Category: Mental Health

This category comprises everything you need to know about your mental health and how to cruise in the pool of ideal health

Government programs for mental illness

5 best Government programs for mental illness

chibueze uchegbu | March 13th, 2022


Are you wondering about the government programs for mental illness? There are a couple of programs set aside for those suffering from mental sickness through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

SAMHSA is a lead agency that is saddled with the responsibility of providing targeted funding for states to design and implement tested trusted services for people with substance use or mental illness.

The programs provided by this agency help reduce skyrocketed fees of hospitalization, emergency department usage, and involvement with the criminal justice system.

The truth is, if there’s access to behavioral health services in the states, there’ll be improved health on the part of the Americans, and the containing is will also be more accessible. Government works in collaboration with the states to address the menace of mental health.

What the Government does is that it establishes and enforces some minimum standards that states can be expanding upon.

Here are some of the programs set up by the Government for mental illness:

 Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant (SAPT Block Grant)

If you’re looking for a foundation that supports the prevention and treatment system, Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant (SAPT Block Grant) is a great choice.

This program is remarkable, as evidenced by its serving of about 2.5 million people in each of the states and extremely.

Are you one of those folks who need assistance to deal with their addiction resulting in mental illness? The Government, in its capacity, continues to provide funds for the project the SAPT Block Grant with the purpose of effectively preventing youth alcohol and drug abuse.

Mental Health Block Grant 

Another interesting program of the Government to support mental illness is the Mental Health, Block Grant.

This fund supports employment, housing, and rehabilitation services for families and children going through mental sickness.

The grant also helps special people such as those who are homeless, those who live in remote areas, and military families. The majority of these services are not catered for under private insurance and Medicaid.

There’s also a five percent set-aside to focus on evidence-based practices to address the needs of individuals with early serious mental illness.

Primary and Behavioral Health Care Integration

This is another program of the Government designed for the purpose of getting rid of mental illness in the country.

The primary and behavioral health care integration helps in the provision of essential primary care services to adults with serious mental ailments.

While using the program, the Government has screened and treated more than 33,000 people with different cases of mental illnesses and substance use disorders.

This means diseases, including heart disorders and other terminal ones, have been stemmed, thus preventing unnecessary death from these conditions while leveraging the primary and behavioral health care integration.

Mental Health First Aid 

Here’s another public education program designed to assist those struggling with substance use and mental health condition to identify, understand and respond to any sign of mental sickness they may be passing through.

It’s a course that uses five actionable plans to get to those struggling with any mental diseases.

The first aid funding was appropriated in the 2014 budget to connect and support training activities for local and state education agencies.

What makes the program more relevant is that more and more people are experiencing mental illness and substance use, and this has necessitated this urgent intervention to curtail it.

Mental Health and Addictions Research

Mental health and addiction research is another set-aside initiative by the Government for mental illness.

All thanks to the continued investment in basic scientific and applied research, there have been rapid and effective treatments that help in dealing with these conditions while also anticipating the positive effects of new diagnostic markers in proper identification and intervention.

This initiative’s got all its needs regarding tools needed to curb this menace, which means with sufficient funding resources, this vision of finding sustainable cures to these troubling sicknesses will be a reality.

That’s why mental health and addictions research is of the best initiative the Government has put out there to handle terminal diseases such as mental illness.

Concluding thoughts 

One of the things that concern almost everyone today is the issue of mental health and well-being as the cases continue to rise.

This means addressing it is a must for every stakeholder, especially the Government and that’s many programs have been set aside to deal with this terminal illness that has claimed the lives of many people.

Also, eradicating mental illness means attaining sustainable development goals – SDG 3. This can be achieved through a wide range of promotive, preventive, and rehabilitative services set aside as programs to help deal with this sickness.

Frequently Asked Questions on Government Programs for Mental Illness 

Below are some of the frequently asked questions about government programs for mental sickness:

What’s a mental health program?  

A mental health program is a set-up in which there’s a provision of services for mental, neurologic, and substance use disorders at the primary level from assessment, treatment, and management to referral.

It also involves offering psychotropic drugs, which are medicines that are provided for free.

What are the things Government can do to support mental health?   

There are a ton of things the federal government can do to assist in dealing with mental health issues, including the provision of mental health block grants, which support the state in building out their community mental health services.

There’s also the support of the Federal Government in funding services and advocates for expanded and sustained funding for mental health services.

Are mental health programs effective as widely claimed?  

There’s been a ton of findings that show that mental health programs are effective in promoting good mental health and related outcomes in people.

For instance, studies conducted by FRIENDS have shown a reduction in anxiety and improved reading scores, and fewer suspensions of school due to mental health programs.

How can we promote adolescents’ mental health?    

There are a couple of ways in which parents can promote their children’s mental health, including a proper show of love, affection, and care for your kids. Parents must also show the commitment of knowing everything going on in the lives of their children.

As a parent, you also need to set aside quality time to enjoy some great moments with your children, so they get to feel your presence as their mother or father.

You also need to remind them that they can always confide in your regarding whatever that’s going on in their lives.

How do I handle mental health challenges?     

The first thing you should always take care of is taking good care of yourself. Always get enough rest, eat a balanced diet and also engage in some exercises, so you’re in shape at all times.

Don’t joke with lack of sleep; if you notice you aren’t getting much sleep, quickly reach out to your doctor for proper advice and medication to arrest this issue.

How does mental illness affect the brain? 

One of the things that get troubled with mental illness is the brain. This means the brain’s chemistry is negatively impacted, which leads to many other problems.

After this, there’s a disruption in the communication between the neurons.

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Does Health Insurance Cover Drug Rehab

Does Health Insurance Cover Drug Rehab?

chibueze uchegbu | March 10th, 2022


Substance addiction treatment and various forms of mental health treatment are usually covered by health insurance.

However, how much money will be covered by the insurance agency revolves around various parameters such as the health benefits included in your policy, the rehab treatment facility you choose, your specific needs, and more.

Private insurance is usually the most expensive choice, but it also gives you the most alternatives, allowing you to choose the treatment plan that best suits your needs.

Ascendant NY takes care of your treatment needs alongside your insurance coverage. If you want to get more information on them, check out Ascendant NY here.

The Affordable Care Act-Overview

President Obama signed and introduced the Affordable Care Act in 2010. With its introduction in the healthcare industry, many insurance companies witnessed a wave of change in their business protocol that was occurring preemptively.

The ACA clearly states that all insurance companies in the U.S. must comply with mental health disorder treatments, including paying for the addiction treatments.

Furthermore, the ACA has also introduced policies and programs covering mental illness. It means many people who struggle with addiction and its co-occurring mental problems can get diagnosed for both and can get treatment too because the insurance companies will cover the payments.

However, how much the ACA will cover depends on the rehab you choose, its location, and your treatment plan. When a person seeks addiction treatment, he selects the primary care physician first before he checks in with the insurance company.

In that case, the ACA determines a fixed amount and, considering your financial condition.

Do Insurance Companies Consider Rehab Expenses?

The answer to this question is mostly YES.

According to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), private insurance companies must provide some sort of financial help to the victims of substance abuse, and the help often comes out as payment of treatment coverage.

The ACA also considers substance abuse treatment expenses a part of the insurance coverage for U.S. senior citizens. This means most insurance companies are obligated to pay for your rehab treatment.

Your specific coverage plan will also depend on the state where you are from, the state where your rehab center is located, and the particular healthcare plan you select.

]Insurance companies also instruct their employees to select from a set of approved rehab treatment providers, making sure they have to pay less money for the insurance coverage. Some insurance companies also ask people to choose detoxification service payments in the form of deductibles, premiums, and copayments.

How Much Does A Rehab Cost With Insurance?

The costs of a rehab program depend on various factors such as the state, inpatient or outpatient, luxury conditions, etc. However, if you plan to include the insurance money, it may not cost you as much as it seems.

Many non-profit agency-owned rehabs cost nothing, but some luxury rehabs can cost approximately $80,000/month. But, in most cases, the standard rehab fee range from $2,000 to $25,000 a month.

The cost of rehab also depends upon if it’s an inpatient rehab or an outpatient rehab. Inpatient rehab requires you to stay at a recovery center where you will be supervised by medical professionals 24*7, whereas an outpatient rehab requires you to prioritize your tasks and check-in with the doctor for a few hours every day.

It’s evident that inpatient rehabs cost more than outpatient rehabs, and many health insurance companies may not agree to pay the outpatient rehab cost because it’s pretty low.

How Long Does Insurance Cover Rehab?

Insurance companies check various parameters before they decide to cover the addiction treatment expenses for a person.

The insurance company can also talk to your medical care provider and check your healthcare plan to decide how long they cover your treatment.

A rehab center follows different treatment programs for different people, and you may fall into one or more programs.

In addition, some insurance companies will only pay for your detox stay, while some may for the whole period of your treatment, from detoxification to aftercare support.

Detox centers conduct a thorough evaluation of your health condition and how severe your substance use disorder is. When a patient stays in rehab, he is often assessed by a clinical team from time to time, and the insurance company gets that report.

Based on those assessment reports, the insurance company decides if your treatment needs to be sponsored for a short or a long term.

