Author: axerio67

Often, decisions made at a knee-jerk situation end up in regret once the panic and anxiety subside. When experiencing anxiety, your typical thought process gets messed up due to the adrenaline the situation gives you. This is the “fight or flight” response, which happens when one perceives danger or harm to them.

Researcher, Barbara Fredrickson, notes that humans have an ingrained negative bias. It is the reason why negative emotions are felt harder than positive ones, which have a more subtle approach. Below are steps to make your brain have a break, and prevent you from making decisions that you may regret later.

Look Out For Your Stress Signals.

An anxiety attack, depending on the person experiencing it, always starts with any of the following: rapid heart rate, tightening in the chest, breathing difficulties, dizziness, and nausea. You may feel your body getting all tense and worked up, and the more you take notice of it, the fewer chances your brain will go with it. “Use your strengths of critical thinking and hope to look at any negative situation in a fresh way. You might tap into hope to see how there are benefits to the stressor. ” Ryan M. Niemiec Psy.D. advises.

Take Deep Breaths Or Do Some Physical Activity. 

This to divert your mind from going awry and making poor decisions based on your current state. The goal to keep in mind is to tell your mind and body to not overreact to the situation, and you aren’t in imminent danger. Diffusing the situation inside you by being present helps loads, and is the key to getting out of the panic state and back into a more rational one. “Rest time is essential to recover from the burden of stressors in our day to day lives. Rest can include sleep, relaxing, time doing something that you enjoy doing such as reading, fishing, calling a good friend.” Gretchen Flores, MA LPC LCPC also advises.

Suppress, If Not Eliminate All Negativity.

Be swift to shoot down any negativity that comes knocking at your brain’s door. Don’t let those voices say anything negative, silence them. Be vigilant with those kinds of thinking; the unrealistic, catastrophic, and downright unhealthy ideas. Anxiety feeds on over-dramatization, starve it, and be better off.

Be A River, Not A Rock.

What does it mean by this? Let your thoughts be flowing ones, adapting to every day, much like a river does. A rock is unmovable, which is also true of those rundown and stubborn thoughts. Adapting this mantra means you’re on to thinking rationally.

Do Things Differently.

Look for different ways to do things. According to Dr. Chantal Gagnon PhD LMHC “Happy people do things differently. They make their emotional wellbeing a priority and practice daily and weekly habits that help them create joy, happiness and satisfaction in their lives.” Anxiety originated from a “fight to flight to freeze” response; hence, your mind cannot distinguish as clearly a threat from a perceived one. Often, it is tempting just to let go and be carried away by emotions. You can be giving in to your impulses (fight), runoff due to the immense emotional flood (flight), or be immobile altogether. The moment you get to know your unhealthy behavior patterns, it becomes easier to make more informed decisions and actions.

Repetition.

Repeat these tips 1-5. There is no timetable for this, and it can take, however long or short that you may need. However long it takes, it is ok so long as you can reason afterward. Do remember that the goal here is to put the thought to the nervous system, so it becomes more resistant to these types of mental attacks.

Hang in there. Don’t quit! Surely, anxiety can be very overwhelming, devouring, and endless. Whenever under attack, here are words to circulate in your brain.

 

Individuals with eye conditions that may become severe may experience stress due to anxiety or depression. But there are several ways that ophthalmologists can use to help their patients reduce these depressive symptoms, and it can start simply with the doctor’s tone of voice.

 

• Be Mindful Of Your Words. When you are talking with your patient, be aware of the words that come out of your mouth. As much as you can, try to be positive in explaining to him the course of his condition and the corresponding treatment. Eye conditions like glaucoma or macular degeneration can undeniably lead to blindness, but the doctor can focus on the compliance of the patient, that if he religiously takes his medications and other instructions, the prognosis can be positive and treatment is possible.

