Music has the power to heal!

By Navistha Vashist - February 22, 2021

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What is Schizophrenia?

By Navistha Vashist - December 03, 2020

Schizophrenia

What is Schizophrenia?

- It is abnormal behaviour and a decreased ability to understand reality. Schizophrenia is defined as a split in mind characterized by disturbance in thinking emotional violation and in concentrations in presence of clear consciousness.

Facts you should know:-

1. Schizophrenia is one of the most serious and frightening of all mental illnesses.

2. No other disorder arouses as much anxiety in the general public, the media, and doctors.

3. Schizophrenia was discovered by Eugen Bleuler in 1908

4. The exact cause of Schizophrenia is not known yet.

5. Schizophrenia is a chronic disorder that can last for years or be lifelong.

6. More than 1 million cases per year (India).

7. The first signs of schizophrenia usually appear in adolescence.

What are the symptoms one may get?

• Very Important:-

1. Delusion: the delusion of persecution, Delusion of Reference and delusion of infidelity.

NOTE: Delusions are also known as positive symptoms.

2. Hallucinations: auditory hallucinations (weird noise that doesn't exist), Visual hallucinations (seeing things that don't exist).

3. Negative Symptoms: Avolitions, Anhedonia, lack of interest in talking and loneliness.

Other symptoms:-

• social isolation, agitation, aggression, repetitive movement, self-harm, thought disorder.

• Amnesia, mental confusion, slowness in activities, superstitious mind, detachment.

• Anxiety, apathy, discontent, Paranoia, depression, fear, rapid and frenzied speaking.

• fatigue, lack of emotional response, and memory loss.

Causes of schizophrenia:-

1. Large or increased amount of excretion of dopamine in the brain or excessive neural activity or a chemical imbalance in the brain, disturbance of dopamine and serotonin.

2. Genetics: genetics aspect is more significant and estimated to make an 80% contribution to determine its presence. Having direct relations (first degree) with the person having the same disorder or condition. For example- parents a sibling or relatives.

3. Environmental Factors: stress- financial, workload or death of loved ones.

Treatments for schizophrenia:-

1. Antipsychotic: medicines can help ease from many symptoms. It takes four to six weeks for a medicine to work and show effects on schizophrenia. The duration of treatment should be at least 1 to 2 years for first type symptoms.

Check out some commonly prescribed atypical antipsychotic medications for schizophrenia:

• Abilify (aripiprazole)

• Risperdal (risperidone)

• Zyprexa (olanzapine)

• Seroquel (quetiapine)

• Clozaril (clozapine)

• Symbyax (olanzapine/fluoxetine)

• Geodon (ziprasidone)

Common side effects of medications for schizophrenia include weight gain, drowsiness, shaking of the hand, the formation of more sputum.

2. Injections: for the people who don't like to consume drugs or medicines can take injections once in a month or in two weeks. This is an effective method for the treatment of schizophrenia.

• The new drug is called paliperidone palmitate. It's an injectable form of the second-generation, or "atypical," antipsychotic medication Invega. (May 6th, 2008 is foundation day).

• Aripiprazole (Abilify Maintena, Aristada)

• Fluphenazine decanoate

• Haloperidol decanoate.

• Risperidone (Risperdal Consta, Perseris)

Other psychological therapies:-

1. Cognitive therapy: talk therapy that focuses and helps you replacing negative and bad thoughts with positive and accurate ones.

2. Psychoeducation: education about mental health that also serves to support, validate and empower patients.

3. Family therapy: psychological counselling that helps family resolve conflict and communicate more effectively.

4. Behaviour therapy: therapy focused on modifying harmful behaviour associated with psychological distress.

5. Group psychotherapy: talk therapy where the therapist worked with the client in a group instead of one on one.

The risk factor in schizophrenia:-

1. The risk factor and the most important for schizophrenia is having a positive family history

2. Some pregnancy and birth complications, such as malnutrition or exposure to toxins or viruses that may impact brain development.