Addiction Cost And Rehab Cost-A Stark Comparison

You can go bankrupt from addiction. For example, a heavy drinker might spend $3,000 on beverages alone in a year and might cost $30,000 over the course of a ten-year addiction. Drug prices are more difficult to pin down, but they are often substantially higher.

Furthermore, addiction frequently results in workplace issues as well as criminal consequences. After a workplace accident, most jurisdictions allow employers to screen for drugs.

Even if there is no accident, addiction makes it difficult to be effective at work, making development impossible.

Alcoholism is well-known for its harmful effects on the liver, but drugs like heroin, meth, and cocaine can also cause a slew of other issues throughout the body. Medical bills and criminal fines can quickly mount up, especially after a car accident. Alcohol is involved in about 40% of all traffic deaths.

It can seem impossible to break free from addiction. Because the expense of treatment is so exorbitant, you may be wondering not getting the treatment because you don’t want to leave your loved ones in massive debt.

In addition, many people are left wondering if treatment is covered by insurance and how much rehab costs with insurance.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, approximately 22.7 million people require treatment for a drug or alcohol issue every year, and 91% of them will never have it.

Final Takeaway

Private insurance will provide you with the greatest possibilities if you are seeking insurance coverage for your drug and alcohol addiction treatment expenses.

If you don’t have private insurance or if your plan doesn’t cover drug abuse treatment, public insurance may be able to help you save money on rehab.

So, for further queries, you can let us know in the comment box below.

Relationship Between Anxiety And Eating Disorders

Understanding The Relationship Between Anxiety And Eating Disorders

chibueze uchegbu | March 2nd, 2022


Anxiety disorders are among the most common co-occurring mental health issues with eating disorders.

Getting to know the Relationship Between Anxiety And Eating Disorders is essential for ones mental health.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 47.9% of people with anorexia nervosa, 80.6% of people with bulimia nervosa, and 65.1% of people with binge eating disorder have anxiety problems.

This is why looking for the perfect eating disorder treatment center has become a priority for many people nowadays.

According to research, any co-occurring mental health illness should be treated concurrently with the eating disorder.

Henceforth, knowing the link between eating disorders and anxiety disorders is critical.

Anxiety Disorder-Definition

Anxiety Disorder is a category of mental health issues. Some of its prevalent symptoms are restlessness, panic, sweating, tremor, a feeling of weakness, etc.

These are disorders that share symptoms of excessive dread and anxiety symptoms and related behavioral problems.

Most individuals don’t become aware that they’re referring to a bigger category when they say “anxiety disorder” and instead focus on the most common anxiety disorder diagnosis, Generalized Anxiety Disorder.

Eating Disorder-Overview

Most people can discover something they don’t like about their bodies, and many of them take steps to enhance their appearance by eating more healthily or beginning an exercise program.

Those who suffer from eating problems establish habits that can be pretty harmful.

They may go on a fast or severely restrict their calorie intake, exercise for hours each day, or take other measures to avoid gaining weight. Even though they are frequently underweight, they are terrified of gaining weight.

Eating disorders usually arise around adolescence or early adulthood; however, they can also develop during childhood or much later in life.

Relationship Between Anxiety And Eating Disorders

Anxiety Disorders precede eating disorders in most cases.

A controlled study published in 2019 found that concomitant anxiety disorders were common in 60% of women with diagnosed anorexia nervosa, 60% of women with bulimia nervosa, and 57% women with binge eating disorders.

Anxiety disorders were present in 90% of women with anorexia nervosa and 94% of women with bulimia nervosa before developing an eating disorder.

Getting rid of an eating disorder isn’t always the end of anxiety and depression. In addition, it’s critical to get treatment for your co-occurring disorder if you have a dual diagnosis.

It won’t be like the therapy you’d get if you only had one or the other.

It’s also worth noting that recovery from an eating problem doesn’t always imply that anxiety and depression symptoms will go away.

Anorexia survivors have been reported to have significantly higher levels of anxiety and depression in studies, indicating that you may need to seek therapy in the form of counseling, medication, or both.

Many eating disorders are about a person’s struggle to reclaim control. You might not have noticed it, but this could be linked to their anxiousness.

Being able to regulate one’s food, weight, or exercise, for example, can provide someone suffering from acute anxiety a false sensation of control, momentarily alleviating anxiety symptoms.

If an individual’s anxiety treatment effectively reduces their need for control, the anxiety problem may not progress into a full-blown eating disorder.

Statistics

Anxiety disorders are the most frequent mental ailment in the United States, impacting 40 million persons aged 18 and up each year, or 18.1% of the population. Only 36.9% of people suffering from anxiety obtain therapy.

GAD affects 6.8 million adults in the United States or 3.1% of the population, but only 43.2% of those affected receive treatment. Anxiety affects women twice as much as it does men.

In fact, adolescent women are most likely to develop this disease. For example, a recent study showed that 31% of women aged 18-23 with anxiety problems were at high risk of developing an eating disorder.

Over 60% of those with an eating disorder had an anxiety illness, according to a survey of 2,500 people.

While eating disorders frequently co-occur with depression and substance abuse, anxiety is the most common of all the diseases that co-occur with anorexia.

These comorbidity findings raise serious concerns regarding the nature of eating disorders and how they are treated.

Anxiety And Eating Disorders Treatment

The treatment of eating disorders and anxiety is done best by mental health professionals because these diseases, although having physical signs, are rooted in the lack of mental health wellbeing.

Some of the best treatment options are:

1: Medication

People typically have reservations about using psychiatric medicine, although evidence shows that it is effective in treating anxiety problems.

Medication may be a short-term or long-term therapeutic option, depending on the severity of symptoms, underlying medical illnesses, and other individual circumstances.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), Serotonin Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs), and Benzodiazepines are all common anxiety medications.

2: Therapy

Both anxiety and eating disorder treatment benefit from therapy, which has been shown to be successful in both cases. In reality, the most effective treatment for both illnesses is the same.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is the most evidence-based treatment for practically all mental diseases.

Treatments like exposure therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy are applied in many mental hospitals to help the person overcome the disease.

3: Relapse Prevention & Aftercare Support

As previously stated, treating both co-occurring eating disorders and anxiety disorders at the same time is the most effective strategy for relapse prevention.

Neither is more significant than the other. Since these diseases are so intertwined, addressing anxiety issues involves treating eating disorder psychology, and treating eating disorder psychology and practices can only help with anxiety symptoms.

Whether you’re just starting a treatment or transitioning from inpatient to outpatient care, remember that working with a team that understands and treats both disorders is the most likely way to achieve long-term eating disorder and anxiety recovery.

Are We Clear?

We hope you have understood the inherent connection between anxiety and eating disorders because one precedes another.

However, not all cases of anxiety result in an eating disorder, but most cases of eating disorders are rooted in anxiety problems.

If you need more details on these diseases, let us know in the comment section below. We will get back to you with an answer in no time.

Ways To Improve Your Brain Activity

Best 5 Ways To Improve Your Brain Activity

chibueze uchegbu | February 23rd, 2022


It is common knowledge that our brains control everything that we do. let’s take a look at the 5 Ways To Improve Your Brain Activity.

It allows us to work on our daily routine, enable us to eat and drink, and so on. The brain is one of the most crucial parts of one’s self. So, you have to take care of it like any other regular part of your body.

There are many ways to care for your brain. But you do not have to worry about how easy or hard it would be. Here are tips and a few helpful pieces of advice to help improve your brain activity. Check them out.

  • Learn a new skill

Do you not think that finding out about something new is enticing? Perhaps you want to learn how to bake? Or maybe you now have the time to figure out how that car engine works. Or maybe you wish to improve your knowledge of other daily things and scenarios.

It is no surprise that learning a new skill can be rewarding and fun for anyone. But did you know that doing so will also strengthen your brain’s connections?

There are studies and research that prove this aspect. One research way back in 2014 showcases how learning a new skill improves the overall memory function in most adults.

  • Have mushrooms

This is among the 5 Ways To Improve Your Brain Activity. Mushrooms have a better role than being exemplary food items or hallucinogens. S

Some kinds of mushrooms improve how your brain functions and one such variant would be the Lion’s Mane Mushroom mixed into tea or coffee.

Others serve as mood enhancers that contain natural LSD. An adaptogenic and recreational mushroom microdose helps boost brain activity and memory.

One pilot study states that people who take a mushroom for dementia and other brain conditions will benefit more.

  • Listen to music

Music makes the world go round, as they say. But there is more to music than that.

You can improve your brain activity while listening to your favorite tunes. This method will let you unleash your creativity and productivity. While silence still works, listening to music will increase your workflow and thinking tenfold.

There is also the option of learning how to play a musical instrument. You can do so right away, which will be a neat plus for your brain.

You get to get into something new, and you can enjoy the benefits of it. Not only will you get to play a new instrument, and it will also make your brain function a lot better than before.

  • Learn a new language

Tackling a new language is the same as learning a new skill. There are several benefits to speaking more than one language.

Being bilingual helps improve your memory, creativity, skills, and so much more. Not only that but speaking more than one language will make it easier for you to converse with people who specialize in it. That is one way for you to close that language gap.

  • Have fun with games

Simple brain fitness games, such as crosswords, Sudoku, and electronic programs will strengthen your memory and speed.