A seasoned ophthalmologist says that he tells his patients that if they comply with their medicines daily, it will remind them that what they have might be blinding, but it might not be blinding for them. There is nothing wrong with giving hope and alleviating their depression, and you can help patients cope. He also recalls having patients who are extremely anxious and worried about their eye condition and him comforting them by saying that as far as he can remember, anxiety and worry have never healed someone of any disease. “It’s normal to go through grief, but staying there doesn’t help.”

 

• Conceal Your Anxieties. No matter how much doctors deny it, they do experience anxiety over their patients’ conditions, and often if they are unable to hide them, they somehow transmit these to their patients, further aggravating the way they feel about themselves. A wiser and more practical thing to do is to feel hopeful and to stick to the facts when explaining to their patients about their glaucoma, optic neuropathy, or other eye diseases. You have that power, so use it.

• Tell Your Patient that He Is Part Of The Team. This is true, and it must be communicated to the patient. Controlling and treating glaucoma cannot be done solely by the patient’s ophthalmologist, but rather, it is a team effort that includes the patient himself. It is the patient’s responsibility to follow the given treatment regimen so that there are fewer chances of functional loss. By expressing this to your patient, you are giving him the power to have control over his eye condition. Additionally, you can explain to him that there are also other physicians, resident doctors, and technicians who are working with you to help make him as comfortable as possible.

• Encourage Them To Learn About Their Condition. Patients can feel more in control if they are well educated about their eye condition. Encourage them to read or research about glaucoma or other eye problems. This will also help reduce his depression, knowing that there are many ways that he can do at home to alleviate his condition in case he feels pain or discomfort. Some patients are more eager than others, so their doctors teach them how to monitor their IOPs.

 

• Referral To A Mental Health Professional Is Necessary. Sometimes, patients tend to become too anxious and worried that they are unable to cope and even monitor their disease. These patients may benefit from therapy, and physicians recommend that they consult with a mental health professional to help themselves deal with their condition better. You must be able to clearly explain to the patient and his family the reason why their loved one may need therapy. Some families are offended by this recommendation, but in most cases, they would cooperate.

 

Lastly, instill patience and understanding in your patient – patience in himself and a thorough understanding of his disease. Be with your patient as he journeys through alleviation and recovery, which should be done one day at a time.

 

 

CNS (Central Nervous System) depression occurs if there is a slowdown in the normal neurological functions of an individual’s body. This can be caused by certain medical conditions, by poisoning or by an overdose of certain substances. Substances that cause CNS depression are referred to as CNS depressants.

Using the correct dosage of CNS depressants can provide medical benefits. However, very high doses of CNS depressants may lower the activity of the central nervous system to hazardous levels.

The central nervous system comprises the spinal cord and the brain. Many bodily functions, such as breathing and the beating of the heart, are controlled by the central nervous system. The central nervous system uses the spinal cord to send messages between the nerves and the brain.

Symptoms

Symptoms of CNS depressant overdose or CNS depression varies between individuals depending on their medical history, their size, how severe is their injury or illness, the type of substance they took, the dosage of the substance and the cause of the CNS depression.

“Depression is a serious and tricky illness. Unfortunately, it can also go unrecognized for a long period of time”  Dr. Kurt Smith, LMFT, LPCC, AFC said. Individuals suffering from CNS depression may experience mild symptoms such as double vision, altered or blurred vision, euphoria, agitation and restlessness, dry mouth, constipation, slightly lowered heart rate, shallow breathing, stuttering or slurred speech, disorientation, dizziness, lethargy, muscle weakness, impairment in their sense of space and lack of coordination.

Individuals suffering from CNS depression may experience severe symptoms such as slow reflexes, intense and sudden mood swings, cold or clammy skin, aggression and irritability, blue fingertips, blue lips, poor judgment, vomiting, nausea, memory loss, extreme confusion, a breathing rate lower than ten breaths per minute and lowered heart rate.

