Aging, Memory / 09.05.2025

Enhancing Senior Memory Care Have you ever wondered how memory care for seniors keeps getting better each year? New research is helping caregivers find better ways to support older adults with memory problems. These fresh ideas bring hope and comfort to families and those they love. By using new findings, care centers can offer more help where it matters most. Keep reading to see how these changes are making a real difference every day.

How Aging Affects Memory

As people get older, their brains may not work the same as before. It can take longer to think or find the right words to say. Some might forget names or mix up details now and then. This can feel scary, especially when it happens more often. The brain changes with age, and that's a normal part of life. It helps to stay calm and gives the person time to think. With kindness and care, you can help them feel safe and supported each day.

Research-Backed Care Strategies

Helping seniors with memory loss takes patience, care, and the right support each day. Some ways work better than others, and new research helps us see what works most. People need time, clear steps, and caring voices to feel safe and calm. That's why many care homes now use specialized memory programs to guide their daily work. These programs give older adults a chance to stay active and feel more at ease. With steady care and support, many seniors can still enjoy their days in simple, meaningful ways. (more…)
Aging, Memory / 09.05.2025

Brain Health and Aging As we get older, it's normal to notice some changes in how we think and remember things. Forgetting where you left your keys or struggling to recall someone's name happens to everyone now and then. But for some older adults, memory problems go beyond the usual forgetfulness. Conditions like Alzheimer's disease, dementia, and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) can seriously affect daily life. The good news is that there are ways to take care of your brain and slow down memory loss. With healthy habits and early support, many people can live well even with memory-related conditions.

What Are Memory-Related Disorders?

Memory-related disorders affect how the brain works. The most common one is Alzheimer's disease. It causes memory loss that gets worse over time, along with changes in thinking and behavior. Other types include:
  • Vascular dementia
  • Lewy body dementia
These disorders not only affect memory but can also change mood, behavior, and the ability to make decisions. (more…)
Mental Health Research / 08.05.2025

Grief is a powerful emotion that affects everyone differently. Sometimes, loss is obvious, but many suffer unnoticed pain. Masked grief, often prevalent among older adults, can manifest due to societal pressures to conceal emotions. Health professionals need to recognize this hidden grief to offer better support for those struggling. Keep reading to learn more about this important aspect of grief and how to help those who need it most.

What is Masked Grief?

Masked grief happens when people feel sad but don't show it. In the stages of grief, older adults may hide their feelings because they do not know how to express them or do not want to worry others. They might feel irritable, anxious, tired, or have trouble sleeping instead of feeling sad. This hidden grief can be hard to notice since the usual signs of sadness are missing. Older adults may not ask for help, trying to handle it on their own. Health professionals must recognize these signs to provide appropriate support. (more…)
ADHD / 03.05.2025

Cognitive behavioral therapy for ADHD offers effective strategies for managing attention and organizational challenges. This therapeutic approach helps people develop practical skills while addressing thought patterns that affect daily functioning. Understanding how CBT works specifically for ADHD can help people make informed decisions about their treatment options. The combination of behavioral changes and thought pattern awareness creates opportunities for lasting improvement in daily life.

Understanding the Basics

How CBT Works for ADHD

Cognitive-behavioral therapy for ADHD focuses on changing both thoughts and behaviors that interfere with daily life. This approach recognizes that ADHD affects more than just attention - it influences how people think about themselves and their abilities. The therapy helps develop new perspectives while building practical skills. Regular practice of these techniques leads to better management of ADHD symptoms and improved daily functioning. (more…)
Mental Health Research / 02.05.2025

Moving to a new home is often a time of excitement and fresh beginnings. However, the physical and mental demands of relocating can take a toll on your health if not handled carefully. Whether you're moving across the city or to another state, prioritizing your well-being is essential. This guide will help you protect your health before, during, and after your move, so you can start your new chapter feeling strong and stress-free.