Types of Schizophrenia:-

Schizophrenia is of 5 types,

Paranoid type: It is the most common form of schizophrenia and is usually characterized by positive schizophrenia symptoms like delusions and hallucinations.
Disorganized type: This schizophrenia is also called Hebephrenic schizophrenia because these people usually have disorganized speech and behaviour. They may also have inappropriate emotional responses or lack of any emotional response.
Catatonic type: This type of schizophrenia is unique and rare. It involves physical movement. People with catatonic schizophrenia often have negative symptoms of schizophrenia and are not very responsive. They may not react to stimuli, stay in strange body positions, make odd movements, or even have rigid limbs that will stay in the position that they are moved to.
Undifferentiated type: Undifferentiated schizophrenia is the classification given to people who may not fit into any of these other classifications of schizophrenia because they are showing symptoms for more than one kind. These people may exhibit both positive and negative symptoms.
Residual type: Residual schizophrenia is used when people have a past history of positive schizophrenia symptoms but now only have lingering negative symptoms or none at all. These lingering symptoms can include poor attention.

Thank you so much for reading.

-NAVISTHA

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ANXIETY DISORDER

What is Anxiety Disorder? symptoms, causes and treatment

By Navistha Vashist - December 02, 2020

Anxiety Disorder

What is Anxiety Disorder?

- A mental health disorder characterized by feelings of worry anxiety and fear.

Anxiety disorder is treatable by medical professional help.
Anxiety disorder is experienced by more than 10 million people per year (India?)

Everyone feels anxious now and then, occasional anxiety is ok, and does not have any hard effects on your mental health or emotions but the anxiety disorder are totally different. This Disorder is a mixture of constant anxiety, fear, and worries this excessive effect can make you skip school, work, family, and get-togethers.

The symptoms one may have:-

• behavioral: hypervigilance, irritability, or restlessness.

• Cognitive: lack of concentration, racing thoughts, or unwanted thoughts.

• Whole body: fatigue or sweating.

• Also common: anxiety, excessive worry, stress, fear, feeling of impending doom, insomnia, nausea, trembling, and palpitation.

7 Different Types of Anxiety Disorder:-

1. Generalized anxiety disorder: When you feel excessive unrealistic worry and tension for little or no reason.

2. Panic disorder: You feel sudden and intense fear that brings on a panic attack, during the attack you make feel a breakout and sweat and having chest pain or pounding heartbeat sometimes you may feel like you are choking or having a heart attack.

3. Social anxiety disorder: It is also known as 'social phobia' it is when you feel excessive worry or self-consciousness about everyday social issues or situations. You don't know how to react and you end up and judging other people or being embarrassing or ridiculous.

4. Specific phobias: You feel intense fear of specific objects or situations such as by height or by flying.

5. Agoraphobia: You have an intense fear of being in a place where it is hard to escape or to get any medical occurrence or help, you may feel anxiety when being on an airplane or public transportation or standing in a line or walking in a crowd.

6. Separation anxiety: You feel scared and anxious when you are separated or gets separated. You feel fearful when a person you're too close with leaves you or your sight.

7. Medication-induced anxiety disorder: Use of certain medications or illegal drugs when withdrawal from them can cause trigger some symptoms of anxiety disorder.

Causes of anxiety disorder:-

1. Genetics: anxiety disorder may occur due to any of your parents or relative, possibly with the same condition can be the cause of it.

2. Stress: this refers to stressful events you are living or have seen through. For example- childhood abuse & neglect, death of a loved one's or being attacked or seen any kind of violence.

3. Drug withdrawal or misuse: if you are addicted to drugs and your withdrawal from it, may cause panic attacks and anxiety disorder due to abrupt change, cancellation, or deduction.

4. Medical issues: heart and lung conditions can cause anxiety disorder or can make it worse.

NOTE: You should seek medical attention and physical exams to check if other conditions are occurring.