“Depression symptoms are particularly troubling if someone displays more than one, or if they persist for more than two weeks.” Simon Rego, PsyD, associate professor of clinical psychiatry said. Individuals should immediately seek medical help if they exhibit any of these symptoms. Severe symptoms of CNS depression may result in coma and even death.

Long-term harm can result from the continued use of certain CNS depressants. Long-term use may result in the body no longer being able to flush out the CNS depressants. Long-term use of CNS depressants may produce slurred speech, loss of coordination, muscle weakness, confusion and disorientation, and problems with judgment, memory, and thought. Moreover, the person may require ever-increasing doses to gain the same medical benefits. The ever-growing doses may result in drug dependency. Some individuals may need therapy and rehabilitation to stop using the medication.

Causes

Certain substances, ranging from recreational drugs like heroin to sleep and anti-anxiety medication, can cause CNS depression. The primary substances that may depress the central nervous system are opioids, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and alcohol. These substances may result in anxiety reduction, muscle relaxation, and drowsiness. When properly used, CNS depressants are safe. However, there is always a risk of becoming addicted to a CNS depressant. Many CNS depressants that doctors prescribe are used recreationally by some individuals.

The use of medications and certain other substances is not the only possible cause of CNS depression. A depression of the central nervous system can also be caused by an aneurysm, a tumor, an infection, a stroke, and a severe trauma or injury to the brain. “Knowing your risk factors for depression and other mental-health diagnoses, and how your mental health may be impacted by the medications you take is a crucial part of taking control of your mental and physical health.” A reminder from Julia Hogan, LCPC

Individuals with thyroid disorders, diabetes, liver disease, heart disease, lung disease, or kidney disease have an increased risk of suffering from CNS depression. These individuals should first consult a doctor before taking a CNS depressant.

 

Recent clinical trials and analyses have revealed that stress is not only a consequence but also a cause of vision loss as well. This discovery has led experts to suggest that clinicians must not add any more stress to their eye patients. Instead, they can help them find ways to reduce their anxiety and worry so that their vision is restored or alleviated. Ultimately, long periods of stress may result in a gamut of eye conditions or the worsening of the patient’s existing eye conditions.

 

Stress And Eyesight

 

“Some stress is unavoidable but if you can keep perspective then it can be a whole lot easier.” Gretchen Flores, MA LPC LCPC said. When an individual’s eyesight is lost, he will most likely experience stress from too much anxiety or worrying about his situation. For others, in more extreme conditions, the individual may present with depression or anti-social behaviors. This is the natural course of stress – that it is a consequence of an unpleasant experience. But what if the reverse happens? Is it possible? Can stress result in vision loss? The EPMA Journal recently published an article supporting this claim.

In the article, a group of psychologists explains how continuous stress can lead to vascular and sympathetic reactions in the nervous system due to the heightened levels of the hormone cortisol. Eventually, this will progress to affect the eyes and the brain, leading to eye conditions like optic neuropathy and glaucoma and, consequently, vision loss.

 

Stress As A Cause Of Eye Problems

“Long-term stress is linked to weight problems and cardiovascular issues,” says Jessica Harris, LCPC, LPC. But that is not all. Other studies and clinical trials have also come to conclude that indeed, stress does not only result in vision loss, but it also exacerbates an individual’s eye condition as well. Thus, it is not only a consequence but can also be an important cause of vision abnormalities that may result in macular degeneration, optic neuropathy, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy.

 

Ways To Help Restore Vision

 

• Reducing the causes of stress through exercise can certainly help. Some patients have communicated with their ophthalmologists that there were lesser strain and pain in their eyes after doing a series of light exercises that helped them relax after the sessions. Other strategies, including meditation, massage, relaxation techniques, and psychological counseling, have also proven to improve eye health in many patients. All these should be used preventively and in conjunction with medications.

 

• Eye doctors are encouraged to instill optimism and positivity in their patients while they are consulting with them and providing them as much information that they need to be aware of their condition. Ophthalmologists from across the world agree to this suggestion, stating that the attitude and the approach of the consulting physician are critical in the improvement of the patient’s vision problem. A lot of doctors quickly conclude and inform their patients that they have a poor prognosis and that they only have to wait until they finally lose their vision soon.

“Neuroscientists have found that brain structure is altered by chronic exposure to the stress hormone cortisol, which can be a major contributing factor to anxiety and depression. Feelings of calm arise from time away from work and relieve stress, which allows the body and mind to heal in ways that it couldn’t if it were still under pressure.” –Shannon Torberg, PsyD, LP

Researchers, clinicians, and doctors admit that there should be more studies that need to be done to evaluate the efficiency of the specific stress reduction techniques that will help alleviate patients’ eye conditions or prevent complete vision loss if possible. About psychosomatic ophthalmology, more clinical trials are necessary to present a strong foundation in this field.

 

 

CNS (Central Nervous System) depression usually happens if an individual abuses a substance that causes a slowdown of the brain’s activity. Such substances are referred to as CNS depressants. Sedatives, hypnotics, and tranquilizers are some examples of CNS depressants.

Recently, opioid painkillers have been prescribed by doctors for certain conditions. However, opioid painkillers are sometimes overused by patients. This overuse of opioid painkillers can lead to complications.

CNS depressants are also sometimes used as recreational drugs. Recreational use of CNS depressants is usually hazardous and is often illegal. The greatest danger lies in individuals not understanding the risks involved in the misuse of CNS depressants.

Some individuals combine various CNS depressants. For example, they may take alcohol and painkillers at the same time. This often leads to a life-threatening situation.

Hazards of using CNS depressants include long-term adverse effects, overdose, withdrawal symptoms (when their use is ended), and dependency.

Misuse of CNS depressants may also occur if an individual takes drugs that have not been prescribed by a doctor. Also, if an individual intakes more than the prescribed dosage, or if an individual consumes medication that was prescribed for someone else, this is also considered misuse.

“There are many effective treatments for depression that are available to you when you make the decision to get help for your depression.” –Dr. Chantal Gagnon PhD LMHC

Opioids And Opiates

Opioids and opiates are potent drugs used to relieve pain. They are derived from opium. Opium is derived from poppy seeds.

The active ingredients of codeine, morphine, heroin, and opium are opiates. Opioids come from opiates like heroin, hydrocodone, and oxycodone.

Opioids and opiates that are commonly prescribed by doctors are hydromorphone (Dilaudid), methadone, fentanyl (Duragesic), codeine, morphine (Avinza, Kadian), hydrocodone (Vicodin) and oxycodone (OxyContin).

Opioids and opiates are commonly prescribed by doctors to relieve pain. But because they are addictive and very strong, they are only prescribed to individuals who suffer from severe pain.

Some opioids and opiates, such as codeine, can be found in medications for diarrhea and cough. Doctors will sometimes prescribe these medications but only for short-term use.

Opiates and opioids, like heroin, are also used as recreational drugs by many individuals. They are frequently referred to as China white, oxy, smack, and H.

Sleep Medications

Sleep medications are chemically different. However, they work in the same manner as other CNS depressants. They stimulate the inhibitory neurotransmitter called GABA.

Sleep medications that are commonly prescribed by doctors are eszopiclone (Lunesta), zaleplon (Sonata), and zolpidem (Ambien).

Sleep medications are frequently referred to as tictacs, sleep easy, and zombie pills.

“Patients who experience continued insomnia are less likely to respond to medication and psychotherapy treatment than those without sleep problems.” –Staci Lee Schnell, MS, CS, LMFT

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines are used to treat convulsions, sleep disorders, panic attacks, and stress reactions.

Benzodiazepines that doctors may prescribe are estazolam (ProSom), lorazepam (Ativan), diazepam (Valium), clonazepam (Klonopin) and alprazolam (Xanax).

Some individuals abuse benzodiazepines. They are frequently referred to as chill pills, downers, and benzos.