Most of these games rely on critical thinking, mathematics, logic, and a lot more. But do keep the time in mind. So you have to spend no more than twenty minutes on them each day.

The bottom line is that each of these activities will help make your brain function way better than before. Brain activities are getting more popular nowadays.

Not only that, but they also discover new methods to help improve how the brain works. So you have to be on the lookout for new ways to make your brain better and more efficient. Doing so allows your brain to prepare for anything.

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mental hospitals in Liverpool

Top 14 mental hospitals in Liverpool

chibueze uchegbu | February 15th, 2022


The mental hospitals in Liverpool are worth knowing since mental health must be cared for at all costs.

Mental health refers to cognitive, behavioral, and emotional well-being. It is all about how people think, feel, and behave.

People sometimes use the term “mental health” to mean the absence of a mental disorder. Mental health can affect daily living, relationships, and physical health.

Mental health refers to cognitive, behavioral, and emotional well-being. It is all about how people think, feel, and behave. People sometimes use the term “mental health” to mean the absence of a mental disorder.

Looking after mental health can preserve a person’s ability to enjoy life. Doing this involves reaching a balance between life activities, responsibilities, and efforts to achieve psychological resilience.

Conditions such as stress, depression, and anxiety can all affect mental health and disrupt a person’s routine.

Although the term mental health is in common use, many conditions that doctors recognize as psychological disorders have physical roots. In this article, we unveil the comprehensive list of mental hospitals in Liverpool;

Top mental hospitals in Liverpool

Let us take a look at the mental hospitals in Liverpool the United Kingdom;

Access Sefton

Address: Unit 5, Stella Nova, Washington Parade, Bootle L20 4TQ, United Kingdom

Phone: +44 300 303 2708

Website: Visit

Addiction treatment Liverpool

Address: The Foundry, 36 Henry St, Liverpool L1 5AY, United Kingdom

Phone: +44 151 706 7888

Aintree University Hospital

Address: Lower Ln, Liverpool L9 7AL, United Kingdom

Phone: +44 151 525 5980

Founded: 2006

Website: Visit

Ashworth Hospital by Mersey Care

Address: Parkbourn, Liverpool L31 1HW, United Kingdom

Phone: +44 151 473 0303

Care system: NHS

Website: Visit

Broadgreen Hospital

Address: Thomas Dr, Liverpool L14 3LB, United Kingdom

Phone: +44 151 706 2000

Number of beds: 180

Website: visit

Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

Address: Chester Health Park, Liverpool Rd, Chester CH2 1BQ, United Kingdom

Phone: +44 1244 397397

Website: Visit

Clinical Partners Psychiatrists in Liverpool

Address: 88 Rodney St, Liverpool L1 9AR, United Kingdom

Phone: +44 20 3326 9160

Website: Click here

Clock View Hospital, Mersey Care NHS Trust

Address: 2a Oakhouse Park, Liverpool L9 1EP, United Kingdom

Phone: +44 151 330 7200

Website: Visit

Fresh CAMHS Liverpool

Address: Alder Rd, Liverpool L12 2AP, United Kingdom

Phone: +44 151 293 3662

Website: Visit

Gateway Recovery Centre | Elysium Healthcare

Address: Bennett’s Ln, Widnes WA8 0GT, United Kingdom

Phone: +44 151 422 2140

Website: visit

Gray Healthcare

Address: Building 2000 Vortex Court, Enterprise Way, Liverpool L13 1FB, United Kingdom

Phone: +44 151 255 2830

Website: visit

North Liverpool Community Mental Health Team

Address: Falklands Approach, Liverpool L11 5BS, United Kingdom

Phone: +44 151 737 4800

Rathbone Hospital

Address: Mill Ln, Old Swan, Liverpool L13 4AW, United Kingdom

Phone: +44 151 250 3000

Stoddart House

Address: Aintree Rd, Liverpool L9 7AL, United Kingdom

Phone: +44 151 529 3782

Importance of mental health institutions

There are a lot of challenges associated with mental health illnesses ranging from but not limited to stigma, negligence and high care costs.

It is estimated that more than 350 million people worldwide suffer from depression and in 2012 suicide was the 15th leading cause of death and the second leading cause of death for 15-29-year-olds worldwide (WHO, 2016).

In spite of these challenges, these institutions have been striving to make sure people are properly cared for despite their mental state.

Let’s take a look at some of the cardinal impacts of these mental hospitals in Liverpool;

Showing individuals respect and acceptance removes a significant barrier to successfully coping with their illness.

Having people see you as an individual and not as your illness can make the biggest difference for someone who is struggling with their mental health. With professional help from mental health services, most of these people enjoy improved life quality.

Types of mental disorders

There are many different types of mental disorders. Some common ones include:

  1. Anxiety disorders, including panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and phobias
  2. Depression, bipolar disorder, and other mood disorders
  3. Eating disorders
  4. Personality disorders
  5. Post-traumatic stress disorder
  6. Psychotic disorders, including schizophrenia

Top causes of mental disorders

There is no single cause for mental illness. A number of factors can contribute to risk for mental illness, such as:

  • A mother’s exposure to viruses or toxic chemicals while pregnant
  • A traumatic brain injury
  • Biological factors such as chemical imbalances in the brain
  • Having a serious medical condition like cancer
  • Having few friends, and feeling lonely or isolated
  • Use of alcohol or recreational drugs
  • Your genes and family history

Signs of mental illness

  • Long-lasting sadness or irritability
  • Extremely high and low moods
  • Excessive fear, worry, or anxiety
  • Social withdrawal
  • Dramatic changes in eating or sleeping habits

How to improve mental health

Here we have a comprehensive list on how to improve on your mental health;

  • Accept who you are
  • Be active
  • Care for others
  • Drink sensibly
  • Eat well
  • Engage in things your do better
  • Keep in touch
  • Rest
  • Seek for help
  • Talk about your feelings
  • Volunteer
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psychological effects of cancer

Top 6 Psychological Effects of Cancer

chibueze uchegbu | January 1st, 2022


Most of the time when we talk about cancer, much of the attention diverts to the physical effect.

But experts have predicted that what kills people diagnosed with cancer faster is the psychological effects of cancer.

The uncertainty and the feeling that one is now a ticking time bomb causes more disaster even when it turns out that it is curable.

In our update today, we shall give a comprehensive rundown of the psychological effects of Cancer while also detailing how best to deal with people diagnosed as well as how to manage your mental health as a cancer patient.

There are so many psychological effects of cancer but, with the help of our research experts and professionals in health management fields, we have narrowed our search to the core psychological effects of Cancer and how best to overcome it.

Psychological Effects of Cancer

Even cancer survivors suffer from the aftermath of psychological effects and stigma. Nonetheless, with support groups, social media online communities, and other cancer support schemes, both survivors and patients are afforded the opportunity of getting the needed counseling while being surrounded by people who understand their struggle and are very much willing to help.

Cancer is not a life sentence as many think. Rather, it provides an opportunity for one to re-evaluate his/her life and offer amendments while there is still time.

Below are the core psychological effects of cancer in modern society.

  • Depression

Depression accounts for over 70% of the psychological effect of cancer. Even the thought of cancer and going for chemotherapy is enough to plunge some people into depression.

The feeling of having your life flash before you and not being able to do anything about it creates a big vacuum that can make the person struggle every day to create a healthy mental balance.

  • Anxiety

Almost immediately after diagnosis and even before diagnosis, cancer survivors and patients are already anxious about the worst possible outcome.

They remain in a state of anxiety with the thought that the worst might just be about to happen. The fear, discomfort, and distress keep mounting.

It is important we recognize these signs and take proactive measures in helping the person involved.

  • Loss of Self Confidence

Imagine losing your blonde hair, having your arm amputated, loss of fertility, and physical independence.

All these and many more aftermath of cancer battle or cancer management leads to loss of self-confidence. Support groups should be suggested to help the person see that he/she is not alone in the struggle.

  • Guilt

There is cancer guilt both on the side of the diagnosed person and others related to them. Survivors are sometimes burdened with the guilt of why they survived, and others didn’t.

While relatives, wives, children, siblings of the diagnosed patient will feel they did not do much to help the person or curtail the bad habits that led to cancer in the first place. It tends to be worst when the person didn’t survive.

Those in these kinds of places should be introduced to psychotherapists and psychologists.

  • Stigma

It is not surprising when you see people relate to you differently after being diagnosed with cancer. Even survivors still suffer the stigma as some friends, co-workers or even family members might start isolating or relating with you differently because of the fact that you have been associated with cancer.

 It is best you seek relationships with people outside that circle that understand what you have been through and are very much willing to make you see how valuable you still are.

  • Spirituality

Many survivors find that life takes on a new dimension after cancer and will renew their devotion to spiritual activities and organized religion.

Analysts suggest that spirituality enhances the value of life through a sound social support network, adaptive coping, reduced depression, and improved physiological function.

How to handle the Psychological Effects of Cancer

Just like we said earlier, cancer is not a death sentence as many see it. But with the right information and proper self-management, one can still live a fruitful life even as a cancer patient.

Below are some of the ways to get ahead and overcome the psychological effects of cancer.