Risk Factors in anxiety disorder:-

These are some Rick Factors aka other important symptoms

1. Low self-esteem: negative thoughts or perception about self is harmful and can lead to a Panic attack or Social Anxiety Disorder.

2. Substance Abuse: the use of alcohol and drugs can make you get Anxiety Disorder.

3. Childhood or sexual abuse: emotional, physical, or sexual abuse are also responsible and risk factors for getting Anxiety Disorder.

4. Mental health issues: having another mental disorder. For example- depression and bipolar disorder.

Treatment for Anxiety Disorder:-

There are many treatments to reduce and manage symptoms of anxiety disorder. Usually, people with anxiety disorder should consume medicine and go to the doctor

1. Consumption of Medicines: Different types of drugs (medicines) are used for the treatment of Anxiety disorders.

NOTE: You can talk to your doctor or psychiatrists about the advantage or disadvantages and side effects of each medicine to decide which one is best or suitable for you.

•Antidepressants: Modern antidepressants (SSRIs and SNRIs) are typically the first drugs prescribed to someone with an anxiety disorder. Examples of SSRIs are escitalopram (Lexapro) and fluoxetine (Prozac). SNRIs include duloxetine (Cymbalta)and venlafaxine (Effexor).

•Bupropion: This is another type of antidepressant commonly used to treat chronic anxiety. It works differently than SSRIs and SNRIs.

•Other antidepressants: These include tricyclics and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). [They are less commonly used because side effects, like drops in blood pressure, dry mouth, blurry vision, and urinary retention, can be unpleasant or unsafe for some people.]

•Benzodiazepines: Your doctor may prescribe one of these drugs if you’re having persistent panicked feelings or anxiety. They help lower anxiety. Examples are alprazolam (Xanax) and clonazepam (Klonopin). They work quickly, but you can become dependent on them. Usually, they’re meant to be an add-on to your anxiety disorder treatment and you shouldn’t take them for a long time.

•Beta-blockers: This type of high blood pressure drug can help you feel better if you’re having physical symptoms of anxiety, such as a racing heart, trembling, or shaking. A beta-blocker may help you relax during an acute anxiety attack.

•Anticonvulsants: they are used to prevent seizures in people with epilepsy, these drugs also can relieve certain anxiety disorder symptoms.

•Antipsychotics: Low doses of these drugs can be added to help make other treatments work better.

•Buspirone (BuSpar): This anti-anxiety drug is sometimes used to treat chronic anxiety. You’ll need to take it for a few weeks before seeing full symptom relief.

2. Psychotherapy: This is a type of counseling that helps you learn how your emotions affect your behaviors. It is also known as talk therapy. A trained mental health specialist listens and talks to you about your thoughts and feelings and suggests ways to understand and manage them and your anxiety disorder.

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): This common type of psychotherapy teaches you how to turn negative, or panic-causing, thoughts and behaviors into positive ones. You’ll learn ways to carefully approach and manage fearful or worrisome situations without anxiety. Some places offer family CBT sessions.

Managing Anxiety Disorder Symptoms:-

These tips may help you control your symptoms:

Stick to the treatment plan: Suddenly stopping your medicines can cause unpleasant side effects and can even trigger anxiety symptoms.

NOTE: Cut down on foods and drinks that have caffeine, such as coffee, tea, cola, energy drinks, and chocolate. Caffeine is a mood-altering drug, and it may make symptoms of anxiety disorders worse.

• Don’t use alcohol and recreational street drugs: Substance abuse increases your risk of anxiety disorders.

• Eat right and exercise: aerobic, exercises, jogging, and biking help release brain chemicals that cut stress and improve your mood.

• Get better sleep: Sleep problems and anxiety disorder have a connection. Getting good rest a priority. Don't hesitate to talk to your doctor if you still have trouble sleeping.

