Christmas can pose an increased challenge for those experiencing an eating disorder due to its focus upon meals. This article {here] offers some guidance for families around how to lower levels of stress for such individuals.
Making sense of patterns in romantic relationships through attachment style
Our early experience in life with parents (and separation from them) has an influence on how we form and maintain relationships (our ‘attachment style’). This can then have an impact in adult romantic relationships, sometimes resulting in patterns. This article [here] descries attachment styles and the impact that they can have. This article [here] has information that may help you to reflect on your attachment style.
Overcoming lower mood in winter
This article [here] outlines five steps that can make someone less inclined to feel low in the winter season.
The effects of stress on the brain
The article [here] describes in some detail the effects of stress on the brain. ‘Biofeedback’ is mentioned in the article which, in my experience, is an older (rather than new) form of therapy that is not currently widely available in England. However, the advice in the article: ‘face your fears, be more active, watch what you drink’ is sound general guidance. The article describes this guidance in a little more detail.
Bigorexia - Seeing yourself as being smaller or less muscular than you actually are
The is an increasing emphasis in young men on having a muscled, toned body. With this pressure, there appears to be an increase in ‘muscularity-orientated disordered eating behaviours’. These involve eating more or differently to gain weight and ‘bulk out’. If left unchecked, this can develop into a ‘body dysmorphia’ where individuals develop a distorted view of their body. The article [here] discusses how an example of this, ‘bigorexia’, can occur where individuals see themselves as being less bulky than they actually are.
What is dyspraxia?
Dyspraxia is a disorder affecting physical co-ordination, for example how well we are able to use a screw-driver or cutlery. It can also affect speech, which of course involves co-ordination, as well. This article [here] talks about the condition. If you want to know more and find out about getting help, this link [here] to a national charity may be helpful.
Intrusive thoughts - A deep dive
We all get intrusive thoughts. These are thoughts that are unwanted and usually seen as being unpleasant. They can trigger behaviors that are an attempt to cope with or counter the thoughts that are termed ‘compulsions’. This article [here] goes into some detail about the nature of these thoughts and offers some tips on how they can be reduced in frequency.
Does mindfulness work?
Mindfulness is well established as a treatment component for many adult health problems. However, this article [here] questions the strength of the scientific evidence behind the approach.
Being 'bipolar'
Getting to sleep earlier
The health benefits of time spent in nature
Postpartum psychosis
This condition is sometimes confused with ‘baby blues’ or postnatal depression. However, it is a much more serious condition that can involve experiencing hallucinations and delusions. This article [here] describes the symptoms relating to the condition and this one [here] describes one mother’s experience of this together with her journey to recovery.
What is chronic fatigue?
Chronic fatigue syndrome or myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) is a long-term, neurological condition. Symptoms include tiredness, muscle or joint pain and flu-like symptoms. It is often confused with other conditions. This article [here] provides a brief overview of the condition and treatment options for it.
Men and postnatal depression
It may surprise you to hear that many men experience postnatal depression. I say this because people tend to associate the condition more with women. Details of the study that established this is found here.
New drugs to treat mental health problems (continued)
Running to recovery
The benefits of exercise on mental health are well established. There have been several earlier posts on this blog regarding the topic. This article [here] looks at the possible causes of this relationship. It also describes how to integrate exercise into healthcare. Do you have an opportunity for increased exercise that you can take advantage of? A couple of schemes are mentioned in the article. Perhaps a similar one exists that is local to you?
Diabulimia: A deep dive
Diabulimia is a condition that involves someone with type 1 diabetes deliberately not taking their insulin treatment in order to control their weight. This article [here] describes the issue and suggests that up to 40% of these diabetics at some point restrict their insulin for this purpose. Diabulimia is dangerous and this article [here] tells the tragic story in a person’s own words (via their diary) of some-one who died from it.
Feeling better through kindness
This article [here] describes a study that found that those individuals who are able to think kindly (rather than critically) about themselves experienced less of a stress response. It is suggested that this style of thinking could be particularly helpful in overcoming depression.
Mindfulness and mental health
The practise of mindfulness has been found to have a beneficial effect, for some, upon mental health problems such as anxiety or depression. This article [here] talks about what mindfulness is.
'Early birds' are less prone to mental health issues
This article [here] describes a study that found that those who naturally wake earlier are less likely to experience mental health issues. They state that this relationship is due to genetic factors.