Women, depression and infant mortality:
We recognise post-natal depression, but what about the effects of depression and anxiety before the birth of a baby? This study raises interesting points, and highlights the need for preventative care. http://blogs.babble.com/strollerderby/2010/08/31/depression-and-anxiety-can-lead-to-infant-mortality/
Doctors can be depressed too.
ANYBODY can experience depression and anxiety, and the following article highlights why it's important to seek help. http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/depression-common-among-doctors-20100831-14bzc.html
Are you a self-bully?
Do you mentally beat yourself up, and think/talk about yourself in a negative way? The following article has some useful tips to help you to squash the bully within: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mary-montero/beating-yourself-up-learn_b_690039.html
Depression in toddlers:
It would be great to recognise the signs so early and prevent depression becoming an issue later in life. Here is an interesting article in the New York Times, which is certainly food for thought: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/29/magazine/29preschool-t.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1
Yoga may protect the brain from depression
A study in America shows how yoga can help to prevent depression and anxiety. Three sessions a week may be sufficient, boosting levels of a chemical in the brain which is essential for a sound and relaxed mind. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/7956508/Yoga-protects-the-brain-from-depression.html
Harpenden Health Fair
Caroline will be appearing as a guest speaker at the Harpenden ‘Look after Yourself’ health and wellbeing Fair on 2/10/10. The fair focuses on raising awareness of key health issues, promoting self help and preventative care, and encouraging involvement in local GP practice. The event is supported by the Department of Health, The Spire Harpenden Hospital, and the National Association of Patient Participation. For more details visit http://www.davenporthouseppg.org.uk
Skin conditions linked to depression and anxiety
Reasearch now shows that those who have psoriasis have an increased risk of depression or anxiety. Useful to have some research, although complimentary therapists have known for years that irritating skin conditions usually improve once the anxiety or depression is treated. http://sify.com/news/skin-condition-linked-to-depression-anxiety-and-suicidal-feelings-news-others-kirnklchace.html
Are you a perfectionist?
Do you put yourself under immense pressure to make sure something is as perfect as possible? Are you really troubled when things don’t meet your very high standards?
WHY? Why is that so important to you?
Past research has shown that most people don’t trust perfection anyway, if indeed there is such a thing. So how about giving yourself a break. Decide to do your best, but only what you can in the time available - and then leave it at that. You’ll save yourself a whole lot of stress and bother.
You might find the following an interesting read: http://www.bbc.co.uk/science/humanbody/mind/articles/personalityandindividuality/perfectionism.shtml
Tough to live through - but it may make you stronger
Thought-provoking feature In the Guardian by Mark Rice-Oxley.He writes about his own experience of depression. It's inspirational! http://gu.com/p/2tm88/tw
Anxiety in your 20s?
As a therapist, I have found that many young people in their 20s experience high levels of worry and anxiety. This article from the Cape Cod Times explains why this may be so: http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100730/LIFE/7300302/-1/NEWS
Hypnotherapy in India
Often a person does not know why they have a fear or phobia, or why they feel bad. This article from India is a great example of how hypnotherapy can help. Well worth a read. http://expressbuzz.com/education/the-answer-lies-in-your-past/191977.html
Depression and teenagers
Useful to be aware of the signs of depression in teenagers. Current story here: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/07/26/earlyshow/main6713928.shtml
Depression may affect colour perception
New research suggests that depression may affect how a person views colour, light and shade. It suggests that those who are clinically depressed might actually have difficulty detecting the contrast between black and white, so that the world really does look dull and grey. Read more about this here: http://www.thestar.com/article/839081--depression-really-does-turn-the-world-grey-study-shows
GUILT is a waste of emotional space.
That is, unless it prevents you from harming or abusing someone.
If you are a parent you may feel guilty about what you have or have not done for your child. No matter whether that person is a baby, toddler, teenager or an adult, you may often think: "If only..." or "I wish I'd..." and feel guilty as a result.
But feeling guilty does not help. It doesn't make things better. So unless you have knowingly caused harm, accept that you made the best decisions you could at that time, and let the guilt go. Move on. Your child has probably moved on emotionally anyway.
Similarly, it is unrealistic to rely on your child to make you happy. That's not their job. It's great to enjoy them and derive pleasure from them, but they are not responsible for your happiness.
You might like to read the article in The Observer newspaper - July 11 2010, which suggests that many parents link their well-being to the mood of their children and end up feeling miserable and guilty: http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2010/jul/11/parenthood-happiness-kate-kellaway
Smart phones and Apps
Interesting discussion on Radio 4 Woman's Hour about whether or not women are getting the most from new phone technology. Click on the following link to listen. It's about half way through the programme. http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00t3t92/Womans_Hour_26_07_2010/