• Learn to relax: Stress management is an important part of your anxiety disorder treatment plan. Things like meditation, or mindfulness, can help you unwind after a stressful day and may make your treatment work better.

• Manage your negative thoughts: Thinking positive instead of worrisome ones can help reduce anxiety. This can be challenging if you have certain types of anxiety, however. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can teach you how to redirect your thoughts.

• Get together with friends: Whether it’s in person, on the phone, social connections help people to be happy and stay healthy. People who have a close group of friends that support and chat with them have lower levels of social anxiety.

• Seek support. Some people find it helpful and uplifting to talk to others who are experiencing the same symptoms and emotions. Self-help or support groups let you share your concerns and achievements with others who are or who have been there.

Thank you so much for reading my post. Comment down if you like the blog post!

-NAVISTHA

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BIPOLAR DISORDER

What is Bipolar Disorder? Symptoms, treatment and causes.

By Navistha Vashist - November 30, 2020

Bipolar Disorder

What is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar Disorder is a mental illness associated with episodes of mood swings ranging from depression laws to manic highs.

NOTE: The direct or exact cause of the particular disorder is unknown. But, a combination of genetics, environment, and altered brain structure can be a part.

• This is a very common disorder.

• More than 10 million cases per year (India).

Information you need to know about Bipolar Disorder:-

The treatment can help, but the condition cannot be cured.
It can be chronic, it can last for a year or be lifelong.
It seriously requires diagnosis.

Signs of Bipolar Disease/symptoms of the disorder:-

• Mood: mood swings, sad feeling, anger, anxiety, apathy, apprehension, euphoria, general discontent, guilt, hopelessness, loss of interest, or loss of interest or pleasure in activities

• Behavioural: irritability, risk-taking behaviors, not organized behavior, aggression, agitation, crying, hyperactivity, impulsivity, restlessness, or self-harm

• Cognitive: unwanted thoughts, delusion, less or lack of concentration, slow activities, or false belief of superiority.

• Psychological: depression, manic episode, agitated depression, or paranoia

• Weight: Loss or gain (can be seen).

Sleep: difficulty or excess desire.

• Common occurring: fatigue or rapid and frenzied speaking.

4 different types of Bipolar Disorder:-

1. Bipolar I Disorder:-

- If a person had at least one Manic episode that may be preceded or followed by hypomanic or major depressive episodes.

2. Bipolar II Disorder:-

– Those with Bipolar II Disorder will experience hypomanic and depressive episodes, but they probably don't experience symptoms as strong as Bipolar I.

3. Cyclothymia Disorder:-

– This disorder is defined by periods of depressive and hypomanic episodes that last for at least 1 year (in children/adolescents) or 2 years for adults.

4. Unspecified Bipolar Disorders

– Some other Bipolar Disorders do not match these three categories but still are classified as Bipolar Disorder.

NOTE: Symptoms in children and teens can be difficult to identify. Children and teens may have distinct major depressive or manic or hypomanic episodes and mood rapidly shifts.

The most prominent: Severe mood and swings!

Symptoms that can occur in a teenager of bipolar disorder are:-

Uncharacteristic periods of anger and aggression
Grandiosity and overconfidence
Tear fullness, frequent sadness
Needing little sleep to feel rested
Uncharacteristic impulsive behavior
Moodiness
Confusion and inattention

Ways to find out if you have Bipolar Disorder:- [helpful]

Physical exam: Your doctor can do a physical exam and lab tests to identify the particular disorder.
Psychiatric assessment: Your doctor can also refer to a Psychiatrist, you can tell/talk about your thoughts, feelings, and behavior issues. You can also fill out a psychological self-assessment or questionnaire.
Mood swings chart: You may be asked to keep a daily record of your moods, sleep patterns, or other factors that could help with diagnosis and finding the right treatment.
Criteria for bipolar disorder: Your psychiatrist may compare your symptoms with the criteria for bipolar and related disorders in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association.