Barbiturates

Barbiturates are used to treat anxiety and seizure disorders. However, they are rarely prescribed by doctors nowadays. They may also be used to promote relaxation and sleep before surgery.

Barbiturates that doctors may prescribe are sodium phenobarbital (Nembutal) and mephobarbital (Mebaral).

Barbiturates are also used as recreational drugs. They are frequently referred to as phennies, downers, and barbs.

Xyrem

CNS depressants are also used by certain individuals during the commission of violent and sexual crimes. Xyrem is a sedative that is often used in sexual assaults. It is very easy to hide in drinks because it is tasteless, colorless, and odorless.

“A stressful change in life patterns can trigger a depressive episode. Such stressful events may include a serious loss, a difficult relationship, trauma, or financial problems.” Ben Martin, Psy.D.

Recent studies show that stroke is the leading cause of motor disabilities worldwide. A lot of people suffer from mild and severe conditions in both short and long-term cases. But what exactly is the disease all about? How does it get treated? How does a therapist make people understand the illness? What are the possible ways of reducing its risk? These are only sample questions a lot of us would genuinely want to know.

What Is A Stroke?

Stroke is a medical crisis because it can sometimes bring immediate death to individuals. There are two types of it. One if the most common kind called an ischemic stroke. Its cause is from a blood clot that clogs the vessels in the brain. The other type is called a hemorrhagic stroke. Its reason is from a blood vessel that bleeds and breaks into the brain.

A stroke happens when the blood flow in the brain gets interrupted. It creates a blockage of oxygen regeneration where it causes neurons to die. Although stroke varies from one person to another, its victims often end up having slow reflexes, disorganized thinking, and balance problems. In some unfortunate instances, individuals often have difficulty writing, reading, and expressing themselves verbally. There are also cases that stroke victims become paralyzed at either side of the body.

Stroke conditions are prevalent. Each year, approximately five thousand people suffer from the disease in America alone. That makes it the number four leading causes of death in the country. With the dysfunction of the central nervous system, people suffering from it experience many challenges in their day-to-day lives. And the foundation of these challenges is the individuals’ excellent motor skills. These include the inability to grip or hold particular objects. With that, it impairs daily activities such as writing and eating.

Fortunately, the human brain is neuroplastic. Meaning, it encounters changes by forming new sets of neural connections and deleting pathways that are no longer necessary in the brain. That is after the damage of having a stroke, of course. Therefore, it concludes that people’s brains are not locked on a damaged state entirely. There is still a chance that it can start functioning and improve itself over time, depending on the patients’ environment, altered behavior, and neural process.

Symptoms Of Stroke

Symptoms of stroke include the following occurrences. There is a sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm, or leg. Usually, it takes place on one side of the body. There are often cases that it brings trouble speaking and understanding speech as well. In unfortunate instances, stroke patients also suffer from having troubled eyesight either each side of the eyes or sometimes both of them. Victims of the condition also find themselves suffering from frequent dizziness, trouble walking, and loss of coordination and balance. They also experience sudden headaches for no known cause.

Motor Skill Benefits

Studies show that a way to enhance body movement and ability to balance is through exercise. It supports motor learning that improves post-stroke conditions significantly. That explains why those stroke patients that participate in a week-cycling program show signs of substantial improvement with regards to their motor acquisition skills. Exercises help increase stroke patients’ cognitive performance, as well. It prepares the brain for neuroplasticity, where it receives a better memory and overall boost in learning. Stroke patients who engage in exercise also result in an increased level of brain-derived neurotrophic factors or (BDNF). It is a critical helper in assisting the brain for neuroplasticity because its role involves the protection of the nerves of the brain and the promotion of healthy nerve cell growth.

Motor training is essential for post-stroke patients’ physical function. It allows the patients to relearn the skills they lost due to the injury. It supports practice and experience, as well. The process involves specific movements and completes a repetitive task which strengthens the neural connection. The positive results of the rehabilitation procedure concerning exercises increase BDNF immediately.