  • Treatment:

If you have been diagnosed with cancer, it is very important you adhere to the treatment plans suggested by your doctor. Don’t act ignorant of their warning because at the end of the day it will still come back to you.

  • Support Groups:

Join the circle of like minds. both survivors and patients. Their stories can offer a ray of hope for you to know you are not in the struggle alone. Do not be scared to ask questions and interact freely among them.

  • Social Media and Information:

Thanks to the internet, one can now access tons of information from the comfort of his/her house. In dealing with cancer, we advise you to scout for every inch of the information relating to that cancer.

This way you can be able to broaden your knowledge of the ailment and how best to go about it. But always consult your doctor and don’t engage in self-medication.

There are many social media cancer support groups. Engage with them and remain optimistic in your fight against cancer.

Conclusion

Cancer remains a menace in modern society. Killing even before the actual death approaches. Health experts advise regular medical checkups for families as early detection of cancer leads to a high possibility of survival.

Also, assist in awareness campaigns and remain nice to people diagnosed with cancer as that might be the only support you can give them in their battle.

FAQS (Frequently Asked Questions)

Here are the top answers to most of the asked questions on the psychological effects of cancer.

  • Can Cancer Affect Your Mental Health?

Cancer can affect mental health in a variety of ways. Ranging from anxiety, distress, depression, e.t.c. However, this can be avoided with proper mental health management and therapy.

  • Can Cancer affect you Socially?

Amputation, loss of hair, e.t.c can affect self-confidence and make one isolate from relating to other people. Because he/she feels incomplete as a result of the physical changes and tends to isolate or cut off socially from society.

  • Can Cancer cause Behavior changes?

Ranging from aggression, irritation, mood swings, etc. Cancer can cause quite a number of behavioral changes. This is mostly seen in those diagnosed with brain tumors.

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is it bad to be an introvert

Is Being An Introvert Bad?

Dr. Chuwkuebuka | December 30th, 2021


Is Being An Introvert Bad? Let’s take you along in understanding everything you need to know about this persona trait.

Mind you, every word in this article counts. So, be devoted to reading to the very end.

Since different people have this view on being an introvert, some are left with awe, thus the curiosity for asking if it is unhealthy to be an introvert.

The truth is that being an introvert is not bad. However, we need to know that every personality trait comes with its strengths and weaknesses.

Let’s dive into this enriching write-up for clarity!

Who is an Introvert?

Introversion is one of the principal persona traits recognized in many theories of persona. People who are introverted tend to be inward turning, or targeted extra on inner thoughts, feelings, and moods rather than searching out external stimulation.

The terms introversion and extroversion (also regularly spelled extraversion) have been popularized through the work of Carl Jung and later have become important parts of other distinguished theories including the big five theory of character. The introversion-extroversion dimension is also one of the four regions diagnosed by using the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI).

  • Overview on is being an introvert bad?

According to many theories of character, all and sundry have a few degrees of both introversion and extroversion. However, humans frequently have a tendency to learn one manner or the other.

Introverts tend to be more quiet, reserved, and introspective. Unlike extroverts who benefit power from social interaction, introverts must use up power in social conditions.

After attending a party or spending time in a massive group of human beings, introverts regularly experience a need to “recharge” by using spending a time frame by themselves.

Introversion is a personality trait characterized with the aid of a focal point on internal emotions instead of on outside resources of stimulation.

Introverts and extroverts are often viewed in terms of two excessive opposites, however, the fact is that most people lie somewhere in the center.

While introverts make up an estimated 25 to 40 percentage of the populace, there are nonetheless many misconceptions about this personality type.

It is also crucial to notice that introversion isn’t the same aspect as social tension or shyness. Being an introvert does no longer suggests which you are socially worrying or shy.

Causes of Introversion

In order to recognize why some people are introverted and a few human beings are extroverted, it’s far essential to apprehend the position that your frame’s physiology performs.

The way that your frame responds to the outdoor environment performs an important role in determining your degree of extroversion and introversion.

On a physiological level, a community of neurons positioned in the brainstem known as the reticular activating system (RAS) is responsible for regulating arousal levels together with wakefulness and transitions between sleeping and waking.

The RAS also performs a role in controlling how a lot of information you are taking in even as you are awake. When confronted by way of capacity threats inside the surroundings, the RAS will grow your arousal degrees in order to be able to be alert and geared up to address the danger.

Each person has a fundamental set factor in phrases of arousal degree. Some human beings have a tendency to naturally have a miles higher set point, whilst others have a far lower set point.

According to Eysenck’s concept, introverts are those that have evidently high tiers of arousal. Because introverts have a tendency to experience chronically excessive arousal degrees, they tend to be seeking sports and environments where they are able to escape from overstimulation.

Because in their clearly excessive arousal stages, they may be extra alert and take in greater facts from the environment.

Escaping somewhere to have time alone to recharge gives them the opportunity to the manner and replicate what they have got discovered.

Common Signs of Introversion

Do you expect that you know who is an introvert and who isn’t always? also, is being an introvert bad?

While you would possibly think about an introvert as a shy wallflower who prefers to stay home on their own as opposed to socializing, introverts are clearly available in many kinds with a wide variety of characteristics.

There are definitely plenty of introverts who are socially reserved and who could prefer to stay home and examine a book instead of going to a large celebration, however, there are also masses of introverts who enjoy socializing.

You may even be amazed to research that many folks that you suspect of as “social butterflies” might surely be pretty introverted.

The below are some of the signs which you are probably an introvert.

  1. Being Around Lots of People Drains Your Energy

Do you ever feel exhausted after spending time with a whole lot of people? After an afternoon interacting with others, do you regularly want to retreat to a quiet location and feature an extended quantity of time all to yourself?

One of the primary traits of this character kind is that introverts need to use up electricity in social conditions, not like extroverts who advantage strength from such interactions. That does not imply that every introvert keeps away from social events altogether.

  1. You Enjoy Solitude

As an introvert, your idea of an amazing time is a quiet afternoon to yourself to enjoy your hobbies and hobbies.

A few hours on their own with a good e-book, a peaceful nature stroll, or their favored tv software are excellent methods to help them be more recharged and energized.

This does no longer mean that the common introvert desires to be on my own all of the time. Many introverts love spending time with pals and interacting with familiar people in social conditions.

The key issue to bear in mind is that once an extended day of social pastime, an introvert will possibly need to retreat to a quiet place to suppose, mirror, and recharge.

  1. You Have a Small Group of Close Friends

One not unusual misconception about introverts is that they don’t like human beings. While introverts normally do not experience a tremendous deal of socializing, they do revel in having a small institution of friends to whom they’re especially close.

Instead of getting a big social circle of human beings they know best on a superficial stage, introverts prefer to stick to deep, long-lasting relationships marked via a top-notch deal of closeness and intimacy.

Researchers have located that humans excessive on this trait generally tend to have a smaller organization of friends.

While extroverts generally have a wide circle of pals and acquaintances, introverts generally pick their pals a great deal more cautiously.

If your social circle has a tendency to be small but very near, there is a pretty suitable threat you are an introvert.

  1. People Often Describe You as Quiet and May Find It Difficult to Get to Know You

Introverts are frequently defined as quiet, reserved, and are every now and then incorrect for being shy.

While some introverts really are shy, humans really must not mistake an introvert’s reserve for timidity. In many cases, human beings with this character kind truly choose to pick their words carefully and not waste time or strength on pointless chit-chat.

If you’re the quiet type and a bit reserved, you probably are an introvert.

  1. Too Much Stimulation Leaves You Feeling Distracted and Unfocused

When introverts need to spend time in sports or environments that might be very traumatic, they could grow to be feeling unfocused and beaten.

Extroverts, then again, tend to thrive in conditions wherein there is a lot of hobby and few chances of turning into bored.

According to at least one research, researchers have found that introverts tend to be greater without difficult distracted than extroverts, for that is part of the purpose why introverts tend to decide upon a quieter, less harried place.

If you generally tend to experience crushed in busy social situations, you probably tend to be an introvert.

  1. You Are Very Self-Aware

Because introverts have a tendency to be inward-turning, additionally they spend a wonderful deal of time analyzing their own inner stories.

Introverts have a tendency to enjoy clearly considering and analyzing matters of their own minds.

Self-focus and self-expertise are important to introverts, so they often dedicate an amazing deal of time to mastering themselves.

This would possibly involve exploring pursuits they revel in, considering their lives, and studying books that explore subject matters and subjects that can be vital to them.

If you sense that you are self-aware and enjoy gaining a deep understanding of yourself, then you are probably an introvert.

  1. You Like to Learn by Watching

Where extroverts generally tend to prefer to soar right in and learn via arms-on experience, introverts typically choose to get to know through observation.

While extroverts normally examine via trial and blunders, introverts learn excellently by means of watching.

Introverts like to look at others carry out an undertaking, frequently again and again, until they feel that they can mirror the movements on their very own.

  1. You Are Drawn to Jobs That Involve Independence

As you may think, jobs that require an amazing deal of social interplay generally maintain little appeal to humans high in introversion.

On the other hand, careers that involve operating independently are frequently an exceptional desire for introverts. For example, an introvert would possibly experience running as an author, accountant, laptop programmer, photo designer, pharmacist, or artist.