  1. Plan Ahead to Minimize Stress

One of the biggest health hazards during a move isn’t physical—it’s mental. The stress of organizing, packing, and coordinating can lead to anxiety, poor sleep, and even depression. Combat this by starting early. Create a checklist of tasks and spread them out over several weeks. Hiring professionals for moving and storage in San Diego, or wherever you're relocating, can alleviate much of the logistical burden and free up your time for self-care.

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Chiropractic, Stress / 02.05.2025

Stress is a normal part of life, but when it becomes chronic or overwhelming, it can have significant effects on the body, including its alignment and balance. While most people associate stress with emotional or mental strain, its impact on the physical body is equally profound. Chronic stress influences posture, muscle function, and the nervous system, all of which contribute to your body's ability to stay properly aligned and balanced.

The Physical Manifestations of Stress

When you’re under stress, your body activates the "fight or flight" response. This involves the release of hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which prepare your body to react quickly to perceived threats. While this response can be beneficial in short bursts, prolonged stress keeps these hormones elevated, leading to tension in muscles, particularly in the neck, shoulders, and back.

Muscle tension from chronic stress often becomes habitual. This constant tightening can lead to imbalances in muscle groups, as some muscles become overused while others weaken. Over time, this imbalance pulls the body out of proper alignment. For example, tense shoulder and neck muscles can lead to forward head posture, while tight hip flexors may cause an anterior pelvic tilt. These postural deviations don’t just affect how you look; they significantly alter your center of gravity and affect your body’s natural balance mechanisms.

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Legal-Malpractice, Mental Health Research, Occupational Health, PTSD / 28.04.2025

The Role of Mental Health Professionals in Proving Emotional Distress Emotional injury is the psychological pain inflicted by another's act or failure to act, such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD. In Jackson's court cases, such as workers' compensation or personal injury, one needs to establish such effects, although it is difficult because there is no physical evidence. If you're looking for a claim of emotional distress, a personal injury lawyer in Jackson can help you navigate the process. The professional can also ensure mental health professionals affirm your claim so that the case becomes more sound through professional diagnoses and reports. Let us take a look at the major role that mental health practitioners play in determining emotional distress and how their presence can seal a case. (more…)
Accidents & Violence, Mental Health Research / 25.04.2025

Summerlin is known for its clean streets, scenic walking trails, master-planned neighborhoods, and an overall reputation for being one of the safest, most peaceful areas in the Las Vegas Valley. Unfortunately, that safety doesn’t mean pedestrians are always protected. Even in a well-designed suburb like Summerlin, where people take pride in the planned beauty of the community, pedestrian accidents happen, and when they do, the effects go way beyond the physical. A pedestrian accident lawyer in Summerlin is the one you should go to if you suffer any such effects. This article is about those effects. Not just the broken bones or twisted ankles. We’re going to talk about what happens in your mind when you’re walking down a street and suddenly a driver fails to notice you. (more…)
Author Interviews, Mental Health Research / 22.04.2025

MedicalResearch.com with: Luke Cavanah, BS Department of Medical Education Geisinger College of Health Sciences Scranton, PA, 18509 MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Almost a third of patients with medication-treated major depressive disorder will fail at least two depressants—many patients failing more.1 Esketamine is an intranasal medication that was FDA-approved in 2019 for such patients when used in conjunction with an oral antidepressant.2 Esketamine also is unique from the more traditional oral antidepressants in its mechanism of action, quick onset, and evidence for treatment of acute suicidality.3 While esketamine has been of much interest for these last few years, a recent study found low and geographically variable use of this medication within the Medicaid population.4 We were interested in investigating esketamine treatment utilization among Medicare patients in 2019 and 2020. (more…)
Mental Health Research / 19.04.2025

Mental health research is one of the most pressing priorities in healthcare, yet it remains one of the most underfunded areas. Despite rising rates of anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders, researchers in this space often struggle to secure the financial support needed to study these complex issues. In the face of mounting demand, the funding pipeline simply isn’t keeping up. Government funding hasn't dried up entirely, but it has become more competitive and narrowly focused. Programs that do receive grants often cater to a specific population or intervention model, leaving other equally critical areas behind. That imbalance is pushing more mental health researchers to look elsewhere.

Looking Beyond Federal Dollars

One emerging solution involves expanding the scope of where researchers seek financial support. Traditional NIH or CDC funding is still a cornerstone, but mental health grant opportunities are quickly becoming essential. Foundations, nonprofits, private healthcare networks, and corporate sponsors are increasingly supporting mental health studies, especially those that address underserved populations, youth mental health, or integrated care models. These opportunities can be more flexible than federal grants, with fewer administrative hurdles and shorter application cycles. Some even encourage pilot projects and exploratory work, allowing early-stage researchers to build a track record before applying for larger government funding. By expanding their grant search beyond the usual suspects, researchers can move their work forward without waiting years for a federal green light. (more…)
Depression / 16.04.2025

Editor's note: Ketamine is a anesthetic drug which has the potential for addiction as well as multiple sides short and longterm effects, especially when used in combination with other drugs or medications.  Ketamine should only be used under the close supervision of an experienced health care provider. Do not attempt to self-medicate or take ketamine from an unknown source.  The statements below regarding ketamine have not been conclusively verified by scientific studies.  Ketamine is not FDA approved for depression or other types of mental disorders. ketamine-depression-science-backing Scientists have always been curious about how the human brain works. One of the most exciting discoveries in recent years is how fast ketamine can treat depression. Some people have found it useful for mental health issues, if taken with appropriate supervision.. Ketamine may work when other antidepressants don't. But what makes it so powerful? And how does it help? This blog post will look at four main ideas scientists have about how ketamine fights depression. Join us as we learn more about ketamine and why it's such a big deal in mental health care. 1. The Role of NMDA Receptors At the core of ketamine's rapid action is its interaction with N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in the brain. These receptors play a crucial role in regulating synaptic plasticity, which facilitates learning and memory. The surge in glutamate stimulates the activation of another type of receptor, known as AMPA receptors. Enhanced activity at AMPA receptors is linked to the relief of depression symptoms. This pathway is vital for the antidepressant effects observed after ketamine administration. This highlights its unique mechanism in contrast to conventional medications. (more…)
Author Interviews, Cognitive Issues, JAMA, OBGYNE, Pediatrics / 15.04.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Samson Nivins PhD Post-doc | Neonatology Karolinska Institutet Developmental Neuroscientist Liggins Institute   Ulrika Ådén PhD Professor of Neonatology Department of Women's and Children's Health Karolinska     MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Children born preterm are at higher risk of cognitive impairment during childhood and later in life. However, an important unresolved question is whether these impairments primarily reflect genetic susceptibility or are driven by the biological consequences of being born too early. Cognitive development is known to have a strong heritable component (~70 %), and previous studies have attempted to disentangle genetic and environmental contributions, for example through sibling comparison designs. Although informative, such approaches have inherent limitations. In this study, we aimed to investigate long-term cognitive outcomes across a range of gestational age groups including very preterm, moderately preterm, late preterm, and early term, compared to children born full term. Importantly, we accounted for genetic influences as well as a range of potential confounding factors, including prenatal risks and child-specific factors. This approach provides a more nuanced understanding of the extent to which cognitive outcomes associated with preterm birth reflect biological versus inherited risk. (more…)
Autism / 15.04.2025

Understanding the Importance of Early and Personalized Intervention

For families navigating an autism diagnosis, one of the most common and pressing questions is: What are the best therapy options available? In Illinois, a growing number of families are turning to evidence-based autism therapy programs that emphasize early intervention, personalized treatment, and measurable outcomes. Therapy for autism isn’t one-size-fits-all. Children on the autism spectrum present with a diverse range of strengths and challenges, so effective therapy must be tailored to meet each individual’s unique needs. Fortunately, the field has evolved significantly in recent years, offering families in Illinois greater access to advanced care models designed to support long-term development and well-being. (more…)
Mental Health Research, Orthopedics / 11.04.2025

furnitiure-and-healing.jpg When you think of healing, your mind probably goes straight to medical care or self-care routines—but there's another layer to it that often gets overlooked. Our homes. More specifically, the furniture we rest on, the light we sit in, and the way a room makes us feel. Over the years, I've come to realize that healing can be influenced by the very space we relax in. It's not just about how a room looks; it's about how it supports your body and mind.