There are limited studies that assess the effects of using exercise to prepare the brain from neuroplasticity. That is because the facilitation of motor training depends on the number of factors. These include the type of the exercise, its duration, and intensity, as well as the BDNF unit involved in the process.

Insight

Post-stroke rehabilitation help individuals overcome disabilities, which result from the damage of the condition. If you or someone you know might need assistance, do not hesitate to reach out for professional help.

 

A spinal cord injury is defined as damage to a part of the spinal cord or the nerves at the tail end of the spinal canal (cauda equine). It often causes permanent changes in sensation, strength, and other body functions right below the site of injury. If you or someone you know has recently had a spinal cord injury, it may seem like all aspects of your life, and your family’s life have been affected. The effects of your injury will surely impact you mentally, socially, and emotionally.

Continue reading An Overview On Spinal Cord Injury

 

 

Mechanics Of Stroke

As per the National Stroke Association, stroke is the number 5 leading cause of death among the majority of adults in America. It is also one of the leading causes of disability. However, since people are not aware of the common symptoms of stroke, treatment is usually delayed.

Our heart beats approximately 100,000 times daily, and each beat is in conjunction with blood that is pumped out from the heart. This nutrient and oxygen-filled blood goes through a system of vessels to all the cells in our body. That is the normal mechanism. When something goes wrong, like a blockage in a vessel, it stops the normal blood circulation to that particular area, and when this occurs to the heart, it is referred to as a heart attack. When this occurs to the brain, on the other hand, it is referred to as a brain attack or stroke.

 

Recognizing The Signs Of Stroke

There are definitive symptoms of stroke that you should watch out for. If you think you may be experiencing one, these symptoms occur suddenly and may include:

• Numbness and drooping on one side of the face
• Difficulty understanding or talking
• Difficulty maintaining balance
• Trouble walking normally
• Numbness or paralysis on one side of the body
• Severe headaches
• Abnormal vision on one or both eyes

It is essential to be aware that stroke symptoms are not typically associated with any pain, which is why you may ignore them. It might be too late to realize that you are facing a critical condition that needs immediate medical attention.

 

Types Of Stroke

• Transient Ischemic Attack. TIA is synonymous to ischemic stroke, as these two types are both a result of a blood clot. However, TIA is self-limiting, meaning that the clot disperses by itself and all symptoms diminish within 24 hours. Although TIA is not officially categorized as a true stroke, it should seriously be attended to. Experiencing its symptoms signals one that his chances of suffering from a stroke are quite high. This is because surveys show that one of three individuals who experiences TIA eventually suffers from an ischemic attack within a year. Frequently, stroke occurs days or weeks after the occurrence of TIA

• Hemorrhagic Stroke. Brain rupture secondary to weak blood vessels is the usual result of a hemorrhagic stroke. It is the least common form yet it is the most dangerous. It represents 15 percent of stroke cases and about 40 percent of stroke deaths. The medical team must stop any seizure, brain swelling or bleeding. If this is not done soon, surgery is required to fix the bleeding vessels.

• Ischemic Stroke. This happens when a blood clot blocks an artery or vein in the brain. The most common kind of stroke, ischemic stroke accounts for 87percent of cases. Medications must be administered to the patient within four hours, as this type of stroke is time-sensitive.

Understanding The Signs And Types of Stroke  

When To Visit Your Physician

Whatever type of stroke you or someone you know is experiencing, you need to seek immediate medical attention. As per the American Stroke Association, approximately 2 million brain cells die from lack of nutrients and oxygen when the brain is deprived of blood for one minute. This damages the different functions of the brain, including those that are vital to everyday life, such as walking and speaking.

If you are at high risk for having a stroke, it is to your advantage if you are able to recognize its symptoms, the type of stroke you may have, and what steps you can take to make things easier for you. It might be cliché, but yes, truly it is better to be safe than sorry.