Introversion vs Shyness

It is critical to notice that introversion does no longer necessarily equates with shyness. In their e-book, The Development of Shyness and Social Withdrawal, authors Schmidt and Buss write, “Sociability refers back to the reason, robust or susceptible, of wanting to be with others, while shyness refers to conduct when with others, inhibited or uninhibited, in addition to feelings of tension and discomfort.”

Shyness shows a fear of humans or social conditions. Introverts, alternatively, in reality, do not want to spend lots of time interacting with other people.

However, introverts do respect being around humans to whom they may be close. They locate carrying out “small talk” tedious but do experience having deep, significant conversations. Introverts also generally tend to consider matters before talking. They need to have full information about an idea before they voice an opinion or try to provide proof.

Disadvantages of Being an Introvert

  1. Introverts frequently get classified as bizarre or snobbish.
  2. Introverts don’t always get the birthday celebration invitation.
  3. Introverts have a more difficult time standing out on social media.
  4. Introverts can get neglected.
  5. Introverts can conflict to enlarge their networks.
  6. Introverts might not score as many dates.
  7. Introverts are regularly overshadowed at work.

Introverts tend to be uncomfortable playing up their proper deeds, in particular inside the place of job.

 5 Myths surrounding Introverts

Unfortunately, many people are unaware of what it means to be an introvert. They associate introversion with social anxiety and depression.

Introverts are frequently accused of being caught up, angry, or disinterested when they become silent. And they are frequently accused of being antisocial or selfish because they spend time alone. However, for some introverts, this may not be far from the truth.

The following are 5 generally held misconceptions or criticisms about Introverts

1 Introverts aren’t usually self-conscious in social situations

Social awkwardness, like shyness, is a distinct feature of introversion. In social situations, many introverts can be rather charismatic.

(In truth, introverts make up 60% of all lawyers, a profession that necessitates a great deal of self-assurance while speaking in front of others.

  1. Introverts do not dislike others

The absence of chitchat of an introvert is sometimes misunderstood. It’s been seen as a sign that they don’t like others. The truth is just the reverse. Small chat is generally avoided by introverts because they believe it to be inauthentic. They yearn for a deeper connection with the people they speak with.

  1. Introverts are not rude

Yes, if an introvert is fully out of social strength, they may get grumpy or, at the very least, sector out. But they are not trying to be unpleasant and if you give them some time alone to recharge, they will be a lot more friendly.

  1. Introverts do not require “curing

Being an introvert is a part of their personality, and it may be a source of inspiration. When they embody their nature and use it as a source of electricity, they are at their best.

5 . Introverts don’t (usually) wish they were extroverts

Introverts may occasionally envy an extrovert’s ability to think quickly or naturally in a social scenario.

However, they also take great pleasure in their internal world and their alone time. Introverts enjoy a number of advantages that extroverts lack, and they wouldn’t swap them for the sector.

Top Indicators that you might be an introvert

Although each introvert is unique, there are several telltale signs and symptoms that you’re an introvert.

  1. You enjoy spending time alone with yourself

Most introverts like social interactions as well, but they all appreciate the isolation of alone time. You might be an introvert if spending time alone feels clean, calm, and rejuvenating. Certain types of socializing deplete your energy.

It’s possible that not all social situations have an identical impact on you. However, with the influx of new people, huge changes are taking place, or in noisy environments, you in all likelihood get wiped out fast.

  1. You do your pleasant work by Yourself

Introverts hardly ever work properly in crowded environments. The extra secluded you are, the more likely you are to attention deeply and bring fantastic paintings.

You may also experience more creativity, focused, or efficiency, or you may really be capable of doing extra in a shorter time.

It doesn’t mean you wouldn’t paint on teams, but you like to retreat somewhere quiet as soon as the collaborating is done. In an open workplace, noise-canceling headphones are your buddy.

  1. You prefer to hang out with a few near buddies than a huge group of humans

It’s a myth that introverts don’t like to socialize. Sitting with some close buddies, you may revel in chatting all night, and you may even “seem” like an extrovert.

For something motive, those kinds of interactions don’t drain you the manner others do. But after you get to a party or large organization placing, you realize it’s only a be counted of time earlier than you experience wiped.

  1. You have a vivid, wealthy internal world

You would possibly spend a whole lot of time thinking about, or even dreaming. Or, you would possibly simply favor supposing things via before you act.

  1. You favor staying

    out of the highlight

There are exceptions to this, however many introverts pick no longer to speak up in massive group settings — and would alternatively handoff talking roles to someone else.

Of route, many introverts are creatives and performers, and a few even love getting on stage. Others are business leaders who talk in front of teams or audiences all the time.

Introverts are absolutely able to study and gain knowledge of these talents, however, if your natural inclination is to keep away from group participation, you may be an introvert.

  1. You can “network,” however you sense like you’re faking it

If you hate small talk, and also you additionally hate having to speak to strangers, then networking is pretty much the least comfortable factor you may do and that’s exactly how most introverts experience.

  1. You don’t always recognise what to mention

Instead, you routinely locate yourself deliberating the right reaction after the verbal exchange is over.

This is regular: many introverts warfare with phrase retrieval (the capacity to pick out the proper words on the fly).

  1. You’re better at writing your thoughts than speaking them

You may or might not be a natural novelist, but if writing something is greater cushty than announcing it in individual, it’s a robust sign you’re an introvert. Introverts take time to consider what we want to say, and even as that can gradually down a stay communication, it makes for very clear and expressive writing.

  1. You dive deep, each to your relationships and pastimes

What exactly do you do with that spare time you want to have? It’s time for a self-mirrored image, of course! You might spend it considering your lifestyles, the people you adore, your profession, or the “huge questions” in lifestyles.

Or, you would possibly spend it studying, gaining knowledge of, or creating artwork. All of these items provide you with an inclination to go deeper than others into the topics and interests that hobby you.

  1. You sense out of the area in an “extroverted” society

Extroverts frequently don’t word it, however, our society assumes that human beings have to be chatty, social, and quick to speak up quite a good deal all of the time.

Did you experience pressure to speak more even at a younger age? Did you usually experience out of the area, or even surprised if there was something wrong with you for no longer being greater social? This single thing may be the most important sign you’re an introvert.

Final thought

The way we act and our perception of life is the core mirror of our personality traits. A personality impacts how one tends to think, feel and behave.

Anyone can occasionally get angry, and make a snappy remark. When this happens in isolation, it doesn’t reflect a personality trait. Therefore, having any of these indicators above does not make you an introvert.

None of these traits should be considered bad unless it affects your well-being and that of your neighbors. I am confident that this question of is being an introvert bad? has been clarified.

However, we are open to more questions, recommendations, and suggestions. Kindly air your view in the comment box below.

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Psychological effects of death of a loved one

Psychological effects of death of a loved one

chibueze uchegbu | December 28th, 2021


Today, we will unveil the Psychological effects of death of a loved one. This is an essential piece since death remains inevitable.

Missing the presence of a loved one can be overwhelming, talk more of when the person dies.

Overview of the Psychological effects of death of a loved one

Getting to experience the death of a loved one can be a series of emotions falling on someone all at a time; it tends to make the psychological and emotional state of the bereaved family members, friends, or colleagues unhealthy, that is why it is good to get support and allow healing of the mind to take place.

Death is a part of our lives, that’s why people with spiritual beliefs pray for long life; death sometimes helps individuals to make the essence of their life, while some lose the meaning of life.

The death of a loved one can bring about a series of emotions on different levels, it comes with the feeling of pain, sorrow, fear, anxiety, guilt, anger, shock, weakness, humiliation, depression, despair, and sometimes regrets.

These feelings could alter the life of the bereaved, so it is necessary to get the necessary help to make meaning of life, after losing a loved one.

What The Bereaved Could Feel

After the loss of a loved one, the next emotion that proceeds is to grieve and mourn. To grief has to do with the immediate reaction after getting the news of the death of a loved one, it could be loud screams, tears, passing out, and for some, it is the feeling of numbness that comes with it.

The reaction of the individual after the news depends on the relationship with the deceased, the importance of the deceased, and sometimes, the cause and period of death.

Furthermore, the point of grief is also a determinant of the psychological state of the bereaved. If the psychological state isn’t well treated, it could lead to trauma and other deteriorating emotional feelings, one with strong emotional intelligence will quickly accept the reality of the loss and start finding means to adjust to the vacuum, although, in most times, the feeling can be unbearable, with the necessary support, and moderate mourning, the bereaved will get to find relief, it just might take a little time.

The extent of feelings that the bereaved will have will be based on the personality type, the incidence surrounding the death of the loved one, and sometimes the level of support and empathy that the bereaved gets.

For instance, a child losing a parent will hit differently on the sibling of the lost parent, in fact, the overall feelings and actions of that child can be dependent on the loss, as that is a lifelong blow, but the reality is, the living has to live and move on.

The psychological disorder tends to occur when a loved one is gone, the thought of not seeing the person again, the thought of not getting love from the person or just living without the person can be overwhelming, cases of emotional stress will stem up, loneliness, financial crisis, PTSD, lack of interest and energy are samples of disorder that the bereaved might feel.

Change of behavior is another way to pick out the psychological disorder of the bereaved. Some people might feel numb and be oblivion to happenings around them, some might become violent, sometimes irrational, while others become more gentle and might not trust people and processes. When in these down moments, it is best to remember that life is precious and you should seek support or help to aid in living a better life.

