Psychiatry Associates Blog

Humans have the largest frontal lobes of any animal, a feature associated with higher-level functions like logic. Yet, there are many ways in which we are completely illogical.  This is particularly true when it comes to our fears.  Statistically speaking, many of the most common sources of human fear are unlikely to pose a true threat to our safety.  Yet, most of us are unable to separate emotion when making rational decisions, a trait which can lead us into a downward spiral of anxiety. Sensibly, the fear of car accidents — which occur every sixteen minutes — should be greater than the fear of spiders, but our brains don’t always work that way.

The holiday season is called the most wonderful time of the year, but it can also be the most overwhelming. Between holiday shopping, decorating, and making time for family dinners and celebrations, the season can quickly become stressful.  Fortunately, there are steps that you can take to keep feelings of anxiety under control.  These practical tips can minimize the stress that accompanies your never-ending list of demands.

Between office parties, holiday gatherings, and the additional social and financial stress that accompanies the holiday season, it can be challenging to resist the urge to unwind with a drink or several. A study conducted by Alcohol Monitoring Systems showed that over 450,000 monitored DUI offenders increased their drinking rate by 33% between Thanksgiving Day and New Year’s Day. This spike exemplifies the correlation between increased alcohol consumption and the holiday season. While the opportunity and temptation to drink may be higher than ever during this time of the year, it doesn’t mean that you have to make unsafe and unhealthy decisions. Here are a few ways to smartly sip this season.

Every year, over 2.5 million Americans pass away, often leaving behind people who cared for them deeply. At the very root of the human experience is our connection with others. Whether family or friends, the bonds we share largely define our time on Earth. In fact, in the absence of close relationships, mortality rates, disease, and depression all tend to increase. We rely heavily on others and tend to define ourselves and our own existence based on our closest connections. So, when we lose such a connection with someone for whom we cared deeply, the sense of loss and grief can feel crushing.

Do you have piles of dishes and laundry awaiting your attention? Are stacks of mail waiting to be sorted and clutter overtaking the surfaces of your home? It isn't uncommon. While it can be easy to feel as though everyone else has the hang of keeping an organized space, the truth is that most people have unfinished projects around their home or office. However, when these projects begin to stack up, despair can eventually take over. How could you possibly ever take care of them all? The more overwhelming they become, the more likely you are to continue putting them off, allowing more to be added to the list and exacerbating your stress.

We often think of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in association with combat veterans.  While the condition does impact a large percentage of our military, PTSD can occur in anyone who has experienced trauma, whether physical or mental.  Naturally, stress reactions following a traumatic event are expected, but if these stress reactions last longer than three months, cause great distress, or disrupt work/home life, it is time to seek help.

An individual’s personality is the combination of characteristics that makes them unique. Their patterns of thinking, feeling and behaving all combine to form their character as a whole. However, when unhealthy repetitions arise, this can sometimes point to one of the ten personality disorders. According to the American Psychiatric Association, “A personality disorder is a way of thinking, feeling and behaving that deviates from the expectations of the culture, causes distress or problems functioning and lasts over time.” 

Going back to school can be stressful, but going back to school with a full-time job, family and all the responsibilities that adulthood brings can seem like a monumental task. Implement these strategies into your day-to-day routine in order to tackle your overflowing schedule with ease and reach your education goals.

When it comes to nearly any aspect of health, you have likely heard that a healthy diet and exercise are key. Of course, you've heard it so often because it's true. The human body thrives on the right type of fuel and burning that fuel through energy. Doing so keeps us trim and strong. It builds muscle, eliminates fat, and keeps vital components like the cardiovascular system running smoothly. In addition, it is also beneficial to the brain, positively impacting factors such as mood, sleep, and the release of stress hormones.