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Showing posts from February, 2023

4 Powerful Breathing Exercises for Anxiety and Panic Attacks

Breathing Exercises for Anxiety and Panic Attacks Practicing breathing exercises for anxiety relief has been a time-honored practice for thousands of years. It may seem quite unlikely that merely practicing breathing can be a huge help for relieving anxiety and panic attacks. But it's true. But don't worry. You don't have to be a practicing Buddhist or an expert at Zen meditation to benefit from the remarkable benefits breathing can give you. And you can do these breathing exercises anytime, anywhere. So whenever a panic attack rares its ugly head, you'll be ready. Oxygen is vital for calming the nervous system. I mean think about it. When you're anxious or panicky, you tend to hold your breath. Right? Well, I know that I do. Terrible habit by the way. Anyway, holding your breath causes tense muscles and lightheartedness. But when you take the time to breathe, I mean really breathe, your body truly relaxes. Plus, the more you practice breathing exercises, th

Understanding Self-care and Self Help Techniques for Anxiety

A lot of people with anxiety choose not to get assistance, especially in the beginning. There is a whole range of reasons for this including the perceived stigmas associated with mental disorders, illnesses, and professional treatment. However, just as you would carefully choose any other type of treatment, you need to be discerning about the self-help you decide on. There is an amazing number of books available covering topics such as self-esteem, stress, anxiety, depression, assertiveness, how to be happier and the list goes on… Keep in mind that all books (and everything else including this website) are another person's view. It is up to you to test out the theories and research to see just how well they apply to your particular circumstances. Having an anxiety disorder can lead a person to feel extremely helpless as they get caught up in frustration and confusion about what's happening to them and why. In desperation, people will try lots of different techniques with varyin

John Fetterman's Battle with Depression and Hospitalization

Breaking Stigma: Sen. Fetterman's Candidness on Mental Health Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman recently made headlines after announcing his hospitalization for clinical depression. The news has sparked conversations surrounding mental health, particularly in the realm of politics, where there is often stigma surrounding mental illness. Fetterman's story sheds light on the prevalence of mental health struggles among public figures and the importance of seeking help when needed. John Fetterman, the Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania and a candidate for U.S. Senate, has been in the hospital for several days. Fetterman, who is well-known for his progressive policies and work on criminal justice reform, suffered a stroke last year. While he has made a significant recovery, he recently revealed that he has been struggling with depression as a result of his health issues. In an interview with The Washington Post, Fetterman shared that his depression had become overwhelming, and he

David Brooks's Most Influential Articles: A Look at His Works

In recent years, the topic of mental health and the rise of depression and suicide rates have become major concerns in society. This has been further amplified by the pandemic, which has added an extra layer of stress and uncertainty to people's lives. In light of this, New York Times Opinion Columnist David Brooks has written a moving and thought-provoking piece on the topic of depression, friendship, and suicide. David Brook s' Article on Depression: Finding Purpose and Meaning in Life In his article, Brooks reflects on the recent death of his close friend and the impact it had on him. He writes about the sense of despair and loss that he felt after his friend's passing, and how this experience led him to re-examine his own life and beliefs. He argues that too often, people facing depression and suicidal thoughts feel isolated and alone, and that it is essential for society to provide support and a sense of community for those struggling with mental health issues . Brook

Chronic Low-Grade Depression: What Is and How to Deal With It

Low-Grade Depression Low-grade depression, also known as mild depression, encompasses symptoms that are less intense compared to severe depression. The common symptoms of severe depression, such as irritability, sadness, and lack of motivation, are still present, but they may not be as prominent. Chronic low-grade depression is a symptom of persistent depressive disorder (PDD), previously known as dysthymia (or dysthymic disorder). Individuals with mild depression may not even be aware of their condition. Over a long period, persistent feelings of unhappiness and low mood may become the norm, and they may not recognize it as depression. However, it is not healthy to continuously experience unhappiness in life. While it is common for everyone to have moments of low mood in response to challenging or sad life events, living with constant depression is not inevitable. Low-Grade Depression Symptoms Symptoms of low-grade depression or dysthymia (mild, chronic Depression) are significantly l

Postpartum Psychosis: A Preventable Tragedy in Duxbury

The recent case of Lindsay Clancy, a Massachusetts (Duxbury) mother who is charged with killing her three children, has shed light on postpartum psychosis, a rarely discussed mental health condition that affects some women after childbirth. The incident has sparked a nationwide discussion about postpartum mental health and the need for increased awareness and support for new mothers. Flowers and stuffed animals as a makeshift memorial outside the Clancy family’s Duxbury home. via Boston Globe via Getty Images Postpartum psychosis is a rare but serious mental illness that can occur after childbirth. Symptoms include hallucinations, delusions, and erratic behavior. While it affects only about 1 to 2 out of every 1,000 new mothers, it can have devastating consequences if left untreated. According to experts, postpartum psychosis can be difficult to diagnose and treat because the symptoms can be mistaken for those of postpartum depression or anxiety. The condition can also develop quickly,

Other Posts

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

OCD: Symptoms, Types, Causes, Treatment, Help, Cure

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder , more commonly known as  OCD , is a common, chronic, and long-lasting disorder and is characterized by way of persistent, undesired thought processes (obsessions) and/or repeating actions (compulsions). Obsession, in this case, is highly unpleasant as the individual is compelled to repeat certain behaviors again and again. The condition, most of the time, is anxiety-related and the  thoughts are unwanted and intrusive . Sufferers often understand that these thoughts are irrational, but by performing compulsive behavior, they believe they will be cured or will be relieved. Recurring actions such as hand washing (to avoid catching germs), counting numbers, checking things over, or cleaning are frequently carried out with the anticipation of avoiding compulsive thoughts or making them disappear altogether. This is to avoid their obsession turning into reality. OCD is a common mental condition that affects 2.5 million adults or

How to Deal With the Depression: Basics and Beyond

It is common to feel sad or blue when dealing with a specific stress, trauma, or challenging situation, but depression is a much deeper issue. Even when symptoms are minor, this condition is serious. Unfortunately, many people have committed suicide or even homicide because of not getting the care needed. In this article, we tried to provide all the required information so you can learn about the truths of mental depression and discover how to deal with the depression . How to Deal With the Depression Of all mental health conditions that people face, depression is among those that suffered the most, affecting the lives of millions of people all over the world. Globally, more than 264 million people of all ages suffer from depression. ( ref.: WHO Fact sheets on Depression ). And, since the pandemic, the percentage of people experiencing depression (and anxiety) symptoms had a manifold rise. Depression affects not only the mind and behaviors, but also physical health, performance, and