Chronic fatigue syndrome or myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) is a long-term, neurological condition. Symptoms include tiredness, muscle or joint pain and flu-like symptoms. It is often confused with other conditions. This article [here] provides a brief overview of the condition and treatment options for it.
Men and postnatal depression
It may surprise you to hear that many men experience postnatal depression. I say this because people tend to associate the condition more with women. Details of the study that established this is found here.
New drugs to treat mental health problems (continued)
Running to recovery
The benefits of exercise on mental health are well established. There have been several earlier posts on this blog regarding the topic. This article [here] looks at the possible causes of this relationship. It also describes how to integrate exercise into healthcare. Do you have an opportunity for increased exercise that you can take advantage of? A couple of schemes are mentioned in the article. Perhaps a similar one exists that is local to you?
Diabulimia: A deep dive
Diabulimia is a condition that involves someone with type 1 diabetes deliberately not taking their insulin treatment in order to control their weight. This article [here] describes the issue and suggests that up to 40% of these diabetics at some point restrict their insulin for this purpose. Diabulimia is dangerous and this article [here] tells the tragic story in a person’s own words (via their diary) of some-one who died from it.
Feeling better through kindness
This article [here] describes a study that found that those individuals who are able to think kindly (rather than critically) about themselves experienced less of a stress response. It is suggested that this style of thinking could be particularly helpful in overcoming depression.
Mindfulness and mental health
The practise of mindfulness has been found to have a beneficial effect, for some, upon mental health problems such as anxiety or depression. This article [here] talks about what mindfulness is.
'Early birds' are less prone to mental health issues
This article [here] describes a study that found that those who naturally wake earlier are less likely to experience mental health issues. They state that this relationship is due to genetic factors.
We feel what we eat?
This article [here] describes a relationship between depression and the organisms that live in the gut. Currently, it is uncertain whether depression influences these microbes or the microbes influence depression. Should further research establish that the latter is the case, this may pave the way for some diet-/gut-based treatments.
Girls, social media and depression
This article [here] says that girls spend spend more time on social media than boys, and as a result tend to experience more sleeping difficulties and depression. Its states that 'their use of platforms like Instagram and Snapchat can... undermine children’s view of themselves by making them feel inferior to the people they follow.'
The experience of having a binge eating disorder
This article [here] describes one woman's experience of the development of, and living with this disorder which consists of cycles of overeating and shame.
Dogs and depression
Winston Churchill referred to his depression as a 'black dog' [see here]. However this article [here] describes a study that found that dog ownership can be helpful to those suffering with depression. This other article [here] describes how having a dog might be helpful (for depression and other conditions), for example by decreasing loneliness and increasing levels of activity through dog walking.
About seasonal affective disorder.
Negative effects of smartphones on young children
Elsewhere in this blog I have described the negative effects that social media can have on teens. This article [here] has investigated the effects that smartphones can have on children who are as young as two. These include 'less curiosity, lower self-control and lower emotional stability, which can lead to an increased risk of anxiety and depression.'
Recovering from OCD
This article [here] provides a description of the condition called obsessive-compulsive disorder. It describes the intrusive thoughts that are sometimes experienced as part of this. Finally, it outlines a standard treatment for OCD which is called 'exposure and response prevention'. The character the person in the article has created appears to have produced some distance between herself and the disorder (which is embodied in the character), allowing her to view matters more objectively.
The benefit of tears
Why do we cry? Sniffling and producing drops of water from our eyes seems like an odd process! This article [here] suggests that crying is a healthy way of reducing stress and soothing the individual through the production of 'endorphins'. These then promote feelings of happiness and wellbeing.
Swimming into good mental health
The benefits of activity on mental health have been mentioned in many other blog articles on this site. This news article [here] talks about the benefits of swimming. It lifts mood, motivates people and makes them feel that they are better able to cope. Of course, one advantage of swimming is that the buoyancy from the water means that it is more inclusive than some other forms of activity, allowing everyone to take part at a pace that suits them.
Night terrors
Have you wondered about the function of anxiety-themed dreams? This article [here] explores the topic.
Cold water swimming as a treatment for depression
This news article [here] describes a case report investigating this form of treatment (which will not be appealing to all!). The rationale behind this treatment is that the repeated experience of cold water immersion allows the body to become used to a stress response. This increase in resilience helps individuals cope with a different form of stress response which has been linked to the development of depression and anxiety.
Experiencing psychosis
This article [here] describes one person’s experience of this condition. It also lists the symptoms of psychosis and recommended treatment.