Stress Increases Risk of Mental, Physical Illness

[Leonard Henderson]

Email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser. The Top 5 Stress Increases Risk of Mental, Physical Illness Psychological stress may increase the risk of mental and physical illness by altering the control of genes, according to a new study. The research, believed to be the first to show that stress alters the activity of certain genes, investigated genes already known to be involved with controlling stress. Internet Addiction and Loneliness We can all agree that the Internet has changed the way we interact with the world. In this post, find out how it’s also contributing to addiction, depression and disconnection. Top 10 Tips for Back to School Unsure of how you’ll help your kids adjust to a new season? Read this. It’s chock-full of hints, tips and information on preparing them for the upcoming school year. 5 Tips for Dealing with Difficult People Difficult people are everywhere: at work, in social groups, volunteer organizations, the library, and playgrounds. But we've got five easy tips for dealing with them. Why Sex Addicts Seem Sociopathic The majority of sex addicts are not sociopaths. They simply do not qualify under the diagnostic term of “antisocial personality disorder.”  News & Views Spirituality Linked to Better Mental Health Spirituality enhances health — particularly mental health — regardless of a person’s faith. Because of this finding, researchers suggest that health care providers may want to begin tailoring treatments to accommodate an individual’s spiritual inclinations. Fun With Goal in Mind Makes Time Fly Time flies -- but only with certain types of fun. Parental Time with Teen is Time Well-Spent A new study dispels the notion that teens would prefer to spend time with their friends, rather than their parents. Toddlers Don't Sympathize With Crybabies Children as young as 3 can apparently tell the difference between whining and when someone has a valid reason to be upset — and they respond accordingly. Study of Canine OCD May Help Humans While many may feel researchers are chasing their tails at times, a study of canine behavior promises to provide insights into the genetic roots of compulsive behaviors. Good Foods Boost Moods Some common foods apparently enhance moods with a striking similarity to valproic acid, a widely used prescription mood-stabilizing drug. Youngest Drinkers More Likely to Abuse Alcohol Later A Yale University study reveals that the younger people are when they first drink alcohol, the more likely they are to drink heavily as adults. Emotion Can Heighten Memories New research is helping us understand why we remember some items from years ago, yet have trouble recalling what we had for dinner last night. World of Psychology 5 Small Ways to Create Your Own Happiness The small stuff counts when it comes to happiness. It’s the seemingly mini decisions we make day-to-day that can actually make a big difference. Professor Tal Ben-Shahar, Ph.D. offers several examples from his book, Choose the Life You Want. Rep. Todd Akin, Abortion and Rape One thing is clear — Rep. Todd Akin probably should be talking to a few more real medical doctors before speaking about issues he clearly understands very little about. Because no matter what your views are on abortion in America, your views on rape should be pretty clear cut. 3 Self-Care Strategies to Transform Your Life Taking good care of yourself not only makes your life more fulfilling and contributes to your well-being, but it also extends to others. Here are three nurturing and empowering activities for you to try. Rewire Your Brain for Love Rewire Your Brain for Love by Marsha Lucas, Ph.D. is a fascinating read because the author delves into how the human brain works — or fumbles — in relationships. 3 Clear-Cut Steps to Quiet Your Inner Critic Having a positive and realistic inner monologue is the key to well being. Take these three steps to quiet your inner critic. Best of our Blogs The Need Behind the Anger (The Gentle Self) - Gerti Schoen, MA  says anger may be on its way to becoming a cultural taboo. She's not not advocating for the uninhibited expression of fury and abuse here. Far from it. But she is stressing that anger is a normal reaction to frustration and unfairness. First Steps in Regulating Your Emotions (The Emotionally Sensitive Person) – Of anything you’d want control over, wouldn’t emotions be at the top of your list? Get important tips to regulate them here. Embrace Your Creativity (Sorting Out Your Life) – If you thought you weren’t creative, read this. While reconnecting with your creative side, you’ll also learn why creativity is an important factor in everything from mental illness to problem solving. What NOT to Say to a Grieving Person (Bounce Back) - “I’m afraid I’ll say the wrong thing.” Have you ever thought this before you call a friend who has just lost someone to death? What About A Month From Now? The Best Fitness Advice I Ever Received (Your Body, Your Mind) - Only do what you can imagine yourself doing every day from now on. Police Shoot 46 Times, Kill Mentally Ill Man (Mental Health Humor) – In his post this week, Chato B. covers a difficult and disturbing issue that’s no laughing matter. Autism: The Major Joys of Minor Progress (Adventures of a Bipolar Mom) - Beth is finding major joy in all her autistic son's "minor" progress. And she's here to share a few milestones. Follow us on Twitter - Join our daily conversation on Facebook Your Weekly Mental Health Break Welcome to Psych Central's weekly mental health newsletter. Feel free to forward to a friend! Need to update your newsletter preferences? Update your profile here We love to hear from you! 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I get a ton of other physical symptoms, including muscle tension... Overbearing Grandmother I have a mother who has always been too controlling all my life and likes to give advice about everything even though I never ask her for advice. I am... Boyfriend Wants Too Much Time I have been dating my boyfriend since my freshman year in high school. It is almost our three-year anniversary. We spend almost all of our free time together. He... Worth Staying with Much Older Boyfriend? My much older boyfriend is going through a messy divorce. He wants to be with me, but has a troubled son my age. I met my 45-year-old boyfriend... Husband’s Partying is Ruining Relationship My husband goes out (bars, clubs) with friends or co-workers at least once a week. He plays sport 3 times/ week. Both in the evening. Usually he comes home around... Unsure What's Going On Well I have been suffering from severe mood swings. I will go from being happy to being sad for no apparent reason. I can’t stand to be alone because it... Psych Central Answers What Can I Do About Parents? I say this at the risk of sounding like the stereotypical spoiled teenager, but my parents don't understand me at all! I write poetry and stories a lot, and I'm... More Than Just Depression? I've been on antidepressants for nearly 4 months. My doctor doesn't think I need them but the other doctor changed me from 10mg to 20mg. Is it more than... Can't Tell Anyone I had a meeting with my counselor today to tell her about my possible eating disorder. She called me into her office and asked me what I wanted to talk... A Difficult Boyfriend My boyfriend and I have very strong personalities. But i feel as if make me feel lower than him. He makes me feel as if I am stupid and when... No Self-Confidence I'm 19 years old and I'm a university student. I have a problem with my personality. For me, it's difficult to make a friend. Until now, I never trust a friend so... Finding the Right Therapist I'm looking for better questions to ask myself and/or a prospective therapist so that the client/patient relationship will be one of healing for me instead of hurtfulness hurled... Need to Control My Jealousy My girlfriend has cheated on me before. It all started before we got together. She had already really liked me but about 2 weeks before we got together I was... Join Our Community! Psych Central's 180+ support groups are open and available 24/7 and filled with compassionate, caring people just like you! Come and join over 250,000 others today. Have You Taken the Sanity Score? Psych Central's Sanity Score helps you figure out the major mental health and psychological issues in your life. It takes about 15 minutes and provides you with a free, instant mental health report at the end. Take the Sanity Score today. 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