surface I think it’s helpful to look back and poke fun of what just happened. If that is at all possible. I wasn’t always able to laugh at myself. In fact, on my dad’s deathbed, he urged me to have more fun. That was his only wish. I took life WAY too seriously and was annoyed by people who didn’t. And then it... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4841586 Tue, 17 May 2011 18:05:20 +0100 4841586 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4813361&cid=t_92581_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F05%2F11%2Fthe-fear-of-making-mistakes-and-interesting-insights-on-being-wrong%2F My whole life I’ve been terrified of making mistakes. When I was giving a talk about Germany in my sixth grade class and the teacher asked me who the chancellor was, it took me a minute to utter his last name — all the while I was stuttering. When I gave presentations in school, I never veered away from my index cards — not even a word. I made myself memorize the words in their exact order — perfectly. If I fumbled, I was a failure. When I started a job in college, the first time I swept the floor, I took an inordinate amount of time. I was worried that if the manager saw any dirt, she’d think that I wasn’t working hard enough to pick up every speck. When I was accepted to grad school, I thought they could sense my stupidity and lack of skill and send me on my way. (Im... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4813361 Wed, 11 May 2011 12:29:54 +0100 4813361 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4813363&cid=t_92581_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F05%2F10%2Fconquering-performance-anxiety-a-primer-for-all-phobias%2F Public speaking is the king of phobias. That’s according to Taylor Clark, author of the insightful book, Nerve. He writes: According to a 2001 poll, more than 40 percent of Americans confess to a dread of appearing before spectators. (In some surveys, fear of public speaking even outranks fear of death, a fact that inspired Jerry Seinfeld’s famous observation that at a funeral, this means the average person would rather be in the casket than giving the eulogy.) To get to the solution of this phobia — which can help us with all our other phobias — Clark tells the story of cellist Zoe Keating. Today her music is featured everywhere from National Public Radio to film scores to European ballets. Clark attended one of her performances and comments, “Keating seemed entirely obl... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4813363 Tue, 10 May 2011 14:30:33 +0100 4813363 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5028429&cid=t_92581_109_f&fid=34706&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fvideo-play.mp4%3FcontentId%3Db94ec5e39e942782%26type%3Dvideo%252Fmp4http%3A%2F%2Fdrdeborahserani.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F05%2Fbook-promotion-living-with-depression.html Take a look at some of the high profile people who live with a mental illness.For more information, link here. (Source: Dr. Deborah Serani) Dr. Deborah Serani blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5028429 Mon, 09 May 2011 18:29:00 +0100 5028429 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4797884&cid=t_92581_136_f&fid=39016&url=http%3A%2F%2Fturquoisegates.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F05%2Fbroken-halos.html A sinister kid is a kid who Runs to meet his Maker A drop dead sprint from the day he's born Straight into his Maker's arms And that's me, that's me The boy with the broken halo That's me, that's me The devil won't let me beI got a tortured mind And my blade is sharp A bad combination In the dark~The Black Keys, Sinister Kid~The girl with the broken halo. I look down at my arms and fly through a flashback and wonder how I came to be the bad church girl. A friend in the psych ward told me that's why she could talk to me. Because I am a "bad church girl". I wondered, aren't we all? Some signs are more visible, of course - my 5 week on and off stint in the psych ward, the new scars on my body, the cigarette I smoke and the beer I drink. I shrink into my skin a little when she says "bad c... Turquoise Gates blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4797884 Sat, 07 May 2011 19:37:00 +0100 4797884 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4872488&cid=t_92581_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2Fh-94W9hbtX8%2F Mature sexualityMen in their 50s have more satisfying sex lives than men in their 30sMen in their fifties are more satisfied with their sex lives than men in their thirties and forties, recording similar levels to 20-29 year-olds, according to a survey published in the February issue of BJU International.A team of experts from Norway and the USA surveyed 1,185 men aged between 20 and 79, asking them about various aspects of their sex life, including drive, erections and ejaculation.They found that although there was a strong relationship between a man’s advancing age and his declining sex drive and ability to have an erection and ejaculate, there wasn’t such a strong link between age and overall sexual satisfaction.The men who responded to the Norwegian postal questionnaire wer... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4872488 Thu, 05 May 2011 17:18:01 +0100 4872488 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4789332&cid=t_92581_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F05%2F05%2Fhelping-schools-with-their-mental-health-needs%2F May is Mental Health Month (if you hadn’t heard), and in keeping with that theme, it’s good to check in to see where mental health resides in various places in society. One of those places is in our schools. Schools can be a helpful frontline in the identification — through screening programs — of at-risk children and teens who may get a mental disorder. In the past decade, schools have also become a necessary component of ensuring students who need mental health treatment have access to something that can help. But University of Missouri researchers caution that when it comes to mental health programs in schools, one size does not fit all. Just trying to implement research-based solutions without truly understanding what the problem is in a particular school or sch... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4789332 Thu, 05 May 2011 16:45:24 +0100 4789332 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4789537&cid=t_92581_136_f&fid=39016&url=http%3A%2F%2Fturquoisegates.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F05%2Fi-dont-understand-god-yet.html He is my teacher, he is my friendpure spotless innocent lambHe is my doctorHe is my loveSon of God and son of manNothing can stand under the power of His handBut he came here to heal the weak and broken manHe is love, He is loveHe is love, He is loveKind hearted kindredmerciful friendCompassion extends in His handsHe died to bring lifeMagical, lyrical manHe knows our every weaknessHe has built our house on faithHe was with us in our darknessand He loves us all the same~Love Song, Molly Williams~I know the God to whom I pray for safety. I know the God I beg for healing. I know the God who is a distant sentinel over humankind. I know the God who judges and disciplines. I need to learn more about the other side of God: mercy, kindness, forgiveness, the God who wants to be my friend.No, dear b... Turquoise Gates blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4789537 Thu, 05 May 2011 09:22:00 +0100 4789537 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4780432&cid=t_92581_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2F7PCdFHF6dWQ%2F We know it’s unsafe to drive after two or three glasses of wine, but what about after 1,050 milligrams of Lithium? Sure, my impulse response is good. My cognitive functions are fine. I know when I have to stop, where to look, and how to flip the bird if I have to. But my hands do tremor. And although most of the time no one notices, there are times when the shakes are quite visible, and embarrassing. Like on the morning of my first day at my new consulting job, where 300 consultants waited in one single file line to submit proper paperwork. I couldn’t get my Styrofoam coffee cup to stop shaking as I held copies of my birth certificate, driver’s license, and proof that I was not an alien. The man behind me noticed my shaking hands and said, “Oh, you poor thing. Your blood sugar is l... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4780432 Tue, 03 May 2011 14:00:42 +0100 4780432 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4780461&cid=t_92581_136_f&fid=39016&url=http%3A%2F%2Fturquoisegates.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F05%2Fjesus-paid-it-all.html Head knowledge is different than knowing something deep in your heart. The concept that echoes through every conversation I've had in the past few months is God's love. I believe that He died for me, which was an act of love. But I find the blackness of my own heart so hideous that it is hard to believe that He forgave that out of love. Perhaps this is why He seems so distant from me lately. How would you feel if you tried to give someone a gift and they rejected it, citing their unworthiness, then walking away from you? The ongoing acceptance of God's love in our broken lives is praise, worship, and thankfulness. That's what God wants me to be doing.In the quagmire of guilt and shame, I am searching frantically for the rope to lift me out. I find it in Romans during devotions this morning... Turquoise Gates blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4780461 Tue, 03 May 2011 12:45:00 +0100 4780461 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4775535&cid=t_92581_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FXfmxcYwLR-Y%2F Migraine: n. A severe recurring headache (check), usually affecting only one side of the head (yep), characterized by sharp pain (understatement) and often accompanied by nausea, vomiting (a la Regan MacNeil), and visual disturbances (sounds like a peyote hangover, but, check, check, check). My migraines date back to (surprise!) starting my first real job after college – in the federal government. One night, I awoke to find the right side of my head throbbing and seemingly on fire. I couldn’t have lights on. I was nauseous. Noises and smells of any kind exacerbated the pain. Way back in high school, I had been convinced that I had every disease and disorder on the planet; I was perhaps the world’s youngest and most prolific hypochondriac. Instead of brushing up on my Edith Hamilton, ... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4775535 Mon, 02 May 2011 14:00:18 +0100 4775535 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4771317&cid=t_92581_136_f&fid=39016&url=http%3A%2F%2Fturquoisegates.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F05%2Fhollow-eyes.html Eyes of glassmatte paper projector screenwith the scenes playing from the insideI remember too muchand now I can't screamGot to take it in strideFlash back to sevenflash back to bloodflash back to liesas I held back the floodI was the child with thumb in dikeI was the girl with banana seat bikeOne day I "fell on it" and bled so muchI remember doctor's cold glovesindignity of examPrivate placesempty spacesfilled with painnever the sameI try to cry, scream, swear, weepI try hardest to go to sleepTo walk the halls of unconscious mindlike the Oreo lost in the bottom of the milk glassI dive in and I'm sinking fastI just go looking for someone to believe in meCover up the scarlet letterWrap me up in robesLead me out tremblingIf only I could say (like He did)"It is finished."Flip the switch.Go ba... Turquoise Gates blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4771317 Sun, 01 May 2011 09:30:00 +0100 4771317 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4771210&cid=t_92581_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F04%2F30%2F8-ways-to-make-technology-less-stressful%2F Photo credit: Summer Beretsky Whatever you do, DO NOT think of an elephant right now! Seriously. Don’t think about elephants, or big floppy elephant ears, or elephants at circuses, or elephants in the wild. Now, be honest: you totally just thought of an elephant. Didn’t you? That’s exactly how I felt all week when I tried to stay away from the internet. When I opted to spend a week away from the internet and other technological devices, I expected my brief affair with the IRL (“in real life”) world to whisk me away into romantic oblivion. Sadly, that was not the case. Instead, I spent a lot of offline time thinking about the technology that I was sorely missing…and about the stress it invites into my life. The constantly-updating Twitter feeds, the myri... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4771210 Sat, 30 Apr 2011 19:48:26 +0100 4771210 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4768200&cid=t_92581_136_f&fid=39016&url=http%3A%2F%2Fturquoisegates.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F04%2Fhow-god-sees-us.html I imagine my Father singing this song to me.I identify with nearly every word.Through the cross, I am redeemed.The cross is my escape, my sanctuary and my hope.Made a wrong turn, once or twice.Dug my way out, blood and fire.Bad decisions, that's alright.Welcome to my silly life.Mistreated, misplaced, misunderstood.Miss 'No way, it's all good', it didn't slow me down.Mistaken, always second guessing, underestimated.Look, I'm still around.Pretty, pretty please, don't you ever, ever feelLike you're less than perfect.Pretty, pretty please, if you ever, ever feel like you're nothing,You're perfect to meYou're so mean when you talk about yourself; you were wrong.Change the voices in your head; make them like you instead.So complicated, look happy, you'll make itFilled with so much hatr... Turquoise Gates blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4768200 Sat, 30 Apr 2011 05:01:00 +0100 4768200 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4758787&cid=t_92581_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F04%2F27%2F8-reasons-why-waiting-in-line-drives-us-crazy%2F I’m a very impatient person, and standing in a slow-moving line is one of those very small, maddening aspects of life that drives me crazy. As often happens, however, when I learned more about the experience, it became more interesting to me. I happened to read a paper by David Maister, The Psychology of Waiting Lines. The piece is aimed at people who operate stores, restaurants, doctors’ offices, and other places where people fuss about being kept waiting. Of course, most of us are the ones standing in line, not the ones controlling the line, but I was fascinated by getting this insight into my own psychology. Maister’s main point is that the actual time we’re waiting may have little relationship to how long that wait feels. Two minutes can pass in a flash, or two ... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4758787 Wed, 27 Apr 2011 12:49:52 +0100 4758787 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4753757&cid=t_92581_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F04%2F26%2F7-tips-for-coping-with-finals%2F It’s that time again if you’re a college or graduate student — time for finals. It’s also time to self-sabotage, to get in your own way in terms of effective studying. We stress out more than usual, even when we’re on top of the material, because of the anxiety surrounding test-taking. But you don’t have to stress out about final exams. You can actually do better (and feel better about your performance) if you keep the stress at bay and focus on simple study skills over the next few weeks. Here’s a few tips for coping with finals to get you started. None of these are going to be eye-opening or stuff you don’t already know… But sometimes we need to be reminded of the things we already know, to drive home their importance. 1. Schedule yo... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4753757 Tue, 26 Apr 2011 15:45:49 +0100 4753757 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4753891&cid=t_92581_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FBVk7sxxWYy0%2F At Blisstree, we’re all about trying to get happier and healthier in order to live better, and we hope to help you do the same every day. But, of course, it’s not always easy to know how to make that intangible dream of happiness a reality. And even if you do know how to do it, it’s pretty challenging to keep all the parts of your life in balance so that often-elusive health and happiness last as long as possible. So I asked M.D., board-certified psychiatrist, and Blisstree contributor Dale Archer to give us ten steps we can take to promote and achieve lasting happiness in our own lives (and these are tactics he actually shares with his patients). So what are we waiting for? Let’s get happy — and healthy. 1. Exercise. Even if you’re not a gym rat, walkin... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4753891 Tue, 26 Apr 2011 14:50:20 +0100 4753891 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4758967&cid=t_92581_136_f&fid=39016&url=http%3A%2F%2Fturquoisegates.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F04%2Fcrying-out-to-rise-again.html "For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again." (Prov 24:16a)The curbside Prophet there yelling at meYeah, he's yelling about my tattoosBut we all live with the scars we chooseThey might hurt like hell, but they all make us stronger~ Take Me As I Am, Sugarland ~The puckered red leather top on our maple syruping table is a parable of my soul. There is something painful about each crack and line, but there is a hidden beauty as well. Something well worn, well loved, still useful.The nightmares and flashbacks are intense. Sometimes I emerge crying, the vivid pictures of my childhood abuse and scars from college searing my soul right out of sleep. I am afraid to be alone. I am afraid of the dark again, like I was as a child.I picture myself the chick under the wings of God, the hen ... Turquoise Gates blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4758967 Tue, 26 Apr 2011 09:53:00 +0100 4758967 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4747838&cid=t_92581_136_f&fid=39016&url=http%3A%2F%2Fturquoisegates.