Treatment for Bipolar Disorder:-

Treatment is best guided by a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions, who is skilled in treating bipolar and related disorders. You can have a team that also includes a psychologist, a social worker, and a psychiatric nurse.

-Bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition. Treatment is directed at managing symptoms. Depending on your needs, treatment may include:-

Medications: You'll need to start taking medicines to balance your moods.
Continued treatment: Bipolar disorder requires lifelong treatment with medications, even during the times when you feel better. People who skip maintenance treatment are at high risk of having minor mood changes turn into full-blown mania or depression.
Day treatment programs: Your doctor may recommend a day treatment program. These programs provide the support and counseling you need while you get symptoms under control.
Substance abuse treatment: If you have problems with alcohol or drugs, you'll also need substance abuse treatment. Otherwise, it can be very difficult to manage bipolar disorder.
Hospitalization: Your doctor may recommend hospitalization if you're behaving dangerously, you feel suicidal or you become detached from reality. Getting psychiatric treatment at a hospital can help keep you calm and safe and stabilize your mood, whether you're having a manic or major depressive episode.

When to see a doctor:-

Do you know when to see a doctor if you are having bipolar disorder?

Okay, so this is very important and you should know this!

Some people don't realize when to see a doctor and when it gets dangerous or severe.

Here is how to figure out when to go to the doctor.

• If you are having any kind of symptoms of depression you need to go for a check-up. Check my post on depression. (it may help you) https://informativeweekend.blogspot.com/2020/10/what-is-depression-symptoms-causes.html

NOTE: bipolar disorder don't get better on its own professional help can get you out of the odd Symptoms.

Is it an emergency?

ever thought of being in the emergency for bipolar disorder?

You should really be aware of this part as well...

• suicidal thoughts or acts are common in bipolar disorder but you should call 199 for medical help.

Causes:-

As I already told you the exact reason is still unknown but let me tell you this factor that may have a major role you need to know,

• Genetic: bipolar disorder is more common in people who have a relative, sibling, a parent with the same condition.

Risk Factors:-

• Having direct relation (first degree) with the person with the same person.

• Period of high stress such as the death of loved ones or other traumatic events.

• drugs and alcohol abuse.

Thank you so much for reading my blog post. Leave a comment about how you like it!

-NAVISTHA

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CARE

How to forget a Bad Memory: 5 useful tips

By Navistha Vashist - November 16, 2020

How to forget a bad memory

Had a terrible part memory? Can't move on?

Though we have the ability to forget and to move on from bad things, for the people who'd experienced trauma and had a terrible past. Such as Domestic, Mental, or Sexual abuse. Not at all memories can go or be forgotten by the time, some have a really bad effect!

When trauma happens, the way the mind remembers an event is altered. These memories can create vivid involuntary memories that enter consciousness causing the person to re-experience the event. These are known as flashbacks, and they happen in PTSD and Complex PTSD.

NOTE: Scientists have discovered drugs that could erase bad and fearful memories from the mind of a person. We can easily control our minds if we want to, But I prefer self-heal.

I believe that you should let go of the past. It's alright. Everyone has a bad & unforgettable memory or past. It can lead to Depression or Brain Damage!

So, without any further ado let's start,

1. Stay Busy:-

Staying busy is a great way to fight the negative emotions and stay positive while being busy. When our plans are in progress, we feel hopeful and motivated. When we're busy, we don't have time to dwell on feelings of worry, sadness, loneliness, anger, or jealousy, which can be a very good thing.

2. Hang out with friends and family:-

Hanging out or spending time with your loved ones gives you energy, positivity, love, and hope. It also makes you busy and doesn't give you enough time to think about your past and negative things and at the same time, you are enjoying & loving your every moment and life! Research shows that spending time with friends and family makes a big difference when it comes to happiness. Social time is especially important for happiness. So, while money can't buy you happiness, spending time with your loved ones, is an excellent choice.

