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Showing posts from February, 2022

Addiction and Substance Abuse: Facts, Myths, and Treatments

Addiction and alcoholism are not moral issues. They are defined as chronic, progressive, and ultimately fatal diseases by the American Medical Association. Do we fault a diabetic for being diabetic or a cancer patient for having cancer? Not. Then why should alcoholism and drug addiction be viewed differently? The answer is simple. They shouldn't...! Substance Abuse and Addiction Addiction takes many forms but has some unique features regardless of the substance or behavior of choice. It is characterized by a compulsive craving or desire for the substance, impulsive behaviors, and continued use and abuse despite negative social, physical, and emotional consequences. Addiction means, most simply, a repetitive compulsion to ingest a particular substance or engage in a particular activity that results in a pleasant feeling or “high” in the short-term, but which has harmful long-term consequences to a person’s health, mental state, or lifestyle. Like many other chronic diseases, addicti...

Antidepressants: Types, Uses, Withdrawal, Side Effects, Patient Teaching

When an individual suffers from depression, mental health professionals often suggest antidepressants to relieve the symptoms. But know that antidepressants do not treat the problem from the root cause. Additionally, they also cause side effects and health threats. For all such reasons having profound and qualitative knowledge about antidepressants is very important to weigh the benefits in contrast to the risks it can cause you. In this article, we will delve into the various types of antidepressants, their uses, potential withdrawal symptoms, side effects, and provide essential patient teaching information. We aim to provide you with an in-depth understanding of antidepressants, empowering you to make informed decisions and manage your mental health effectively. Antidepressants Antidepressants are a class of medications that are used to treat depression. They work by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin and norepinephrine. Antidepr...

Overcoming Procrastination: 10 Proven Tips and Strategies

Overcoming Procrastination It isn’t easy to find the energy to get stuff done, when you would rather sit on the couch and watch TV or scroll on your mobile phone. But unless you live in a world where calling in sick to work, not handing in term papers, and waking up at noon have no consequences, it’s something you must overcome. If you are not a procrastinator, then this article isn’t for you… go find something productive to do. The rest of us need a litany of motivational boosters that can get us off the couch and into gear. When passion, habits, and a productive environment have failed you, it’s time to look elsewhere. Here is a short list of 10 proven tips that you can use to get leverage on your procrastination. Tips for Overcoming Procrastination 1. Focus… and Focus on Right Now Focus on the things to be done. Asking “why am I doing this” often help focus your efforts and tasks. And, don’t live in the past on what you accomplished yesterday and don’t worry about what you nee...

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The Mystery of Edith Bouvier Beale's Mental Health

Edith Bouvier Beale , commonly known as " Little Edie ," was an American socialite and cousin of former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. In this article, we explore the life of Edith Bouvier Beale, an enigmatic figure whose struggles with mental health captivated public attention. From her affluent upbringing to her seclusion in " Grey Gardens ," we delve into the complexities of Edith Bouvier Beale's mental health journey. Edith Bouvier Beale's Mental Health: What We Know (and Don't Know) In the realm of intriguing personalities, Edith Bouvier Beale stands out as a complex figure whose life was marked by both glamour and obscurity. While her name might not ring a bell for everyone, her captivating journey, marred by mental health struggles, has left an indelible mark. Let us delve into the life of Edith Bouvier Beale, exploring her early days, her rise to stardom, her decline into isolation, and the profound impact of mental health challenges on...

How To Stop Intrusive Thoughts

An intrusive thought is an unwelcome, involuntary thought, image, or unpleasant idea that may become an obsession, is upsetting or distressing, and can feel difficult to manage or eliminate. (source: Wikipedia ) Common examples of intrusive thoughts include unwanted, intrusive thoughts about the safety of oneself or others, causing distress, and thoughts of performing dangerous actions. These thoughts may lead to negative behaviors, which may increase vulnerability to future experiences of trauma. Intrusive thoughts have been linked to recent life stress, sleep deprivation, prior anxiety, and childhood abuse. The state of depression , suicidal ideation, or anxiety may also be caused by the release of stress hormones. Analysis of studies in subjects who had experienced prolonged periods of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) found that intrusive thoughts and flashbacks are associated with greater than 50% of symptoms, especially memory fragmentation. Intrusive thoughts often occur ...

Autism Spectrum Disorder: What You Need to Know

Autism Spectrum Disorder ( ASD ) is a complex developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication, and behavioral challenges. People with ASD may have difficulty understanding and responding to social cues, and they may communicate in ways that are different from most people. They may also have restricted interests and repetitive behaviors. ASD is a spectrum disorder, which means that there is a wide range of symptoms and severity. Some people with ASD may have mild symptoms that only minimally impact their daily lives, while others may have more severe symptoms that make it difficult to function independently. Despite the challenges that people with ASD face, they can also have many strengths. They may be very intelligent, creative, and have strong attention to detail. With early intervention and appropriate support, many people with ASD can lead happy and fulfilling lives. In this article, I will provide an overview of autism spectrum disorder, including the sy...