How Furniture Affects Physical and Mental Health

Most of us don’t think twice about our furniture. But once you notice how it makes your body feel, you can't unsee it. Here's how the pieces around you can either help or hurt your healing:
  • Posture and Body Support: Good seating supports your spine, keeps your shoulders relaxed, and helps prevent pain.
  • Movement and Accessibility: Easy-to-navigate furniture layouts keep you from straining or stumbling, especially when you’re recovering.
  • Material and Touch: Ever notice how some fabrics just feel comforting? That tactile experience can instantly help you feel safer and more at ease.
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Exercise - Fitness, Mindfulness-Wellness / 10.04.2025

In recent years, yoga has expanded far beyond the boundaries of the studio. It has become a holistic practice that supports mental clarity, emotional well-being, and physical strength—all from the comfort of home or while traveling. While many people are drawn to yoga for its physical benefits, an increasing number are also turning to it for stress relief, self-reflection, and inner calm. As digital learning tools continue to grow, two platforms stand out for their commitment to integrating movement with mindfulness: The Merrymaker Sisters and All Yoga Training. Each provides a distinct approach that reflects the diversity and depth of yoga as a lifelong practice.

The Merrymaker Sisters – A Gentle Invitation to Move, Reflect, and Accept

The Merrymaker Sisters have created a wellness space that places equal emphasis on physical movement and emotional empowerment. Run by sisters Emma and Carla Papas, their platform combines yoga, Pilates, and meditation with a strong message of self-acceptance and positivity. Their signature offering, MerryBody Studio, is an on-demand membership that includes hundreds of classes designed to nurture both the body and the mind. What makes this approach unique is the conscious blending of fitness and mindset work. Rather than pushing perfection or aesthetic goals, the sisters encourage their community to embrace movement as a way to feel more grounded, more confident, and more connected to themselves. Their style is warm and welcoming, with every class rooted in the belief that you are already enough. The inclusion of practices like breathwork and guided meditations makes this a full-spectrum resource for anyone looking to build a consistent and nourishing practice at home. Through blog posts, podcasts, and free recipes, they extend their message well beyond the mat, offering accessible tools for cultivating joy, resilience, and inner strength. For those seeking a gentle but transformative yoga experience, the approach offered by The Merrymaker Sisters is refreshingly inclusive and deeply personal. (more…)
Mental Health Research / 10.04.2025

Editor’s note: This piece discusses mental health issues. If you have experienced suicidal thoughts or have lost someone to suicide and want to seek help, you can contact the Crisis Text Line by texting “START” to 741-741 or call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255. Finding the right therapist in Miami can be a transformative step toward improving your mental health and overall well-being. Whether you're dealing with anxiety disorders, mood disorders, eating disorders, or simply seeking support for life’s challenges, Miami offers a diverse range of licensed clinical psychologists and therapists who can provide tailored care to meet your unique needs. Therapist in Miami

Why Finding the Right Therapist Matters

Mental health is a critical aspect of our lives, yet many struggle to find the right support. A compassionate and skilled therapist can make a significant difference in helping you navigate mental health issues, build on your strengths, and create positive change. In Miami, FL, you’ll find professionals who specialize in anxiety, depression, stress, and other disorders, offering both in-person and online therapy sessions to suit your lifestyle.

