Mental Health and Wellbeing

Signs and symptoms of anxiety In moderation, anxiety isn’t always a bad thing. In fact, anxiety can help you stay alert and focused, spur you to action, and motivate you to solve problems. But when anxiety is constant or overwhelming, when it interferes with your relationships and activities, it stops being functional - that’s when you’ve crossed the line from normal, productive anxiety into the territory of anxiety disorders. Anxiety disorders are a group of related conditions rather than a…

Anxiety Disorder can be caused by some of the following: Family history: People who experience anxiety often have a history of mental health problems in their family. However, this doesn't mean that a person will automatically develop anxiety if a parent or close relative has had a mental illness.  There is a two to threefold greater risk of having this disorder if a first-degree relative has the disorder.  Ongoing stressful events: Stressful events can trigger symptoms of anxiety.…

Depression is a major mental health issue that affects many men and women worldwide each day, but it's not uncommon for their symptoms to be confused with chronic fatigue syndrome. In her book The Exhaustion Breakthrough, Dr. Holly Phillips touches on why this diagnosis can be so tricky. She also shares in this interview with Huff Post Live  "One of the most common signs of depression is fatigue, a lack of motivation, a change in mood, a change in appetite, but also if…

“My anxieties have anxieties,” said Charlie Brown echoing many of us. Stress is a part of life, but why and how do some deal with it better than others? Savita Narayan breaks it down with practical tips for fortifying your inner strength.   “If the problem can be solved why worry? If the problem cannot be solved, worrying will do you no good.” Shantideva, 8th century Buddhist teacher “Stress comes from the way you relate to events or situations.” ― Chris Prentiss, Zen and the Art…

36% of Indians suffer from depression according to WHO. 100,000 people commit suicide every year.  Deepika, her mother Ujjala, and her doctors Dr. Anna Chandy and Dr. Shyam talk about it, about the need for family support, the need to talk about it and ask for help and to undergo counselling and treatment Deepika: I think physically what is happening is this weird pittish feeling, emptiness. My breathing was different, it was not a deep breath, it was very shallow, uneven breath,…

The former world No 7 is giving a new face and voice to the millions who struggle with anxiety disorders. The toughest battles of Mardy Fish’s tennis career have been at far closer range: inside himself. Fish, 33, spent time as the highest-ranked American man during a career which took him as high as No7 in the ATP rankings in 2011. He worked tirelessly on his fitness during his late-career rise, transforming his diet and body to become lighter and more agile. But his career resurgence derailed…

Women's emotionality is a sign of health, not disease. Whether a woman needs medication should be a medical decision, not a response to peer pressure and consumerism.. Women are twice as likely as men to receive a diagnosis of anxiety disorder and depression than men are. For many women, these drugs greatly improve their lives, but for others its not necessary. In the days leading up to menstruation, emotional sensitivity is heightened , women may feel more irritable, less insulated. But that…

1. Buddhify This nicely-designed UK-created app is aimed at busy urbanites. You tell it whether you’re at the gym, walking, commuting or home.  2. Sleep Easily Meditation There’s a 25-minute guided meditation that combines soothing music with talking you through the relaxation process.  3. Calm – meditation and relaxation There are seven guided sessions running from 2-20 minutes with a range of background scenes and sounds to choose from Free for iOS and Android 4. Smiling Mind…

By Paula Spencer Scott, Caring.com contributing editor Caring for an aging parent or other loved one in your home usually begins with the best of intentions. Over time, however, a good thing can disintegrate into a tough, tense situation. Knowing the top trouble spots can help you make changes that can delay or avoid the need to move on to out-of-home placement. Here are five big "sore points" that undermine family caregiving -- and what to do about them: Sore point #1: Lack of privacy…

Sleep deprivation is rampant. A 30 minute nap is beneficial to your health!  This article specifically talks of the negative effects of sleep deprivation in caregivers :  forgetfulness, lowered alertness,premature aging,  decrease creativity, lower immune system, increased risk of stroke, diabetes, unwanted weight gain and increased possibility for a heart attack. Caregiver statistics show caregivers are often exhausted at the end of the day. Many  find that they…