3. Talk to a Therapist:-

You can talk to a Therapist about your past and ask for suggestions if you can't just let go of the past. This is also very effective and helpful to forget your bad memory. Talking to a Therapist can play an important role in treating many emotional and mental health conditions such as depression. According to a new study, even a few sessions with a therapist can lower the risk of suicide among at-risk individuals.

4. Talk to your family or friends:-

You can also talk to your family or friends about what happened and what should you do? This may help you as well. You can feel eased and happy after sharing it with someone. A family system helps every one of its members through the good and the bad times. When a family communicates well, everyone understands what loved ones need, making them better able to provide support. Even if nothing can be done about the situation, just providing a listening ear can make all the difference. Communication within the family is extremely important because it enables members to express what is concerned with each other. It is through communication that family members can resolve unavoidable problems. Many studies have shown that people who have satisfying relationships with others are happier, have fewer health problems, and live longer.

5. Be Happy:-

The fundamental reason why happiness is so important is that it's extremely vital to our own goals in life and can help us achieve many other cherished personal ambitions and goals. Also, by being happy, we have the potential to change many other lives just by being ourselves. So, it is very important as well to stay happy & cheerful.

Thank you for reading the blog post!

-NAVISTHA

2 Comments

HEALTH

How to be Fit? 3 most beneficial tips!

By Navistha Vashist - November 10, 2020

How to be Fit?

Do you want to fit? But struggling a lot getting off every time from your path? 😞

Don't worry I got you. so, let's start without any Further Ado.

What do you mean by being fit?

Being fit means in a good health, especially because of regular exercise and work out. Being fit is very important, let me give you 3 reason or benefit why you should be fit:-

It reduces depression and anxiety- recently, we have seen a lot of people going through mental health disorders - depression. But if you're fit and go out for a walk every day. It decreases the risk of getting depression by 25%
It improves digestion- doing exercise & workout helps for better and improved digestion. The intestinal muscle breaks the food down and makes it move through the correct system.
It also improves your skin quality- exercise enhances the blood flow to your lovely skin. Also, another critical point, when you sweat while running or doing work out it opens the pores up of your skin where dirt is filled up due to a lot of pollution and cleans it up hence, your skin is glowing again.

NOTE: Being fit/getting fit helps you to prevent chronic health conditions such as high cholesterol, obesity, or BP. It also improves your ability to do Daily Activities and prevent falls and increases your chances of Living Longer.

Now, you know why you need to be fit, don't you?

But the next and the most crucial question lies here,

HOW TO BE FIT?

I know most of us suffering but, as I already told you I got your back

1. You have to exercise daily:-

This is the most important part. You should have to exercise daily for being fit at least for 1 hour.

You have some physical movement. No matter how busy you are. You can also play an outdoor game such as Badminton, Cricket, Football, Skipping, and Swimming.

I personally recommend you Swimming & Badminton.

2. Get enough sleep:-

Six hours of sleep are very important and essential for the good body and brain functioning. You actually go through 3 sleep phase. The third one is the deepest. Well, don't you think your brain also needs rest as well? Enough amount of sleep helps you to be fit and productive the whole day. You can also take a nap in the afternoon. But note, that sleeping or taking a nap just or immediately after eating food is not so beneficial on the contrary it makes you fat (obesity).

3. Eat the right food:-

Avoiding junk food is another key to success in being fit. You need to know the right and important food for your health.

Banana or Apple- You can have an apple or banana 5-15 minutes before your workout and you'll find yourself energetic and neutral.
A bowl of Berries- Berries is a brilliant way of losing weight. It is very rich in dietary Fibre, Vitamin- C, and Potassium.
Peanut butter contains- Carbohydrates, Fiber, Protein, Fat.

Thank you for reading, do comment down below & share this blog.

-NAVISTHA