How to Find Miami Therapists: In Person or Via Telehealth

Here are steps to finding a therapist for your needs and ensuring you receive the best possible care:
  • Identify Your Needs: Whether you’re seeking help for anxiety disorders, mood disorders, or relationship challenges, understanding your specific needs is the first step. Miami therapists offer expertise in areas like psychotherapy, counseling, and integrative treatment approaches.
  • Research Credentials: Look for a licensed clinical psychologist or therapist with a doctoral degree and experience working with clients dealing with similar issues. Many Miami therapists specialize in working with adults, teens, children, and families.
  • Consider Therapy Options: Some therapists in Miami, FL, offer in-person sessions, while others provide online therapy sessions for added convenience. Choose an option that makes you feel comfortable and supported.
  • Evaluate Their Approach: A good therapist will use evidence-based techniques to assist you in your journey toward recovery and happiness. Look for someone who emphasizes understanding, compassion, and tailored care.
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Health Care Systems, Mental Health Research / 10.04.2025

Editor's note: This piece discusses mental health issues. If you have experienced suicidal thoughts or have lost someone to suicide and want to seek help, you can contact the Crisis Text Line by texting "START" to 741-741 or call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255. Navigating the Mental Health System The mental health care landscape is a complex maze of services, providers, and treatment options that can be overwhelming for individuals and their loved ones. Psychiatric health facilities become vital lighthouses in this maze, providing critical care and support for those navigating mental health challenges. From acute care to long-term support, these facilities are designed to cater to the varying needs of patients. Understanding their function and how to access their services is a key step in commencing a journey toward mental wellness. Please keep reading to gain insights into the role of psychiatric health facilities and how to utilize them effectively.

Understanding the Role of Psychiatric Health Facilities in Mental Health Care

Psychiatric health facilities serve several roles within the broader mental health system. These institutions offer a sanctuary for patients requiring medical attention, stability, and therapy for mental health disorders. Depending on the severity and nature of a patient's condition, they can provide both inpatient and outpatient services. Hospitalization might be necessary for those needing intense and immediate care, while others may benefit from the regular visits and treatments offered by outpatient clinics. These facilities typically house a multidisciplinary team of health care professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, social workers, and therapists. This range of specialists ensures comprehensive care, tackling mental health from various angles. The facilities also offer a structured environment conducive to recovery, with scheduled therapy sessions, activities, and the opportunity for monitored medication management. For individuals dealing with substance abuse, facilities like the Ocean View Recovery Center play a crucial role in providing tailored support. They not only address the psychiatric aspect but also the complex needs associated with addiction and recovery. These centers often integrate various therapeutic modalities to aid patients in overcoming substance dependencies while managing other mental health conditions. In essence, psychiatric health facilities are designed to act as integral parts of a treatment plan, supporting patients through various stages of their mental health journey. From crisis intervention to ongoing care, these facilities provide the necessary resources for patients to achieve and maintain mental wellness. (more…)
Alzheimer's - Dementia, Author Interviews, Diabetes, JAMA, Weight Research / 09.04.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Dr. Catriona Reddin MD Fourth year Specialist Registrar in Geriatric Medicine  and an Irish Clinical Academic Training (ICAT) fellow University Hospital Galway, Galway, Ireland   MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Dementia is a leading cause of disability globally, which is projected to affect approximately 75 million people by 2030. Diabetes mellitus is a risk factor for dementia, it was unclear if glucose lower therapies reduce the risk of dementia. The research, a systematic review and meta-analysis of 26 clinical trials involving over 160,000 participants, found that while most glucose-lowering therapies were not significantly associated with a reduction in dementia risk, one class of drugs—GLP-1Ras—was linked to a significant reduction. (more…)
Mental Health Research, Pediatrics / 08.04.2025

role-of-clinical-mentors-teens.jpg Teens are facing more pressure than ever, and many are struggling to cope. That’s where clinical mentors step in, not just as professionals but as steady, trusted allies in a teen’s journey toward self-worth and resilience. They’re not teachers. They’re not parents. They’re something uniquely powerful: confident architects who blend clinical insight with real human connection.  In this article, we’ll explore how these mentors guide teens through emotional roadblocks, build lasting confidence, and help them rediscover their inner strength—one step at a time.

