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Anxiety

How to Overcome Social Anxiety

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woman enjoying company after learning how to overcome social anxiety

Overcoming social anxiety involves a combination of professional therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, and self-help strategies. Engaging in gradual exposure to social situations, practicing relaxation techniques, and challenging negative thoughts are crucial. Seeking support from understanding friends or support groups can also significantly aid in managing and reducing the symptoms of social anxiety. Social anxiety can feel like an insurmountable wall, hindering interactions and dampening life’s vibrancy. However, it is a condition that can be managed and overcome with the right strategies and support.  The journey towards overcoming social anxiety involves understanding its roots, implementing practical coping mechanisms, and seeking professional help like psychotherapy. In this article, you will discover how to overcome social anxiety. What is Social Anxiety? Social anxiety disorder, often misunderstood as mere shyness, is a persistent, intense fear of being watched and judged by others. This fear can affect work, school, and other daily activities. It …

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Menopause and Mental Health

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menopause

By Ashley Barnes, M.S. Menopause Menopause describes the point in time where changes in a woman’s hormones lead to the end of menstrual cycles. It usually is diagnosed after a woman has gone 12 months without a menstrual period. The menopausal transition most often begins between ages 45 and 55. It usually lasts about seven years but can be as long as 14 years. The duration can depend on lifestyle factors such as smoking, age it begins, and race and ethnicity. During perimenopause, the body’s production of estrogen and progesterone, two hormones made by the ovaries, varies greatly (2021). Johns Hopkins Medicine notes that “many healthcare providers actually use the term menopause to refer to the period of time when a woman’s hormone levels start to change. Menopause is said to be complete when menstrual periods have ceased for one continuous year. The transition phase before menopause is often referred …

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How to Cope with War Anxiety 2023

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menopause

By Ashley Barnes, M.S. War Anxiety War anxiety, also known as nuclear anxiety, is a common reaction to the news and images about conflict. This has been extremely relevant in light of the devastation of the Israel-Hamas war. Though research is still being conducted on the long-term effects of war anxiety, a Finnish study found that teens worried about a nuclear war were at increased risk for mental health disorders (ex: generalized anxiety disorder) five years later (Poikolainen et al., 2004). Research also indicates that media exposure to mass violence events can fuel a cycle of distress, and those more prone to anxiety are also more likely to seek out media coverage of crises (Thompson et al., 2019).  Symptoms Symptoms of war anxiety are similar to many symptoms of anxiety disorders. Symptoms may be more cognitive, in the form of worries and anxiety thoughts. Symptoms can also be more physical, …

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Ketamine Therapy for Anxiety: An Overview

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Medically reviewed by Dr. Mark Hrymoc, M.D.
Ketamine Therapy for Anxiety An Overview

The symptoms can feel overwhelming, whether you experience general anxiety, panic attacks, phobias, or post-traumatic stress disorder. You are willing to try any treatment to ease the symptoms; for many, the first line of treatment is an antidepressant medication. Combined with counseling, antidepressants can be effective. Not everyone sees improvement, however. They fall into the category of treatment-resistant anxiety. They have tried multiple medications and protocols, yet nothing seems to work. Fortunately, there are new therapies to help people overcome treatment-resistant anxiety, such as ketamine therapy. What is Ketamine? Ketamine is a synthetic drug initially used as an anesthetic in the 1960s. In the following decade, ketamine was used illegally as a recreational drug for its hallucinatory effects when taken in large doses. Researchers have recently studied its effects on mental health symptoms that aren’t treated with typical antidepressants and therapies.  Findings show ketamine is an excellent alternative when administered …

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How to Reduce Stress and Anxiety

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Medically reviewed by Dr. Mark Hrymoc, M.D.
man by ocean who learned how to reduce stress and anxiety

The most recent Workplace in America Survey reveals that 77% of respondents experienced work-related stress in the month before the survey. Common complaints were emotional exhaustion, irritability, anger, and lack of support. Other research found that 50% of Americans aged 18-24, 38% of those 25 to 49, and 29% of those 50 to 64 have symptoms of an anxiety or depressive disorder. Stress and anxiety may also be underreported by many Americans simply because they may not realize they exhibit the symptoms or think what they are going through is a part of aging. Reducing stress and anxiety leads to benefits to your overall health. What Is Stress and Anxiety? It is common to see the terms stress and anxiety used interchangeably in reports. While they are related and affect each other, they are different. Stress and anxiety cause physical and psychological bodily responses. External factors usually trigger stress, like …

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