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F04%2Fcross-amidst-crisis.html Making choices about memory, being mindful about your thoughts. This is a new practice for me, and I wear it like a new outfit, fidgety and not sure how it looks on me. I watched the Passion of the Christ on Holy Saturday, and I was reminded, as Satan floated in and out Jesus' view, always with a half-smile on the face and the temptation to the easy route out, that in this way, also, I must follow my King. See Satan. But let Satan have no place in my thoughts. Flashbacks come, like Satan, flitting through the background of real life. But that's what they are, just flashbacks, just bad memories. The reality is that I am hidden in Christ, and I must see Satan flitting with His eyes, the eyes that looked calmly yet with dread toward His own day of suffering.I spend a week with friends and see... Turquoise Gates blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4747838 Mon, 25 Apr 2011 09:59:00 +0100 4747838 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4744839&cid=t_92581_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F04%2F23%2Frecovery-from-addiction-and-depression-an-interview-with-vivian-eisenecher-2%2F Today I have the honor of interviewing Vivian Eisenecher, author of Recovering Me, Discovering Joy, and a sought after speaker, mentor and writer since 1996. Her other published works include articles for Chicken Soup for the Soul and Woman’s World. Her inspirational story has been enthusiastically received by churches, companies and corporations, national organizations and national associations. She is passionate about reducing the stigma of mental illness and substance abuse. She loves helping people meet their potential and discover joy in their lives! Question: I love the definition of authentic success that you give in your book. You spell out PROCESS as an acrostic and go through the seven components of process. Could you abbreviate them here for my readers? Vivian: Authentic s... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4744839 Sat, 23 Apr 2011 11:59:18 +0100 4744839 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4734206&cid=t_92581_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F04%2F20%2Fdigital-detox-week-on-sort-of-staying-away-from-technology%2F Photo Credit: .:AR:. (Flickr) Happy Digital Detox Week! This week, I’m joining Adbusters in celebrating seven days away from technology — television, video games, and internet included. Wait. What was that last one? Did I just say “internet”? Yeah, internet. That internet thing…that thing that I’m on right now. Did I just out myself as a failure at my own little project? It’s only the third day of my week-long experiment and already I’m a hypocrite — but with good reason. Computers and the internet have invaded my life to such a great extent that I can’t completely disconnect. Not even if I wanted to. Here’s why: I work in an office. Every aspect of my day job, unfortunately, is performed in front of the big bright computer ... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4734206 Wed, 20 Apr 2011 19:51:34 +0100 4734206 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4734435&cid=t_92581_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FKDaygXPd3b4%2F Ready to relax? Well, we’ve got a new 40 Days of Giveaways prize to help you do just that. If you’re late to this spring fling: Blisstree is using the season of Lent to reward you for giving up your vices in favor of healthier habits. Each weekday from now until May 3, we’ll give away a different prize to one reader just for becoming our Facebook fan. And today’s prize is all about relaxation, restoration, and rejuvenation. We’re giving away one (1) Heavenly Acupressure Mat (worth $50) to one reader who simply “Likes” Blisstree on Facebook. Time to seriously say see you later to stress. Heavenly Acupressure Mats are an easy and affordable way to enjoy the benefits of acupressure in the comfort of your own home. Each mat is made from 100% cotton, and has a total of 8,820 p... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4734435 Wed, 20 Apr 2011 12:30:34 +0100 4734435 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4734437&cid=t_92581_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2F5QvZKe6pbmc%2F My reasons for watching TV are manifold: Escapism, boredom, I-can’t-sleep-ism, it’s like having company over, (which I think was my grandma’s reason), to make myself feel better about myself, and just out of plain old (mostly bad) habit. But sometimes I watch TV simply to terrify myself to the core. Not by watching anything in the horror genre, but by catching a show like Relapse on A&E. This network is king of docu-reality series that focus on serious mental and physical health issues (Heavy, Hoarders, and Intervention are also very well done, though Intervention is a little too “Dateline NBC” for my tastes.) Relapse makes tough-love weight-loss reality TV shows like Heavy and The Biggest Loser look like springtime picnics in the park. You don’t hav... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4734437 Tue, 19 Apr 2011 17:23:16 +0100 4734437 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4734229&cid=t_92581_109_f&fid=38950&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.shockmd.com%2F2011%2F04%2F19%2Fwho-should-select-the-music-during-medical-procedures%2F According to recent research it’s not the patient who should select it. Possibly because the patient will be afraid choosing a kind of music not agreeable to the physician. Overall, listening to music during cardiac catheterization significantly reduces anxiety as measured before and after the procedure with the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Moreover, all patients who listened to music had a trend to lower values of systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate than control-group with no music. Women had higher anxiety scores before the procedure, the post operative score were similar in men and women. Women had a stronger anxiety reduction than men due to the music. All patients with music during the procedure showed a positive reaction to the music played and they di... Dr Shock MD PhD blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4734229 Tue, 19 Apr 2011 05:32:49 +0100 4734229 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4723943&cid=t_92581_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F04%2F17%2Ffeeling-anxious-here-are-3-iphone-apps-to-help-you-relax%2F Photo credit: Helga Weber Digital distractions are everywhere. You’re only two sentences into this blog post, but I’ll bet you’re already thinking about switching tabs to see if you have any comments on that new Facebook wall post you just made. Now you’ve reached the second paragraph, and I know you want to — have to, in fact — refresh your Gmail just one more time. Or check your @replies on Twitter, again, just like you did five minutes ago. Or pull up Reddit, again, hoping to see that red/orange envelope all lit up to notify you of a brand new message. Wait — did you hear something vibrate from across the room? Was it your phone? Maybe you should go and check your texts. Technology can scatter our attention into about a million directions at onc... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4723943 Sun, 17 Apr 2011 21:49:00 +0100 4723943 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4724130&cid=t_92581_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FSwLg3ZkLKe8%2F On Friday we tried to calm your nerves by giving you five reasons not to stress out about your taxes. But as tomorrow’s IRS filing deadline quickly approaches, we wonder how you’re really feeling about your current financial relationship with the federal and state governments. Whether or not you’ve already filed your taxes, will file by Monday night, April 18, or plan to request an extension, how’s your stress level right now? Money does matter, so how do you let this annual event affect your life? Take our poll: photo: Thinkstock Post from: BlissTree Poll: How Stressed Out Are You About Tax Day? (Source: Genetics and Health) Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4724130 Sun, 17 Apr 2011 13:21:08 +0100 4724130 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4720027&cid=t_92581_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2F2FyTW2jI-7U%2F It’s April 15 and you haven’t given your taxes a thought. Don’t panic. (Actually, if you haven’t done anything about your taxes at this point, do panic a little. Though this year you have until Monday, April 18 at 11:59 p.m. to file them. Looks like you may be pulling an all-nighter this weekend.) While I’m certainly not advocating that you ever blow off your taxes (though filing for an extension is fair game), you shouldn’t let the annual hullabaloo around tax season stress you out so much so that you don’t recognize yourself. To a certain degree, it’s a choice not to allow tax time to turn you into a stress bunny. And most of this high-stakes, high-anxiety April money drama is perpetuated by the mainstream media, anyway, and since when do y... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4720027 Fri, 15 Apr 2011 18:03:14 +0100 4720027 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4714826&cid=t_92581_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F04%2F14%2Fwhen-physical-exercise-feels-just-like-a-panic-attack%2F Photo credit: Thomas Hawk I’ve had more honest-to-goodness panic attacks in my life than I can count. And by “honest-to-goodness”, I mean the real deal: racing heart, palpitations, nausea, dizziness, shortness of breath, incredibly unsolicited surges of adrenaline…and so on. Simultaneously. Many people — from friends to doctors — told me to start exercising. My friends said it would reduce my stress and help me to sleep better at night. The University of Georgia says it can reduce my anxiety. My doctor told me that getting in shape will reduce heart palpitations and increase my lung capacity. True, true, and true. But here’s the big Catch-22 that kept me from following everyone’s good advice: exercising made me panic. And why? Well, a body ... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4714826 Fri, 15 Apr 2011 01:22:48 +0100 4714826 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4714828&cid=t_92581_109_f&fid=34752&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPsychsplash%2F%7E3%2F7dPpkwV6mBU%2F URL: http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255) is a 24-hour, toll-free, confidential suicide prevention hotline available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. By dialing 1-800-273-TALK, the call is routed to the nearest crisis center in our national network of more than 150 crisis centers. The Lifeline’s national network of local crisis centers, provide crisis counseling and mental health referrals day and night. For: Anyone, ConsumersTopics: Anger, Anxiety, Behaviour Management, Clinical Psychology, Common Factors, Depression, Emotional Health, General Psychology, General Science, Health Promotion, Health and Social Services, Mental Health, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Self-harm and suicideFeatures: Articles... PsychSplash blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4714828 Thu, 14 Apr 2011 17:00:52 +0100 4714828 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4696959&cid=t_92581_151_f&fid=36896&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSuboxoneTalkZone%2F%7E3%2FuA9yORq3fi8%2F I have written about the sleazy actions of health insurer Humana.  Today I filed a formal complaint with the Wisconsin Commisioner of Insurance regarding their practices.  I’ll copy my letter below, rather than take the time to write everything over again.  If there is an attorney willing to work the case on contingency, please contact me.  Likewise, if other patients or physicians are having similar problems with Humana, send me an e-mail through my website at www.fdlpsych.com. The complaint: My patient, XXXXXX, has been treated for opioid dependence for two years, using maintenance treatment with Suboxone.  He has maintained sobriety from opioids.  He also suffers from panic attacks and takes Effexor daily.  He uses lorazepam, a sedative, several times per month, and takes a... Suboxone Talk Zone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4696959 Sun, 10 Apr 2011 01:00:18 +0100 4696959 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4684428&cid=t_92581_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F04%2F07%2F5-ways-to-better-cope-with-stress%2F When trying to manage stress, Richard Blonna, Ed.D — a nationally certified coach and counselor and author of Stress Less, Live More — said that many people mistakenly look for a Band-Aid approach. They look for one approach to work with all stressors in all situations at all times. But realistically you can’t rely on one technique. For instance, diaphragmatic breathing is an effective stress reliever but you might not want to use it in a certain situation because you’re feeling self-conscious and don’t want to bring attention to yourself, he said. Similarly, while Blonna is a big believer in meditation, he said it doesn’t work if you’re stuck in traffic, since it’s dangerous to close your eyes. Instead, “What we need is a toolbox that’s full of techniques tha... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4684428 Thu, 07 Apr 2011 18:35:42 +0100 4684428 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4684623&cid=t_92581_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FDCClisqavdg%2F The other day I asked you a serious question. Poll: What’s Your Nervous OCD Habit? (Most of you gave serious answers like leg-shaking, followed by hair-pulling, and then nail-biting.) Personally, I’ve played with, tugged on, and actually pulled out my hair to varying degrees since I was little. (And over the years I’ve noticed that lots of the women in my family do the very same thing.) I guess because I don’t have bald spots (yet!), I never actually thought of this quirky little compulsive hair-pulling habit as trichotillomania (cool name, less-cool condition), but apparently it is — at least according to a mental health expert or two I’ve consulted in the past. But because I know that this is an area of expertise for Dr. Dale Archer, an M.D. board-cert... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4684623 Thu, 07 Apr 2011 17:38:58 +0100 4684623 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4684624&cid=t_92581_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2Fi6rL9j4qhaI%2F It’s safe to say that I’m obsessed with the sounds of other people’s voices, and the ability that those voices have to cast a much-welcomed meditative spell over me. Plus, listening to a good, calming voice is an instant stress-reliever. Remember Kind Coma: Alec Baldwin, Deepak Chopra, and 3 Other Soothing Voices to Relax Your Mind, Body, and Spirit? Well, today we’re back with another edition that solely focuses on the dulcet tones of five yoga instructor pipes. It’s worth noting that I don’t actually use these instructional yoga videos as part of my practice. (I go to various yoga studios for that.) For me, these audio/video displays are purely instruments of mini-meditation sessions. And why buy the DVD when you can get the asana for free? I like to c... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4684624 Wed, 06 Apr 2011 22:15:09 +0100 4684624 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4684625&cid=t_92581_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FhEsdhD61TSg%2F For all our chronic gripes about our monthly flow—pain, mood swings, excessive bloating, pimples—a period missed often signals a serious change in the body. Pregnancy is, of course, the most common cause for a cycle change, but there’s a bevy of reasons why your monthly bill may be a no-show. As you review our list of 12, it’s worth noting that they’re interconnected. In Western medicine, we often forget that the body is one constantly moving machine and that one malfunction can throw the whole thing off. When seeking diagnosis and treatment for irregular menses, it’s best to start with your PCP or gynecologist. After that, he or she may recommend that you visit a specialist such as a reproductive endocrinologist, a neurologist, a nutritionist, or even a psychiatrist or psychol... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4684625 Wed, 06 Apr 2011 20:50:55 +0100 4684625 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4684430&cid=t_92581_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F04%2F06%2Fis-your-job-making-you-depressed%2F The other day I wrote a post for Blisstree.com on how to stay productive when you are clinically depressed. I mentioned that, at my rock bottom, I had to take a break altogether from writing, as every time I sat down in front of my computer, all I could do was cry. Moreover, because my concentration was totally so shot, composing a sentence — much less an article — wasn’t going to happen. I took a year off. To heal. Because Eric was gainfully employed at that time, I was able to swing it. Eventually I tip-toed back to the working world. Very slowly. Very carefully. Very deliberately. Because a sudden plunge might have rendered me disabled for another year or so. And I didn’t start with writing, ironically. My therapist advised me to do something in which I interacted with people, a... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4684430 Wed, 06 Apr 2011 18:35:39 +0100 4684430 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4684627&cid=t_92581_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FrvefOx67dC8%2F Time to chill out. And we’ve got a new 40 Days of Giveaways prize to help you do just that. (If you’re late to this spring fling: Blisstree is using the season of Lent to reward you for giving up your vices in favor of healthier habits. Each weekday from now until May 3, we’ll give away a different prize to one reader just for becoming our Facebook fan.) And today’s prize is all about relaxation, restoration, and rejuvenation. We’re giving away one (1) Heavenly Acupressure Mat (worth $50) to one reader who simply “Likes” Blisstree on Facebook. That’s some serious stress relief. Heavenly Acupressure Mats are an easy and affordable way to enjoy the benefits of acupressure in the comfort of your own home. Each mat is made from 100% cotton, and has a total of 8,820 pain... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4684627 Wed, 06 Apr 2011 12:30:04 +0100 4684627 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4684432&cid=t_92581_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F04%2F05%2Fcoming-to-america-can-increase-depression-anxiety%2F I chalk this up to the category, “This is news how, exactly?” Here’s the finding in a nutshell — “After arrival in the United States, [Mexican] migrants had a significantly higher risk for first onset of any depressive or anxiety disorder than did non-migrant family members of migrants in Mexico,” the authors report. Wow, surprising. You mean going to a foreign country, not necessarily knowing anyone, not necessarily having any job or job prospects, and not necessarily knowing the language can negatively impact your mental health? Do tell. The researchers “compared a sample of Mexican-born migrants (259 men and 295 women) after their arrival in the U.S. with a sample of non-migrants in Mexico (904 men and 1,615 women) on their risk for first onset of a de... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4684432 Tue, 05 Apr 2011 22:21:19 +0100 4684432 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4684631&cid=t_92581_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FZU3FASlNUms%2F One of my favorite Seinfeld episodes is the one where George Costanza explains to Jerry what will happen if his worlds collide. Elaine has invited Susan, George’s girlfriend, to a show. It was Jerry’s idea. And George can’t believe how stupid Jerry was to suggest that, because if Susan becomes part of the inner circle, his worlds would definitely collide and, well, blow up. George (to Jerry): Well, that was a really stupid thing. You know what’s going to happen now? Jerry: Worlds collide. George: Yeah. Jerry: Because this world is your sanctuary and if that world comes into contact with this world… George: Yes. It blows up! So if you know that, why did you tell Elaine that? Jerry: I didn’t know. Kramer just told me about the worlds. George: You couldn’t figure out the wor... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4684631 Tue, 05 Apr 2011 13:15:42 +0100 4684631 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4676869&cid=t_92581_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F04%2F05%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-april-5-2011%2F A few weeks ago, the weirdest thing happened. I walked into a crowded after-school hangout for young adults and my thirty something year old self suddenly felt as awkward and gawky as I was at thirteen. Where was my self-confidence? What happened to those twenty years of work on building my self-worth to replace those few years of embarrassment and shame? All I could think of was how fast I wanted to get out of there. Have you ever felt like that before? Have you ever wanted to change your perspective or redo a moment so you can feel better about the life you are living? Thankfully, after I left, I picked up the pieces of my fragile self and again walked in the shoes of a happy and confident adult. But I wish I had read one of these posts sooner. If you have had a shot to your self-esteem ... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4676869 Tue, 05 Apr 2011 11:07:07 +0100 4676869 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4670172&cid=t_92581_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F04%2F02%2Fhow-to-be-afraid-an-interview-with-taylor-clark%2F Today I have the honor of interviewing Taylor Clark, author of the BRILLIANT book Nerve: Poise Under Pressure, Serenity Under Stress, and the Brave New Science of Fear and Control. It’s amazing material, so I wanted to learn even more. 1. In all your interviews and discussions with brain experts, what study or piece of research about fear was most helpful to you in trying to overcome your own fear? I actually have two answers to this question — or, rather, one answer and one clarification. I’ll offer the clarification first, because it’s absolutely vital to understanding how to deal productively with our fears: trying to “overcome” anxiety and phobias by doing battle against them just doesn’t work. (Believe me, this is a lesson I had to learn the hard way.) Even though an... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4670172 Sat, 02 Apr 2011 11:56:39 +0100 4670172 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4658413&cid=t_92581_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F03%2F30%2Fgrowing-up-bipolar%2F “Were you bipolar growing up?” a magazine editor asked me the other day. “I don’t know,” I said. “Do you think you were misdiagnosed back then as depressed?” “I don’t know,” I said. I wasn’t annoyed. I wasn’t rushed. I just really don’t know. I can clearly say that something was wrong with me, but I’m very careful to throw the “bipolar” word around when it pertains to kids given all the debate today on the topic. Friends of mine rant on another friend for medicating their daughter for bipolar disorder, who, according to the friends’ eyes, is perfectly fine. And then I hear the sadness and utter frustration of another friend whose bipolar daughter was just expelled from school. While I tend to be pretty conservative about meds myself (you’d never guess t... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4658413 Wed, 30 Mar 2011 18:30:32 +0100 4658413 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4658415&cid=t_92581_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F03%2F30%2Fintroducing-partners-in-wellness%2F I’m pleased to introduce our newest blog, Partners in Wellness by Kate Thieda. This is a blog that is meant to provide information and support to relationship partners and spouses who are in a marriage with someone who has a mental illness, such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. Coping with someone who has a serious mental illness can often times be trying, difficult, and stressful. This blog will deal with topics to help caregivers and partners learn to better communicate and improve their relationships with someone who has a mental health concern. Partners in Wellness will focus on helping people who are in a relationship with a person who has a mental health issue. While this may include what people often refer to as “caregivers,” it is focused on people who are par... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4658415 Wed, 30 Mar 2011 10:55:29 +0100 4658415 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4653380&cid=t_92581_109_f&fid=34752&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPsychsplash%2F%7E3%2FSRsY_PLWB6k%2F URL: http://www.nrcdv.org/Domestic violence should never, ever happen. No one should abuse anyone, ever. Unfortunately, it does occur, and there has to be ways to help overcome the madness that domestic violence is. The National Resource Center on Domestic Violence is one of those ways to overcome. For: Anyone, ConsumersTopics: Abnormal, Anger, Anxiety, Behaviour Management, Child and Adolescent, Common Factors, Depression, Emotional Health, Family Therapy, General Psychology, Health Promotion, Health Psychology, Health and Social Services, Insomnia, Life, Lifestyle, Pediatric Depression, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Quality of Life, Relationships, Self-harm and suicide, Self-help, Sexual Assault, Social Support, Stress, TraumaFeatures: Articles, Case Studies, Collaborative News, Comme... PsychSplash blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4653380 Tue, 29 Mar 2011 17:00:03 +0100 4653380 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4653489&cid=t_92581_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FGSTCqCXB59s%2F How do you work when you’re depressed? I get that question a lot. Here’s the honest answer: I can’t. At least at my rock bottom, I wasn’t able to work. My efforts failed miserably because my self-confidence was way below sea level – so all it did was bring on more frustration. I remember sitting down at my computer every morning, making the same effort, hoping that if I led with the body then the mind would follow. But the mind wasn’t interested in going anywhere, and was rather pissed off that I would even try. I performed this ritual for months on end. Butt to the chair. Crying at the computer. Then one day my (then) two-year-old poured a cup of apple juice over my keyboard. The hard drive made a funky noise, and the screen looked like a black-and-white film from the 70s ... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4653489 Tue, 29 Mar 2011 13:00:22 +0100 4653489 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4653379&cid=t_92581_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F03%2F29%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-march-29-2011%2F As a dental hygienist, my mom not only cleans people’s teeth, but listens to do them as she does so every day. And like hair stylists and therapists, she often hears their problems too. One of the most valuable advice she has ever given me is to not judge what other people are going through. “You never know what you would do in that situation unless it happened to you.” Our posts this week makes me think about what she said. You may have lived through difficulty, failure, loss of self-respect. You may, in fact, be going through this right now. If so, remember to find the people in your life who won’t judge you, but have compassion for your situation. That person may even be you. I hope you will enjoy our top posts this week! There are some good ones everything from ... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4653379 Tue, 29 Mar 2011 11:31:31 +0100 4653379 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4642857&cid=t_92581_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FOltDOfijMCQ%2F Twelve years ago I was in my dermatologist’s waiting room, thinking about how lucky I was. Five years before that, I had breast cancer, but was now cancer-free. I had a good job that I enjoyed and afforded me a great lifestyle. I had two children who were happy and doing well. I had many friends in my office. We went out to dinner and dancing at least once a week. I lived in the inimitable city of New Orleans in an apartment facing the bayou. I could walk across the street to City Park and surround myself with lush flowers and oak trees draped with moss. The enormous park is home to an amazing number of ducks, geese, and other colorful of species of birds and water fowl that were so domesticated they would eat from my hands. Amidst the wildlife was a first-class museum that looked li... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4642857 Mon, 28 Mar 2011 13:00:50 +0100 4642857 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4642677&cid=t_92581_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F03%2F26%2Fwhen-should-i-come-off-my-antidepressant-6-things-to-consider%2F The question of whether or not you should start taking antidepressants is complex and difficult to answer. But even fuzzier is the question of when or if you should stop. Last May, NPR ran a piece called Coming Off Antidepressants Can Be Tricky Business. Joanne Silberner writes: Several top psychiatrists say there’s just not enough data to say for sure when to try coming off an antidepressant. Drug companies generally test their new products for a few months or up to a year. They don’t spend much time looking into how to taper off their products. The dense informational inserts that come with prescription drugs have a lot of information on how to take the product, but no information on how to stop. According to the Johns Hopkins Depression and Anxiety White Papers, antidepress... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4642677 Sat, 26 Mar 2011 12:58:36 +0100 4642677 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4626867&cid=t_92581_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F03%2F23%2Fdoes-the-internet-promote-or-damage-marriage%2F PBS/This Emotional Life is hosting a webinar in two weeks about the internet’s impact on relationships and marriage, in particular. As a panelist on the webinar, I wanted to explore this issue a bit with my readers so that I can offer your viewpoints in addition to my two cents. Here’s my honest opinion, after reading hundreds of comments and emails from people who have been involved in online relationships or emotional affairs as well as the responses on the discussion boards of the Emotional Affairs support group on Beliefnet’s community site: Although the internet and social media can foster intimacy in a marriage, it seems to do more harm than good. Of all the comments I’ve read, 90 percent of the opposite-sex relationships that were damaging to the marriage happened online... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4626867 Wed, 23 Mar 2011 13:40:41 +0100 4626867 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4622433&cid=t_92581_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2F1V7PzZT7Tbk%2F photo: Thinkstock Remember dear old Gilbert Gottfried’s callously offensive Tweets that included seriously unfunny jokes about the earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear disasters in Japan? Soon afterward, we jumped on our moral high-horse and admonished him just like pretty much everybody else (Aflac went a step further and simply fired Gil from his esteemed position as their squawking duck), and we don’t regret doing it. But we did want to get a mental health expert to weigh in on the topic of bad-taste humor — as far as mental health issues are concerned. So we asked Dr. Dale Archer (he’s an M.D. and a psychiatrist) a few questions about when and how (if ever) comedy and tragedy can effectively combine to create an improved state of stronger mental health, and when it&... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4622433 Tue, 22 Mar 2011 21:55:08 +0100 4622433