Brain Inflammation and OCD
A very interesting study was recently published in JAMA Psychiatry stating that brain inflammation in those with obsessive-compulsive disorder is significantly elevated (by more than 30 percent) compared to those without the disorder.
Dr. Jeffrey Meyer, senior author of the study and Head of the Neuroimaging Program in Mood & Anxiety at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, says:1
Podcast: What Is a Daily Practice and Why Should I Have One?
In this episode of the Psych Central Show, hosts Gabe Howard and Vincent M. Wales welcome guest counselor and author Victoria Gigante. Victoria shares the story of how she grew dissatisfied with a life that others would consider to be “perfect,” how she made huge changes by essentially walking away from it all, and in the process developed her life-changing “daily practice” approach to self-care.
Victoria explains just what a daily practice is for, the different forms it can take, and how it can help each and every one of us. She gives advice on how to start one, and explores the many reasons why people think they are unable to do so.
Victoria explains just what a daily practice is for, the different forms it can take, and how it can help each and every one of us. She gives advice on how to start one, and explores the many reasons why people think they are unable to do so.
Do You Want to Change an Important Habit?
Do you want to make a significant change in your life? Or help someone else to make an important change?
Often, this means changing a habit (get more sleep, quit sugar, exercise regularly, spend more time in nature, put down devices). Habits are like the invisible architecture of daily life -- research suggests that about 40% of our existence is shaped by our habits.
Often, this means changing a habit (get more sleep, quit sugar, exercise regularly, spend more time in nature, put down devices). Habits are like the invisible architecture of daily life -- research suggests that about 40% of our existence is shaped by our habits.
No Matter Your Age, Never Say Goodbye to Play
In recent months, physical, playful activity has been the only way out of painful rumination for me, providing a temporary respite from debilitating depression. Its transformative power is surprising to me for its ability to help me manage my emotions.
Evolutionary biologist and animal behavioral specialist Marc Bekoff, PhD, once said that “play is training for the unexpected.”
And psychiatrist and play expert Stuart Brown, MD, said, “Those who play rarely become brittle in the face of stress or lose the healing capacity for humor.”
Evolutionary biologist and animal behavioral specialist Marc Bekoff, PhD, once said that “play is training for the unexpected.”
And psychiatrist and play expert Stuart Brown, MD, said, “Those who play rarely become brittle in the face of stress or lose the healing capacity for humor.”
When Internet Shopping Is an Impulse Control Disorder
For me, the danger zone is online book sellers. There have been evenings when I’ve gone looking for a particular book. With one click, it’s on its way to me. Fine. But then there are always pictures of book jackets strung across the bottom of the page: “People who bought this book also bought. . .”
“Oh”, think I. “That one looks interesting.” Click. “Oh, that one looks like it would be very helpful.” Click. “Hmm. I wonder how that writer approached the subject.” Click. “Ah. This one is used but in “like new” condition for half price. That’s a great deal!” Click.
“Oh”, think I. “That one looks interesting.” Click. “Oh, that one looks like it would be very helpful.” Click. “Hmm. I wonder how that writer approached the subject.” Click. “Ah. This one is used but in “like new” condition for half price. That’s a great deal!” Click.
Can Computer-Based Intervention Benefit Our Stress Levels?
Too much stress is a problem we all face, however stress isn’t always a bad thing. Sometimes, feeling stressed can lead to more motivation and greater focus. If we overdo it, however, it can have a bad impact on our mental health. This can range from having a short temper, to headaches, to having trouble sleeping, to even becoming unwell.
According to the APA, 75 percent of adults will go through some stress on any given month. In spite of how many people is affected by stress only a few of them will get any help. This may be due to lack of time, worrying about what others may think, thinking we should be able to get over it on our own or simply not being able to afford help. A way to make accessing help more convenient, more private and cheaper is through digital technology, but can web-based treatments really help?
According to the APA, 75 percent of adults will go through some stress on any given month. In spite of how many people is affected by stress only a few of them will get any help. This may be due to lack of time, worrying about what others may think, thinking we should be able to get over it on our own or simply not being able to afford help. A way to make accessing help more convenient, more private and cheaper is through digital technology, but can web-based treatments really help?
How to Kick Divorce Unfairness to the Curb
Let’s talk about one of the most common obstacles that stop us from moving on after divorce.
Fairness. Unfairness. The feeling like we’ve been screwed over during divorce.
You know exactly what I’m talking about. Do any of the following sound like things you have said or thought?
Fairness. Unfairness. The feeling like we’ve been screwed over during divorce.
You know exactly what I’m talking about. Do any of the following sound like things you have said or thought?
Best of Our Blogs: July 18, 2017
How do you prepare for difficult situations? Whether an upcoming test, presentation or event with a toxic family member, we usually avoid thinking about it. But preparing can mean the difference between leaving the situation victorious or feeling like a victim and failure.
Don’t wait...
Don’t wait...
Get Out the Crayons: Study Shows Doodling Boosts Your Brain Power
A few years back, I came across an old box that held notebooks from my college courses.
As I leafed through the pages, I smiled at my prolific use of the margins as a space for doodling. A new study shows that by doodling, rather than simply wasting ink, I was giving my brain a boost.
Before You React, Ask Yourself: Is This a George Costanza Moment?
You know that moment when you’ve been jolted out of your usual emotional state and into another more activated state?
Maybe you’re walking down the street and someone bangs into you. Maybe you’re in your car and someone cuts you off. Maybe someone says something hurtful or humiliating (shaming). Maybe your partner, co-worker or child annoys you or lets you down. It could be anything, truthfully, that jolts us.
Maybe you’re walking down the street and someone bangs into you. Maybe you’re in your car and someone cuts you off. Maybe someone says something hurtful or humiliating (shaming). Maybe your partner, co-worker or child annoys you or lets you down. It could be anything, truthfully, that jolts us.
10 Ways to Express Gratitude
“Gratitude is the fairest blossom which springs from the soul.” – Henry Ward Beecher
Philosophers and poets have long praised gratitude as one of the most desirable attitudes. Surely, each of us has much to be thankful for. Why not express our gratitude? It costs us nothing, yet yields countless benefits.
Looking for ways to show and acknowledge gratitude? Here are 10 to try that are simple, quick and easy.
Philosophers and poets have long praised gratitude as one of the most desirable attitudes. Surely, each of us has much to be thankful for. Why not express our gratitude? It costs us nothing, yet yields countless benefits.
Looking for ways to show and acknowledge gratitude? Here are 10 to try that are simple, quick and easy.
Spot the Fine Line Between Trust & Control
As a society, most of us would unanimously rank trust as an important part of relationships. We want to trust that the people we live with, work with, and love, are going to do everything in their power not to hurt us.
Among the people I work with I often hear the question uttered, “How do I know I can trust him/her?” My simple answer is “You can’t know if you can trust them.” But I go on to explain, “Even more important is to know that trust solely placed in someone else is misguided.”