Support from family members, friends, and even professionals could go a long way in helping to handle the emotional imbalance and psychological disorder that comes with losing a dear one.

Mourning Could Be Therapeutic

Mourning has to do with the expression of sorrow. Sorrow is an emotion and needs expression, just like any other emotion. If bottled up and not expressed, it could lead to other series of complicated emotions, and maybe physical illness too.

However, the thin line to mourn excessively shouldn’t be crossed; it could lead to other losses, lack of interest in life, suicidal thoughts, despair, and illness such as stomach ulcer as the bereaved might lose interest in eating.

In cases of people losing their partner, the psychological disorder can be more intense, the story of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is a perfect example. Therefore, the manner of  mourning differs from people based on the scenario and situation of the bereaved and the death

One could be wondering how mourning is sometimes therapeutic, it heals the bereaved because it allows them to express how they feel; expressing how one feels is soothing to the mind, but if bottled up, it could be more disastrous, If, in that situation, it is advised to express the down feelings, but should not get to the state of harm, simply express to heal.

Mourning allows the bereaved to accept the reality of loss, it will open one’s eyes to the fact that there is a void created, and one has to move on with courage nevertheless, it is better to express the pain, the shock, anger, and all other emotions, but disallow getting to the state of hopelessness, as life is precious, while death helps to make meaning of it.

Mourning helps one to feel the pain, process it, and think through it, these stages, of course, will come with emotional imbalance, but the difference is how one backs up for the loss and finds ways to still live and be happy.

If one avoids mourning or expressing pain after losing a loved one, it is deceitful to the mind, as the state of mind remains the same without expression, this could lead to a series of disorders, and mental illness; it could even make existing health condition worsened or cause a new sickness.

The things one might feel if mourning isn’t done could be the same if done excessively, in essence, allow yourself to feel the pain moderately, and then brace up and live.

Staying Heads Up After the Pain From the Loss of A Dear One

As earlier said, it is better to find ways to still stay alive and disallow the pain from weighing you down, the following are guidelines to stay heads up above  Psychological disorders after losing a beloved:

  • Be Around Supportive People: After losing a loved one, it is better to stay with supportive individuals who can empathize with you. Your family members, friends, good neighbors, and maybe colleagues will do.
  • Continue to Stay Healthy: After losing a loved one, one might be tempted to ignore the well-being and might start skipping meals, get addicted to alcohol, drugs, and junk; avoid cases like that. Staying healthy will allow you to focus on life and other loved ones around; it will also prevent health complications. Eat healthily, drink a lot of water and rest adequately.
  • Talk it Out: As mentioned, the best way to heal from psychological disorders after losing a loved one is to express how you feel. Talk about your feelings, even fears to a trusted person, soothing words will relieve the clogs in your head and mind, always express to heal, never bottle it up, it can be harmful. Do not shy away from your feelings, feel it and communicate it to a trusted person who can understand and even empathize with you.
  • Move On: Moving on takes courage, gathering enough strength to move on without being rash will help to heal a lot. Heal at your pace and move on from the vacuum, for instance, it’s unwise for a young adult to become jobless because of the death of a parent. Another angle is to accept that the loved person is gone, do not fight away the thought of the person, rather, feel comfortable thinking of the person, relishing good memories created together.
  • Be Patient: Healing comes with processes and time, the death of a loved one can strike one with an eternal void, hence, to heal, one needs time to heal and become strong to stand the loss. In taking delicate decisions such as remarrying, selling off properties, one has to be careful as such decisions can make or mar one’s life.
  • Get Support: If at some point, the feeling is overwhelming, get professional help, therapists were trained appropriately to heal people. They will assist in walking one down the lane of healing. Meanwhile, it is not a weakness to seek support, it is a big strength and a sign of a person who is certain about the things they want to get from life.
A final thought on the Psychological effects of death of a loved one

Losing a  beloved is heartbreaking no doubt, the feeling can be terrific; pain, anguish, shame, helplessness, anxiety, confusion, depression can descend on the bereaved; it’s heartbreaking no doubt, however, it is best that the bereaved mourn in moderate, express how they feel and try to heal and ease of the pain.

Seek support when necessary, stay healthy; then your state of mind and emotions will be comforted. Also, give support to any bereaved around you.

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How To Find Inner Peace With Yourself

How To Find Inner Peace With Yourself

chibueze uchegbu | December 26th, 2021


Are you interested to know How To Find Inner Peace With Yourself? worry no more, you are among the fortunate ones to come across this article.

Life can be complicated sometimes, with a lot of ups and downs. But while it’s not all bleak, some things people go through can take a huge toll.

Overview on How To Find Inner Peace With Yourself

So, what is ‘inner peace’? And why are we talking about it today?

Well, this can be seen as being in a state of physical, mental, and spiritual harmony or calm in spite of our everyday struggles, i.e money, relationships, work, etc.

So, finding inner peace should be a top priority for all individuals.

One thing we have to be aware of is that inner peace is a choice, as it is within us all, we just need to unlock it. Research has shown that a person with inner peace has fewer worries, anxieties, and fears than a person who doesn’t.

Have in mind though, finding it doesn’t mean your troubles disappear. Rather, it means that you’d be calmer and happy no matter the situation you find yourself in.

If you’ve gotten to this point of the article, I believe you’re interested in finding inner peace. So, here are a couple of amazing ways to help you in your journey to find your inner peace and enjoy a better life:

  • Accepting your faults/weaknesses

One thing some people struggle to understand is, we are not perfect as human beings. We are flawed. We all have weaknesses and make mistakes sometimes.

That’s part of being ‘human’. But these people are so obsessed with the belief or pursuit of perfection that they forget their weaknesses show the human side of them.

Well, except they’re robots, but even those make mistakes as well.

Believing or pursuing perfection which is unattainable in human form doesn’t help with inner peace, rather it might even push you away from others as you might think people with weaknesses would ‘stain’ you, or you might try way too hard not to make mistakes but end up making them. And then you start all over again in trying to be ‘perfect’.

Understand though, accepting your weaknesses doesn’t mean letting yourself spiral into mediocrity or going with the; “This is how I am. I can’t do anything about it” line. No.

Accepting your weaknesses means being aware of and acknowledging they’re there and then deciding to work on them.

While you would not become a perfect being, you would surely end up a better person than previously thought and this in itself is a huge inner peace boost.

  • Be content and grateful

When you are content with what you have, you are happier.

I’ve seen people who spent their whole lives chasing more and forgetting that you can’t have everything.

I’m not saying we should settle for less, always strive to be better than yesterday, but don’t let it consume you. Also, be content with whatever you have at that moment as lack of contentment is a door to greediness.

When you get to appreciate what you have in life and the situations you find yourself in, you’ll find more peace. Research has shown that people with a grateful heart and who are contented with their life’s blessing find peace and happiness within way easier than those who don’t practice either.

Material things and financial wealth aren’t everything, so general contentment and gratitude should always be practiced, for the good of your inner peace.

  • Change your thought process and love yourself more

How frequently do you have negative thoughts?

A saying says; “That you think it, doesn’t mean it is true.”

While this can be said for some unrealistic thoughts, it majorly applies to negative thoughts.

Your negative thoughts can stem from various sources; maybe a bad childhood, a toxic partner, or a boss, but you have to understand that it isn’t your fault and that you shouldn’t beat yourself over it.

Sulking and thinking in the negative not only affects you mentally but physically as well. It would also affect your relationships with the people close to you.

Do you love yourself?

Loving and caring for yourself is important to finding peace and happiness. How can you be truly happy in life if you don’t love yourself? Loving yourself means looking after your physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health. These include eating healthy, exercising regularly, and looking after your overall well-being.

When you have a healthy relationship with yourself and practice self-care, you can project this positive energy towards others as well.

Your life will also be happier and peaceful when you feel good about yourself and you have a healthy relationship with the people around you.

  • Engaging in the things you love

A lot of people hate their jobs and as a result of this get frustrated about pretty much everything that goes on in their workplaces.

What’s a solution to this? One would be quitting your job. But it’s not that easy, is it? Not when you have rent to cover or a family to feed.

So, what’s the other solution? Doing what you love in the first place. This isn’t that hard actually.

As youths, we all had things we did which we enjoyed and they played to our strengths.

It might have been drawing, or sculpting or programming, or singing. It could have been anything.

So, why not go for a career related to something you enjoy? It’s not too late if you didn’t in the first place. You can still pursue what you love now.

Ignore the tropes of going for the highest-paying jobs. You will earn well, but you might be unhappy which really isn’t ideal.

Do what you love and your inner peace will soar.

  • Focusing on the present

Master Oogway, from the DreamWorks animation Kung Fu Panda, told the titular character; “Yesterday is history, Tomorrow a mystery but today is a gift. That is why it is called the present.”

This goes to show just how important the present is.

We as people sometimes tend to push our thoughts way out into the future. Even to the extent of overthinking it, especially imagining things that would realistically never happen.

While it is never entirely bad to do this, we seemingly get caught up in those thoughts that we forget the present moment. We seem to forget to live in and focus on the present.

