In my own practice, I seem to be seeing more people who are wondering if their issues might be linked to them having Autism Spectrum Disorder. This article [here] has some information about the disorder and possible intervention approaches.
About agoraphobia
What is cognitive behaviour therapy?
Menopause and mental health
The changes in hormones resulting from the menopause can lead some to experience symptoms that are associated with mental health issues. This article [here] describes some of the possible effects.
New guidance for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Finding the right therapist
‘Clinical psychologist’ is a protected term which means that in the UK it is illegal to use this in a personal description or CV, without the individual having a recognised training from a course recognised by the British Psychological Society. However, other terms such as ‘counsellor’, ‘therapist’ or ‘psychotherapist’ are not protected. This means that it is difficult to determine the level of competence and training of such individuals. This clip [here] offers some helpful advice when it comes to choosing a therapist. Some useful links are also here.
Treatment of depression through use of brain implants
This article [here] seems to describe a possibility of radical and more experimental form of therapy for those with a ‘severe and ‘intractable’ form of depression.
More on 'chronic fatigue syndrome'
Social media, mental health and Facebook products
Previous posts on this blog have noted the potential harmful effects of social media, for instance here. As we find [here] that almost 1 in 5 teens and young adults ‘often feel depressed’, a whistle blower at Facebook seems to have evidence that Facebook ignores internal research associated with its negative impact (see here). If this is the case, hopefully some positive change will result from the disclosure.
'Long Covid' and mental health
We are gradually learning more about ‘long Covid’. This article [here] details some of its possible symptoms. Individuals with long Covid are much more likely to experience common mental health problems. At the moment, the cause or effect nature of this relationship is not understood (see more here).
Eating disorders in the under-nineteen year-olds
Eating disorders are increasing in prevalence in this group of individuals. For example, in those who are vulnerable, pressures arising from social media can trigger issues. The pandemic (and linked stresses) also appears to have worsened matters. This article [here] highlights a few signs that parents can look out for that might indicate that a child or teen is at risk of developing a problem. Here, a parent and her daughter talk about their experience with this issue.
More about obsessive-compulsive disorder
There have been some previous articles about this condition in this blog. I add this one [here] to the collection. It provides brief detail about the disorder and some possible treatment options.
Anxiety about lock-down ending
The vast majority of us have been working from home and keeping a ‘safe’ distance from others for around 15 months. This is to protect ourselves and also others in the community. After the vaccine roll-out, as the restrictions lift, it would not be unusual to experience some anxiety associated with getting back to pre-pandemic habits. This could be accentuated if you have a pre-existing mental health issue. This video [here] provides some information about this and there are some reassuring perspectives in this article [here].
Getting a good night's sleep
Many of us need a good night’s sleep to be able to feel the we are functioning at our best. This article [here] provides a few tips regarding how to achieve this. Tip number three is about the use cognitive-behaviour therapy (CBT). If you want to know more about the use of the CBT approach to treat sleep issues, this is a book that I have helped to produce which s based upon good scientific evidence [see here].
Exercise and creativity
Most of us can do some form of exercise. This article [here] describes how those from within a wide range of ages and abilities can all exercise. Exercise is a very special form of activity that can actually extend and increase quality of life. This blog contains a number of entries that describe the mental health benefits of exercise. Another article [here] describes how many people find some forms of exercise to be ‘mindful’ and, in so doing, they increase creativity.
Some psychological effects of coming out of lock-down
Most of us will be desperately looking forward to an exit from the latest lock-down. This article [here] notes how this could end loneliness for many. Loneliness can be linked to both anxiety and depression. Coming out of lock-down also allows us to have physical contact with others again who have not been in our ‘bubble’. For example, the giving and receiving of hugs is a means of communicating love and friendship. The absence of these kinds of acts can have an impact upon self-esteem. However, for some, both the extended relative isolation and once again being close to people again, may exacerbate some anxieties. For instance, those centred around health/illness and socialising. A few tips regarding how best to cope are provided here.
Covid-19, mental health and personal communication
Of course, children are suffering during this pandemic as well as adults. This video [here] provides some guidance to parents regarding how to help children to cope. Included are suggestions to listen to children try to determine what they are experiencing and need; another is to help them to maintain their friendships in situations such as lockdown.
This article [here] tells the story of adult friends walking regularly over the pandemic and the benefit that they gained from this. Talking with others within a trusting relationship tends to be helpful, for instance through allowing individuals to vent or gain a new perspective on issues. When we don’t have such outlets, during such a time of chronic stress, matters can deteriorate as described here (within a work context). Once again, a solution offered is an increase in channels of communication. Are there ways that you can talk more to others that you trust?
A link between Covid-19 and mental health difficulties?
A report [described here] suggests that nearly one in five people experience a psychiatric disorder after recovering from Covid-19. The rate is almost double that which is found in those suffering from some other physical health conditions. The report also suggests that those with a pre-existing mental health disorder are 65% more likely to be diagnosed with Covid-19. The authors suggest some possible causal links, but currently these have not been established.
The pandemic and sharing of emotional 'strain'
Perhaps one positive aspect of the pandemic is that the disclosure of emotional strain or distress has become more normal in conversation. This process of talking about issues can be helpful for many. In this article [here], a celebrity talks about her experience of mental health issues and also touches on the impact of the the pandemic upon them.