Decades of research show that depression, stress, loneliness, and poor health behaviors can weaken the body’s immune system and lower the effectiveness of certain vaccines.
Weighted Blankets – Do they help with anxiety?
Comment: Recently someone asked me about weighted blankets and whether they were worthwhile. Not knowing much about them, being a person who likes the air-condition on cold while I sleep with minimal covering I looked around for any information and came across this article in Popular Science, which is based on a systematic review published …
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Does the Moon affect your sleep?
Comment: Interesting study on the impact of a full moon on sleep. It appears from this research discussed at neurosciencenews.com that in the days leading up to a full moon you are more likely to go to bed later and sleep less. For centuries, humans have blamed the moon for our moods, accidents and even …
Psychedelics – Future medications?
Comment: In the past few years there has been renewed interest and research in the role that psychedelics may have in the treatment of a number of mental health conditions. This article from Scientific American looks at the future role of psychedelics as a treatment for depression. For those interested in this topic there are …
How culture may influence spiritual aspects of our life –
Comment: For many people, spiritual health is important to mental health. In my role as a psychologist clients will sometimes indicate they have had contact with aliens/ghosts/spirits and or other outer worldly experiences. In these situations, it is important to differentiate between those who may be having a psychotic episode, and those having an experience …
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Change your lifestyle to impact your mental health
Comment: Over the years I have seen clients who experience a wide range of concerns, they are sometimes surprised when I focus on the basics of health - nutrition, exercise, sleep, substance use, stress management. There is a complex relationship between these factors and mental health and it is often a "chicken and the egg" …
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Welcome to 2021
Hello, hopefully this year will lead to a resolution of the current Covid-19 epidemic. 2020 has taught us the importance of personal hygiene (wash hands), and social distancing. at the same time there is increased awareness of psychological health and the importance for many of social connections. Perhaps the words for 2020 should be adaption …
Lifestyle and Mental Health
Comment: A study from the University of Otago reported in the Science Daily adds to the evidence of the importance of lifestyle on overall health. This study looked at young adults and mental health - in summary, Getting good quality sleep, exercising, and eating more raw fruits and vegetables predicts better mental health and well-being …
High Blood Pressure – Take Action
Comment: I found a short article on myths associated with high blood pressure (Hypertension) - In the USA it is estimated that 45% of adults have hypertension. The bottom line get assessed by a medico and take preventive action to avoid health issues. This is the list of myths in a newsletter by Medical news …
Exercise – Podcast
Following the release of the WHO guidelines on physical activity the ABC Health Report did a podcast on What dose of physical activity is best for you? Dr Norman Swan interviews Dr Melody Ding Associate Professor, Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney Podcast 30 November: length 8.5 minutes …