The present shapes the future. It’s that simple. Whatever we do now affects what happens tomorrow.

So, if we can learn to reside and focus on the now, we would have way more inner peace than not doing so.

  • Helping others

If you want to be happy, make others happy and you will be happy as well. This is the ultimate formula for happiness. And if you’re happy, you will know how to Find Inner Peace With Yourself and be at peace with yourself.

The feeling you get from helping others out in different ways, in volunteering or in philanthropy-like work can be amazing.

It doesn’t have to be big. Small moments matter as well.

So, next time your little sister asks for help with homework, help her out, or next time you see the old lady at the store door with her hands full, help her with the door. You’d be happy you did.

  • Letting go of the Past

The past can be a very painful place, especially if a lot of memories from it are bad. Sometimes, it isn’t bad to look back or remember the good times or recognize the painful times that probably shaped the person you are today, but you should never dwell on those memories.

They may arise sometimes for one reason or another, but let them fade away. Dwelling on them do you no good. They only mess with your inner peace and your mental health.

The past is the past, it’s gone and there’s nothing you can do about it.

So, let those memories, those pains, those fears go. I know it’s never easy, but refusing to remember them over and over again is a good step forward to letting go.

A saying says; “Forward ever, backward never” and it obviously means looking and acting ahead, for that is more important than looking behind.

  • Letting go of things we can’t control

Ever gotten frustrated as a result of poor service/network?

Or annoyed over that taxi driver who insulted you for honking at him at the green light?

Well, welcome to the world of most people here on earth. Pretty much all of us can relate to those questions.

But should we really let those things affect us?

The answer is no, because they’re things out of our control, even though it’s hard not to let them affect us sometimes.

Acknowledging that you can’t control how another person reacts to a harmless text or the bad weather that spoilt your date plans or the lack of electricity that didn’t let you watch the game on TV is what I mean by letting go.

You shouldn’t take those things personally as it wasn’t about you. Or are you the other person who reacted badly, or the bad weather or even electricity? Of course not. But still, you let such situations affect your mind and that isn’t fair to yourself.

So, next time you find yourself in a situation or on the receiving end of something you can’t control, take a deep breath, calm down and let go.

  • Meditation

Meditation is one of the most important ways of finding inner peace as it has a huge calming effect on us.

The practice of it has many benefits for our general well-being like a calmer mind and decreased anxiety as well.

All you have to do is;

  1. Find a place that translates to you as peaceful. This can be a quiet room or a garden or even a stream.
  2. Limit distractions and ask for privacy. You need to be alone in these moments, except if you have a meditation partner.
  3. Close your eyes and begin. Your mind might wander at first, but try using encouraging words to help yourself concentrate.
  4. Then, you can either choose to reflect or visualize. Concentration is key to achieving this.

There are other different types of meditation available like Yoga – which is very effective, reading the Bible or any other book that’s your fancy, or even practicing mindfulness meditation every day at home, work, or school for a set period of time.

Meditation can help you see that the bleakness of a situation that your mind ‘overthought’ is more often than not, unfounded.

These can all help you find your path to happiness, harmony, and calmness.

  • Organization

There’s this peaceful feeling gotten from sitting in an organized room or environment. Not only does it give a calm and clear mind, but it also improves your productivity, especially if you’re at work.

By organization, I do not only mean organizing your things and cleaning your environment though, but putting an order in your life.

Have you noticed how stressed you feel when you see a scattered room? That’s why organizations can help you. If you organize, you’d be able to avoid such stress.

Start taking control of your life by organizing your environment, your tasks, and your thoughts.

  • Prayer

While this might not be an option for everyone, it might be for you Christian or not. Prayer is a powerful source of inner peace, as it involves the casting of your worries, fears and handing over of your burdens to a higher being.

Prayer is seen as a sort of master key to problems by religions worldwide. All you have to do is open your mouth and pray.

  • Set healthy boundaries

Sometimes, our relationships can keep us from attaining inner peace, especially if they’re insecure or toxic.

It can be hard to set boundaries with people you’ve had in your life for a long time. Strengthen yourself and find your inner peace by setting healthy boundaries for yourself.

Determine what your needs and values are and set guidelines according to those.

  • Spending time with Nature

Have you never looked at the clouds and gone; “Wow, the sky’s so beautiful”?

Have you never gotten lost gazing at the full moon at night?

Have you never been spellbound by the sound of nature around you?

If your answer to these questions is ‘yes’, kudos to you. If it’s ‘no’, what are you waiting for? You’re missing a whole lot.

Nature is beautiful, calm, and serene. Just as well, it has the same effects on us when we interact with it. Do you want to know why? We are nature and nature is us. Simple.

Taking walks in the woods, watching a bird sing, feeding an animal, or even sitting quietly in a meadow can be a huge inner peace boost.

There’s this sense of calm and harmony we get from interacting with nature. Obviously, the man-made world i.e cities are cool and all, but it is more often than not noisy and cluttered. Not really an ideal place for improving your inner peace.

So, take a walk in and with nature sometimes. You’d be glad you did.

Final Thoughts on How to Find Inner Peace With Yourself

There are a lot more ways to attain inner peace, but as not all of them work for everyone, these should be enough.

Another thing is, if you really want your inner peace, you need to practice most of what is in this article, but know that it will take time. It doesn’t just happen in a day.

I wish you peace.

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Differences between Depression and Anxiety

Top Differences between Depression and Anxiety

chibueze uchegbu | December 16th, 2021


The top Differences between Depression and Anxiety are made simple in this article

Two of the most talked-about themes in mental health are depression and anxiety. To many people, these two seem the same, but in reality, they are not despite the close symptoms exhibited by these two conditions.

In light of the challenges many people apprehend in distinguishing depression from anxiety; this article focuses on shedding more light on the two while also highlighting the differences.

Ready to learn more? Let’s get right into the details!

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety isn’t about worrying oneself temporarily about something as it goes beyond that. Though an integral part of life, an anxiety disorder can only occur when experiencing stress or worry about anything.

When a person is going through anxiety, the intensity can worsen with time, and external factors can trigger this.

From everyday interactions with people from all walks of life, you sometimes experience this disorder.

Symptoms of anxiety 

Here are some of the symptoms you get to exhibit if anxiety sets in:

Excessive Worry 

One of the first things you notice when experiencing anxiety is that you worry too much about so many things at a time.

It could be about your job, health, and family’s health and finance. When you experience this uncontrollable worry about an aspect of your life, then anxiety has kicked in, and if not taken care of as soon as possible, it may break you down totally.

Excessive Tiredness 

When you feel tired almost all the time to the point that there’s no stopping time for this unusual fatigue, then you are already under anxiety. Once you start fidgeting, then know it’s one of the signs of anxiety disorder, and you need to act rather fast.

Restlessness 

Another important symptom to know you are experiencing anxiety is restlessness. Once you get hit with this disorder, the nervous system has no sense of moderation, so you become restless.

Once this happens, a massive release of dangerous hormones such as adrenaline triggers a heightened alertness sensation.

This makes you respond almost immediately to threats, and it’s the same hypervigilance that makes you restless.

Lack of Memory 

You also tend to forget things easily when you are experiencing anxiety. People’s short-term memory to quickly respond to questions and issues is gone.

You begin to struggle remembering conversations due to your inability to process information immediately.

What is depression?

Though similar to anxiety disorder, depression affects one negatively. It makes you feel sad, hopeless and loses interest as well. Unlike anxiety, depression is a more critical issue that lasts longer for weeks and also affects your general functions as a person.

The way people experience depression differs; it follows almost the same rhyme. This affects your daily work significantly and lowers productivity. When you are depressed, it affects many aspects of your life and even your relationships with people around you.

Symptoms of depression 

Here are some of the symptoms of depression you should look out for:

Lack of interest

One of the first things you should watch out for as someone who’s experiencing depression is a lack of interest.

There’s this lack of motivation to initiate conversations with friends or anyone. You just want to be on your own and wallowing in your thoughts.

Fun-fulfilling exercises such as entering the gym, hitting the road, jogging, or going into the woods aren’t things for depressed individuals. They want to sit on that couch and soliloquize. Once you notice this, get help as soon as possible, and depression has already kicked in for you.

Moody 

Another easiest way to know a person is undergoing depression is a lack of enthusiasm. You tend to feel really down due to the thoughts going through the head.

But the sad thing about depression is that this moody state stays for a while compared to the ordinary circumstance in one’s life.

Insomnia and Hypersomnia 

Once you find it hard to sleep at night for consecutive days, then you should worry about depression grabbing you.

This is in tandem with a report that says an individual who finds it daunting to sleep for more than may have fallen into depression.

On the flip side, if you sleep abnormally at the workplace, depression may be the factor behind this act.

Increased or reduced appetite

You also want to take cognizance of the amount of food you eat. if you are someone who appreciates good food, but you notice the reduction in craving for food consecutively, then depression has already begun.

And sometimes, some people eat a lot to mask their true feelings. They consume almost all the available food in the kitchen, and you begin to wonder why? Well, the truth is, depression has set in, which needs to be addressed.

Concluding Thoughts about Differences between Depression and Anxiety

Despite the difference between anxiety disorder and depression, both disorders can come together in some cases. The good news you should know is that both conditions are treatable.

