Search Results for: blog addiction and depression

Addiction and Depression

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Those of us who work in the mental health field are not surprised when research articles are published “proving” things we already believe are true. Sometimes I read through articles and think, ‘Duh, that’s obvious”. I realized today, though, that it may not be obvious to everyone. Sometimes I forget that my knowledge base came from 8 years of school and 10 years of practice – something my husband likes to remind me of when I am spouting off numbers. It hit home when I was speaking to my daughter about the research on marriage happiness – what seemed obvious … Continue reading →

Recover From Sugar Addiction

Do You Have A Sugar Addiction? Take a moment to reflect on these questions. 1. Do you eat large quantities of sweets? 2. Do you feel a need to have them and avoid sharing? 3. Will you go get what you want, no matter the hour? 4. Do you have mood swings, suffer from depression, have unpredictable behavior, or have moments of aggression? 5. Do you have a short attention span or are you forgetful? 6. Do you have an eating disorder or a weight problem? 7. Have you tried to limit or eliminate all sweets, but failed repeatedly? 8. … Continue reading →

Mental Health and Insurance: Statistics and Other Information

The American Psychological Association reports on their website; An, estimated 15 to 18% of Americans, suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder. These statistics include almost 10 million children. Mental health issues impact general health it is likely some 50 to 70% of visits to primary care physicians may be for medical complaints that are rooted in some kind of psychological issue. Primary care physicians report that anxiety and depression are some of the most common conditions patients seek care for. In many cases, primary care physicians report, their patients mental health problems are compounded with the use of drugs and … Continue reading →

Cutting Behaviors and Self-Destructive Thoughts

Up until a few years ago I wasn’t aware that there were other people who would cut themselves like I used to. It’s been almost 13 years now since I last did it. As a Christian in limbo, I knew God had more for me and didn’t want me to hurt myself. He was gracious to bring to mind scripture from John 10:10 where Jesus tells us, “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life and that they may have it more abundantly.” (NKJV) I was … Continue reading →

Nicotine May Help Depression

Let me just say this first: don’t start smoking just because you’re feeling blue. However, researchers at Duke University Medical Center have been studying the effects of nicotine on symptoms of depression. In a recent study, they took non-smoking volunteers with symptoms of depression and asked them to wear a patch. Some had a nicotine patch; others had a drug-free placebo. The participants were given questionnaires over the course of the study. Those who wore a nicotine patch for at least eight days reported a significant decline in depression symptoms. The folks at Duke University Medical Center want to make … Continue reading →

Psychological Benefits of Meditation

Meditation is an ancient spiritual practice that offers significant benefits. As modern science discovers the wide variety of benefits of meditation, more people are adopting the practice. There are physical, psychological and spiritual benefits of meditation. This blog will address the psychological benefits of the practice. Meditation helps to increase serotonin levels in the body. Serotonin has been shown to influence mood and behavior. Low serotonin levels can negatively impact moods, causing feelings of depression and mood swings. Increasing serotonin levels helps to improve and regulate moods. Focus and concentration are improved with meditation. Whether you want to improve focus … Continue reading →

Insurance Company Sued for Not Hiring Recovering Addict

An insurance company in Raleigh, North Carolina, is being sued by an applicant that they chose not to hire. The man took a drug test that came up positive for methadone. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission believes that insurer has violated the Americans With Disabilities Act. Craig Burns applied for a job as an insurance agent at the United Insurance Company of America in 2009. He was hired “conditionally” in January of 2010. The “condition” was based on the outcome of a drug test that the insurance company required him to take. When the test came back, the results showed … Continue reading →

Special Needs Podcast Roundup – Week of August 9, 2011

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This week’s Special Needs Podcast Roundup includes a variety of informative podcasts. There are episodes about resources that help learning disabilities, differences between ADD and ADHD, a personal view of parenting a child who has autism, addiction to video games, depression, and more! The Coffee Klatch has an episode that was released on August 3, 2011. The episode is called “Diane Kissner – Language Based Learning Disabilities”. The episode features an interview with Diane Kissner, who is the director of Out Placement at the Windward School. She discusses specific educational programs that help kids with language based learning disabilities. Drew … Continue reading →

Amy Winehouse Joins the 27 Club

This past weekend, singer Amy Winehouse was found dead in her house in London. While I was not surprised to hear this news, I was certainly saddened. Winehouse, for all her demons, was truly a talented singer. She released her debut album Frank in 2003 when she was just 20 years old. Her style was influence by jazz, Sinatra, and girl groups of the ‘50s and ‘60s. She would only have one more studio album before her death, but it blew up the charts. Back to Black was released in late 2006 and hit number one on every chart except … Continue reading →

Harry Potter….good for mental health?

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Sounds silly, right? Since this is a blog I figured I don’t have to be serious ALL the time. But really, I am serious. You could replace Harry Potter with a variety of things; “Twilight”, “Stark Trek”, “iPads”, “Oakland Raiders” – anything that creates passion and allows for group experiences. The experience is similar….utter bliss. Sure there is a geek/nerd vibe to this, but one cannot doubt the validity of the claim that being a part of a group of people who love something passionately brings happiness and a sense of belonging. Although I personally missed the Harry Potter boat … Continue reading →