The Science Behind Clinical Mentorship and Teen Development

Neurological Benefits of Mentorship

The teenage brain undergoes remarkable changes, particularly in the prefrontal cortex – the region responsible for decision-making and emotional regulation. Research published in Frontiers in Psychology reveals that mentorship actively supports this neurological development. Through consistent, supportive interactions, clinical mentors help strengthen neural pathways associated with emotional regulation and impulse control. (more…)
Mental Health Research / 07.04.2025

Editor's note: This piece discusses mental health issues. If you have experienced suicidal thoughts or have lost someone to suicide and want to seek help, you can contact the Crisis Text Line by texting "START" to 741-741 or call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255.    There are days when everything feels off, but you can’t explain why. You might feel tired, disconnected, or overwhelmed even when things seem “fine.” You push through, hoping it passes. But sometimes, those feelings stick around longer than expected. That’s when it might be time to pause and look closely at what’s really happening. In Georgia, mental health struggles are more common than most people realize. Stress, anxiety, and depression affect thousands every year. While many continue to live with these feelings in silence, more individuals are now taking steps to seek help. Yet, others hesitate—unsure if they’re “bad enough” to reach out. This article will help you spot signs that shouldn’t be ignored and show you where to start.
  1. You’re Constantly Overwhelmed or Anxious
If your mind is always racing or you’re constantly on edge, that’s not something to overlook. Anxiety can show up in many ways—feeling tense, having trouble focusing or even struggling to fall asleep. When worry becomes part of your daily life, it may be time to talk to someone. A licensed professional can help you understand and learn how to manage these feelings. (more…)
Addiction, Author Interviews, Mental Health Research / 31.03.2025

Parita K. Ray

Medical Student

Department of Medical Education

Geisinger College of Health Sciences

Scranton, PA 18509

 

MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?

  • Citalopram and escitalopram are two of the most commonly prescribed antidepressants in the U.S. and are widely used for treating major depressive disorder (MDD) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), along with various off-label indications. While both medications share similar mechanisms of action, escitalopram was introduced as a purified version of citalopram’s active enantiomer. Despite little evidence showing a clear superiority of escitalopram over citalopram in efficacy or tolerability, prescribing trends appear to favor escitalopram, raising concerns about "evergreening"—a practice where pharmaceutical companies promote newer formulations of existing drugs to extend market exclusivity. Prior research has shown variations in the prescription rates of psychotropic medications across states and within specific populations, particularly among Medicaid and Medicare patients. However, little is known about the long-term prescribing patterns of citalopram versus escitalopram in these populations and whether these trends reflect potential evergreening practices.

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Mental Health Research, Pharmacology / 29.03.2025

Psychological research plays a fundamental role in shaping advancements in mental health care and pharmaceutical developments. By studying cognitive and behavioral patterns, researchers uncover crucial insights that drive the creation of effective treatments. Theodore Rex Walrond notes how these findings inform the development of medications that target neurotransmitter imbalances, improving outcomes for individuals with conditions like depression and anxiety.

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Mental Health Research / 28.03.2025

Finding the right mental health support in a big city can feel overwhelming. Learning how to find a therapist in NYC requires understanding several key factors that can make the search more manageable.

This guide provides practical steps and considerations for anyone seeking therapeutic support in New York City. While the process might seem daunting at first, breaking it down into smaller steps makes finding the right mental health professional more achievable.

Understanding Your Needs

Identifying Personal Requirements

Before starting the search, people should consider what they want from therapy. Some might need help with specific issues like anxiety or depression, while others seek general emotional support.

Those specifically looking for anxiety treatment NYC specialists may want to focus on providers with expertise in cognitive behavioral therapy and other evidence-based approaches. Understanding personal needs helps narrow down the search for the right professional.

Taking time to reflect on these needs before beginning the search often leads to better matches with therapists.

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Mental Health Research / 27.03.2025

life-coach-and-mental-coach Ever found yourself wondering whether you need a life coach or a mental coach? You're not alone. These two types of coaches might sound similar, but they serve different purposes in our personal growth journeys. Here we break it down for you in simple terms.