Also, there are symptoms you can use to denote whether you are experiencing depression or an anxiety disorder as stated above.

Depression and anxiety aren’t something to play with, with the symptom; you can always be proactive in visiting a counselor to help deal with the issue

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mental health benefits of exercise

Best mental health benefits of exercise

chibueze uchegbu | December 2nd, 2021


The mental health benefits of exercise can never be overestimated and how exercise Plays these vital roles in one mental health is worthwhile.

Most of us are aware of the physical benefits gained from performing exercise regularly. People often follow exercise programs for weight loss, muscle improvement, and reduction of cardiovascular diseases.

Introduction to mental health benefits of exercise

However, many people overlook that exercise can play an equally essential role in maintaining good mental well-being. While exercise is mainly based on physical activity, it can have a significant influence on your mind.

For instance, it can trigger the release of positive hormones such as endorphins, among several other psychological benefits. So, it isn’t wise to overlook such advantages, especially in today’s stressful environment.

To further help you understand the vital role of exercise in improving mental health, here are some of its psychological benefits.

Boosts cognitive function and behavior

Exercise is not only known to boost muscle power but also brainpower. Performing exercise can cause the body to generate brain cells in a process known as neurogenesis.

As a result, individuals who follow a proper exercise routine show better brain performance with improved intelligence and memory.

Moreover, physical activity can also reduce the chances of memory loss or cognitive decline in the long run. Not to mention, due to enhanced memory, creativity is bound to rise.

It’s not surprising that many people prefer to go on long walks or jog to come up with innovative ideas.

Another psychological effect of exercise is improved behavior, especially in growing children. Physically active individuals show greater responsibility and cooperate with situations more efficiently while showing less aggression.

However, to make the most out of exercise, it’s essential to know how to perform them correctly. Otherwise, you might end up following practices that are detrimental to your mind and body. Therefore, it’s crucial to hire the best personal trainer in seattle to ensure that you follow a healthy exercise program.

If you live near or in Seattle, check out the best personal trainer in Seattle to make the most of your fitness journey. Whether you prefer an individual session or group session, you can find either at affordable prices.

Reduces depression and anxiety

Depression can make it incredibly challenging for people to live their lives, as it causes a severe decline in mental health. Depressed individuals suffer low levels of happiness due to feelings of loneliness and hopelessness.

As a result, physical well-being also starts deteriorating as depressed people develop eating disorders, fatigue, and several other conditions. What’s worse is that depression is almost always accompanied by anxiety, which can cause further complications.

Fortunately, people undergoing depression and anxiety can recover their mental health by performing regular exercise. Performing exercise triggers the release of a chemical known as endorphin, which induces happiness and positivity in the mind. As a result, loneliness and depression soon come to an end, automatically reducing anxiety.

It’s not surprising that doctors often recommend performing exercises to their depressed patients before moving to medication.

According to research, physical activity and antidepressants have the same structural effects on the brain, known as neuroplasticity. Both develop new neural paths and boost the growth of the hippocampus; however, exercise has fewer side effects.

Improves sleep

Continuous work and the excessive use of computers and mobile phones in today’s modern age make it easy to overlook your body’s sleeping needs.

Unsurprisingly, 1 in 3 adults is not able to get enough sleep. However, it’s crucial to get a good night’s sleep each day to maintain mental well-being.

A tired brain won’t learn anything, think clearly, or be attentive, leading to a decrease in cognitive processes. Not to mention, disturbed sleep can contribute to severe cases of depression.

But with regular physical activity, one can easily maintain a healthy sleeping routine. Promote yourself “be strong be healthy” performing exercise helps to increase body temperature and relax your brain. As a result, it’s much easier to fall asleep on time each night.

Moreover, exercising is also known to maintain your body’s circadian rhythm, which is acts as our body’s alarm clock. With a well-regulated circadian rhythm, our bodies start to feel tired at the right time before we go to bed.

Helps gain social support and confidence

A notable advantage of performing exercise is increased social support, which can ultimately improve mental health.

Several people prefer to hit the gym and socialize with people, making many supportive friends along the way. Not to mention, many physical activities such as playing sports require people to socialize with others.

So, people who perform exercise regularly can connect with new people, which helps improve mental well-being by decreasing feelings of loneliness.

Alongside being a source of social support, exercise can also help increase one’s confidence. While doing exercise, people gain several physical achievements, such as weight loss and muscle improvement.

Consequently, physically active people feel better about their bodies, becoming more confident about themselves. Moreover, regular exercise improves self-esteem just as much as confidence. Therefore, physically active individuals don’t suffer from feelings of dissatisfaction. And this ultimately helps reduce the onset of depression, anxiety, and stress.

Improve mental health through physical health

If you seek to maintain your mental health, it’s essential to be aware of its link with physical health.

Declining mental health can lead to harmful effects on our physical health. Similarly, poor physical health can lead to psychological issues.

For example, not following a healthy diet can reduce your brain’s nutrition for maintaining mental health. Likewise, mental health issues can lead to various diseases and illnesses, such as cardiovascular issues.

Improved physical health through exercise ensures a robust immune system, reducing the chances of suffering stress and depression due to illnesses.

In the long run, you’ll be able to stay happier with a healthy body and fewer harmful physical conditions such as arthritis.

Conclusion on mental health benefits of exercise

Mental health is becoming an alarming issue in the modern world. People are continuously overwhelming their minds with increased work and excessive use of social technology.

In such a situation, exercise can play a significant role in maintaining the mental health of countless people, as proven by the psychological benefits mentioned above.

So, incorporate exercise into your daily routine to combat declining mental health. Make it a priority to ensure your mental well-being alongside physical fitness for a healthy and prosperous life.

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Free Online Anger Management Assessment

Free Online Anger Management Assessment

chibueze uchegbu | November 28th, 2021


The Free Online Anger Management Assessment everyone ought to know is made comprehensible

What is so great about anger management evaluation is that some are free, which means you don’t have to pay a dime to get checked and managed. What this evaluation does is help you better understand anger and also determine areas that need improvement in your anger management classes.

Introduction to Free Online Anger Management Assessment

The online-based anger management class is an educationally-based evaluation, which means it’s not in use for any psychiatric testing in any form.

Basically, it involves the use of clinical interviews and reviews of a victim’s background information, then the application of standardized assessment tools.

The interview tests your cognitive functions and affective factors that may likely compromise your capacity to deal with anger. There are a ton of medical experts that are handling this procedure of identifying anyone with this challenge.

Unlike the in-person anger management evaluation, the online anger management section makes it easy for you to sit at the confines of your home and take this anger management assessment without hassles.

It’s very effective as you don’t have to go through the stress of driving miles down to the medical personnel before you can be assessed.

Free Online Evaluation 

The truth is, there are many paid anger management evaluations out there today, but some online anger management assessments are free to access.

However, this option isn’t a live assessment in which the medical personnel will be interviewed about the whole thing. This interview is pre-recorded and can be done at your own pace.

The free assessments are a great option for those who just want some kind of introduction to the concept, but for individuals who may need these evaluations at court or somewhere else, the best bet is to opt for a paid one.

Why Do People Need Anger Management Assessment?

You don’t necessarily have to be summoned by anyone or an agency before you opt for the online anger management assessment.

If you are always the tense one and you are sure that it’s not as a result of an underlying health condition, the best is to go for anger management.

In a situation where you are ordered by the court to bring an anger management assessment to support your claim against some domestic violence, you’ve got to get one. Usually, your attorney will always recommend you do that as soon as possible for your pre-trial.

Another reason why you may get the anger management evaluation is when your employer demands one. This is quite understandable as the company would likely have had a case of a straying employee due to anger and might have caused the company a lot. So It’s a right to ask all new employees to know what type of emotions the organization will likely be dealing with.

How anger management assessment is done online

The purpose of evaluating anger management is to note whether a person’s affinity to flare up has been brought under control or whether an individual has not made any significant progress in the management. It’s crucial that there is a kind of gauge beforehand to know how far the victim will go when angry.

So an assessment must be able to detect to what degree a person’s anger can go when he’s expiring it.

The questions are structured in such a way certain conclusions can be easily drawn after the evaluations as it judges the degree of a person’s anger.

  • Here are some of the questions set online for the assessment of anger management:
  • How often does a person get aggressive?
  • Do you get irritated with little things?
  • How often do you become violent or assaultive?
  • Do your resort to abusing when irritated?
  • How often do you become nasty and hurtful with comments with anger?
  • How long does it take for you to calm down when angry?
  • Have you ever hit anyone in authority when consumed by rage?
  • Have you ever got into a fierce quarrel with cops when angry?

Benefits of Free Online Anger Management Assessment 

Online assessment is quite different from in-person evaluation in that it is very fast to complete the interview. The fact that this is going to be done at the comfort of your home makes it convenient to undergo.

The result of this evaluation can always be expected within two days, and you can always get the evaluation by downloading it on your smartphone and laptop.

Then filling the form isn’t rocket science as you just need to answer the questions as it appears to you.

The ordered anger management assessment is always to a person’s advantage as it helps you understand better the level of your anger control.

When you are told to go for an evaluation like this, those who don’t get angry will improve your ability to cope with stress and the expression of anger that might ensue.

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