"The quality of a person's social life could have an even greater impact than diet and exercise on their health and well-being. There is growing evidence that being a member of a social group can significantly reduce the risk of conditions like stroke, dementia and even the common cold. New research by the Universities of Exeter and Queensland, Australia, shows that membership of social groups has a positive impact on health and well-being". (American Physiological Society (2009, September 13).
Depression
September 17, 2009
August 20, 2009
Uncertainty & Negative Emotions
Do Dom, Do Dom, Do Dom .... remember Jaws? I think I saw it more than 20 times and yet, I never saw it! Although being a movie lover I have to admit, there are many of my favorite movies that I've watch over and over again - and I never saw "it". By it I mean the moment when the shark attacks, the intruder slides through the dark house approaching the non-expecting victim to be, the ice is breaking underneath the child's feet, or the gun is about to get fired. I never really saw Bruce Willis getting shot in the sixth sense. I leave the room, get a drink, adjust my hair, file my nails .... anything really. Go figure!
August 04, 2009
Myth About Womens' Low Sexual Desire
Many
people are of the opinion that if a woman rarely wants sex there is something physically wrong with her. Maybe her sexual desire, her libido, would improve with the help of medical treatment? What pill can be prescribed that would get her back on the right track?
Like in many other areas, some health professionals (and certainly pharmaceutical companies) quickly reduce interpersonal, social, and cultural problems to a hormonal imbalance, that can be - and should be remedied with something we can buy in the pharmacy.
The biggest misconception of our present time is that problems like low sexual desire or depression are all due to hormonal or chemical imbalance. A misconception that is widely fed and supported research financed by pharmaceutical companies whose huge profits rely on people reaching for 'the pill'.
June 25, 2009
The Economic Down-Turn and Mental Health
For a long time people in New Zealand enjoyed a good life! After all, aren’t we living in ‘Godzone”? Yes, we are still living in one of the most beautiful places in the world. However, the world-wide economic down-turn also effects us in li’l old New Zealand. Lots of people who struggled for years with their mental and physical health know the impact of financial insecurity and (-hopefully-) have a fair understanding of how/where to get help, and what they can do to help themselves.
Continue reading "The Economic Down-Turn and Mental Health" »
June 17, 2009
April 06, 2009
Change Your Mood With Your Body
One thing
is sure there are a whole lot of depressed people in this world. You can easily
spot them when you observe people while sitting at the beach, waiting for the
next bus, or sipping a wonderfully brewed Moccacino.
How will you spot them? They usually are walking hesitantly rather than striding confidently, avoiding looking at people, slouching with their upper body, having an earnest face or frown, and staring at the ground. The body expresses the person’s inner state and, equally, perpetuating it. You can try this out right now. Sit with your head down, letting your shoulders slouch forward, breathe shallow, maybe let a sigh. You can NOT NOT feel low of energy and depressed.
February 01, 2009
Stress Can Be Bad For Your Body
Chronic stress can lead to a number of behavioural changes
and physical health problems. When a person is subjected to stress the body
responds with activating the neuro-hormone ‘Corticotrophin Releasing Factor’ (CRF).
In the case of chronic stress this release is increasing in length and volume
in areas of the brain associated with fear and emotion. It thereby changes the
body's response causing health-related stress problems such as anxiety,
depression, irritability, insomnia, and even infertility.
Dermatologists have identified that increased cortisol levels in the body caused by stress can lead to hair falling out, acne breaking out, and to many other problems.
Indeed, stress can lead to an increase in inflammations and central nervous system infections. It is known to affect the effectiveness of vaccines, is linked to endometriosis, and can cause digestive difficulties that range from stomach aches to diarrhoea.
December 28, 2008
Deal With Your Depression to Reduce Risk of Alzheimers
I have on several places discussed the importance of dealing with depression. It's not just that depressed people are not as happy as others. Not only that, a whole range of health hazards are linked to depression. A recent research from Rush University (April 2008) has revealed that depression is a risk factor for developing Alzheimer's disease at a later stage whereas is was thought earlier that depression is an early sign of Alzheimer's disease.
Continue reading "Deal With Your Depression to Reduce Risk of Alzheimers" »
December 26, 2008
Finding Happiness
When you struggle with depression, either mild or more severe, you are facing a serious health risk now and in your future. To prevent that to happen, you will have to start fighting your depression with all your might. You can start by getting our FREE workbook "Fighting Depression Through Authentic Happiness".
In the workbook you will receive 11 strategies that you can easily incorporate into your daily life that have proven to combat depression.
This is an educational course that is based on changing the way you focus on your experiences and the world around you. It means changing habits that often have been formed early in childhood and may be hard to shift. It is therefore important that you go away from each session and practice over the week the steps you have learnt. You have to practice the steps by completing the exercises in this work and by practicing them in real life situations.
The Key to Fighting Depression
is to Develop a Positive Mindset!
Gudrun Frerichs, PhD
I am a therapist with a passion for recovery from trauma, relationships, and communication.
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