Life Coaches: Your Personal Growth Partners

Think of a life coach as your personal cheerleader and strategist rolled into one. They help you figure out where you want to go in life and how to get there. What do they actually help with? Everything from switching careers and improving relationships to managing your time better and setting financial goals. Life coaches look forward with you, not backward. They're the ones asking, "What do you want your future to look like?" and then helping you create a roadmap to get there. I recently spoke with a student at Amen University who described life coaching perfectly: "My life coach doesn't tell me what to do—they help me discover what I already know I should be doing, and then hold me accountable to actually do it." (more…)
Sleep Disorders, Stress / 27.03.2025

Relationship Between Sleep and Stress Stress can negatively affect your sleep and contribute to feelings of anxiety. By understanding how sleep and stress are connected, you can take steps to manage your stress and improve your overall health. This article gives you some tips to get there. When stress keeps you on high alert, it can hinder your ability to fall asleep, leading to fragmented and unrefreshing rest. Recognizing this relationship provides an opportunity to break the cycle. By addressing stress effectively, you can enhance the quality of your sleep and promote a more restful and restorative night.

Understanding the Stress-Sleep Link

Constant stress can disturb the body's natural sleep-wake cycle and prevent sleep or sleep initiation. An underlying physiological response to stress, for example, increased heart rate and alertness, may prevent deep sleep necessary for recovery. It may eventually lead to chronic sleep deprivation and increased stress. The racing thoughts and anxiety associated with stress can keep the mind active and prevent relaxation. Stress can also create physical symptoms like muscle tension and headaches that interrupt sleep. By identifying these sleep disturbances caused by stress, people can begin to manage stress and improve their sleep. This may involve lifestyle changes, relaxation and a sleep-friendly environment. The connection between stress and sleep goes both ways. If you don't get good sleep, it can ramp up your stress levels, creating a tough cycle to escape. A night of tossing and turning, for instance, can leave you feeling cranky and unready to tackle the day, which only adds to your stress. Both sides of this relationship, stress reduction and sleep improvement, can help you get back in balance. Smaller, consistent efforts like learning relaxation techniques or changing your sleeping environment can add up over time. With proactive steps, you can break this cycle towards better sleep and lower stress. (more…)
Addiction, addiction-treatment, Stress / 19.03.2025

attending-support-groups-difficult-times.png Life in recovery can feel overwhelmingly difficult at times. We live in a stressful era and often don’t notice stress building up until it’s too late. The temptation to isolate can be hard to resist, and this allows many people to pursue their addiction in private. Support groups can be a key part of any successful relapse prevention effort. Humans are social creatures, and addiction often takes away some of that humanity. It can fill the addicted person with shame and self-loathing.  It can isolate people from their loved ones and keep them from doing things they enjoy. In recovery, activities with other recovering people can be the glue that holds your new life together. Support groups—especially 12-step meetings—are a powerful way to manage stress and maintain emotional balance. The sense of fellowship, support, and camaraderie at meetings can lend stability to your life, even when everything else feels uncertain. Even studies show that “people power” - the kind you discover when you’re at a 12-step meeting or recovery-related event - actually contributes to better outcomes for people in sobriety.  Long-term research has shown that people who attend 12-step meetings regularly - up to three times a week or more - stay sober for much longer than those who don’t, often up to 16 years or more without a relapse. (more…)
Accidents & Violence, Brain Injury, Mental Health Research / 18.03.2025

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can have lasting effects on a person's mental health, sometimes changing their emotions, behavior, and overall well-being. While some people recover quickly, others struggle with long-term psychological challenges. Brain injuries often occur due to car accidents, falls, and workplace incidents. These injuries can lead to depression, anxiety, mood swings, and even personality changes. If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury, seeking professional help is important. A Kansas City brain injury lawyer can assist in getting financial compensation for medical treatment and mental health care. (more…)