Barb's Daily Dose

Teens Who Harm Themselves

One of the most common reasons that teens come to an Emergency room is because they've harmed themselves. Sad, but tragically true. Unfortunately, this scenario becomes even more tragic, as the majority are not receiving the emergency mental health assessments that they need.

Contaminated Water and Mental Illness

Is it possible that early exposure to water contaminated with PCE's (tetrachloroethylene) can cause mental illness? 

A recent study of over 1500 people from Cape Cod, Massachusetts found that people who had long term exposure to contaminated water were much more likely to be bi-polar and have depression. That's scary and would keep me up at night, especially since I used to spend my summers on Cape Cod as a child.

6 Surprising Ways to Boost Your Immunity

April Hussar from Self.com and I spoke recently about some surprising ways to stay healthy. Check out these 6 surprising ways to boost your immunity. 

1.  Don't Stress!  As SELF reported in a recent issue of Self.com, a  new study in Epidemiology shows that feeling stressed can increase your chances of getting a cold. "A lot of social anxiety masquerades as stress -- whether it's fretting about what to wear to a family event or what to bring to a potluck. It can be easier said than done, but just taking a few moments out of your day to focus on your breath and all the positive things in your life, can really alleviate some of your stress and anxiety. Find more of SELF's great holiday stress-busting tips here.

Of course, cutting back on your to-do list is also a major stress-reliever, which brings us to our next point...

Continue to read the rest of the article.

Optimism Decreases Stroke

A recent study found that optimists over 50 had fewer strokes than people with a more negative world view. The exact mechanism isn't known, but it's an interesting finding.  I know that researchers have identified a few genes that are associated with optimism and seeing the glass as half full, and I wonder if those genes also make the brain more resilient.

To learn more about the study and to see a report on ABC news.

Part II - Kill Health Reform? Not on Their Lives

Our Guest Writer Today is Arlene Karidis, Freelance Writer and Cancer Survivor.  This is Part 2 of a 3 Part Series of how beneficial the affordable Health Care Act is for real americans with real health issues.

Mental Health Advocates See Health Reform Law as Victory

Jennifer, a 33-year-old college student, struggles with mental illness. It’s been an ongoing battle for Jennifer, who’s founder of a nonprofit organization for cancer survivors. Fortunately, health reform has enabled her to breathe some relief. 

Paulina's Midlife Affair with Meds

Paulina Porizkova, a former model, writer, and a mom featured an article on Huffington's Post that I thought would be of interest.

Here's What I Have to Say:

I see a lot of women in midlife and at the other side of hormonal swings, adolescence.  I'm convinced that our brain chemistry shifts dramatically with hormone surges and precipitous drops.  I've seen well adjusted women with everything under control, suddenly become unrecognizable to themselves and their families. I've seen the same thing happen with teens. HMMM?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Heart Disease

In a recent post I wrote about how depression in people with heart disease makes them more likely to have a worsening of symptoms.  Now another study from Sweden lends credence to that.  Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) which is a type of psychological counseling was shown to help reduce the risk of heart attack and death in people who underwent counseling sessions regularly.

Mental Illness

(1) in (4) families live with someone with Mental Illness.  It's normal to be dealing with a difficult situation, and Glenn Close is working to change that.

I love this video.  Take a moment to view it.

Here's an interview with Glenn that describes in more detail what it's like to live with someone with mental illness.

A Friend a Day

No man / woman is an island, and as corny as it sounds, these cliches are rooted in the truth. As it turns out, we need other people, we're social creatures and we live longer if we have friends and family around.  We know for example that women with breast cancer who have significant support from friends tend to live longer and feel better than women who are alone.

Military Stress Disorder: Part III - Symptoms and Treatment

Today's Featured Guest Writer is:  Arlene Karidis, Freelance Writer

So how do you know if you or someone you care about is experiencing Military Sexual Trauma (MST)?  The signs, as with anyone who has been sexually abused, could be many....

Symptoms: 

Flashbacks; nightmares; memories of the abuse; anxiety; a feeling of being unsafe; depression; guilt; emotional numbness; new or increased drug or alcohol use; isolating oneself; difficulty controlling emotions such as: