LiveWellTalk - Overcoming Mental Health Challenges

Like many of us, I know the feeling all too well. When anxiety hits, you tend to hold your breath, right? It's a terrible habit, but guess what? Anxiety disorders affect over 40 million adults in the United States each year [Ref.: National Institute of Mental Health ]. That's a lot of people who could benefit from a simple yet powerful tool: breathing exercises. 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 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 yoga guru to reap the benefits of breathing and take charge of your anxiety. You can do these breathing exercises anytime, anywhere. So whenever a panic attack raises its ugly head, you'll be ready. Oxygen is vital for calming the nervous system. Think about it: when you're anxiou...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 quic...