2008 National Geographic Documentary -- Stress: Portrait of a Killer

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The Marketing of Madness: The Truth About Psychotropic Drugs

For those being treated for mental health issues, it is vital to be an informed consumer of treatment options. In light of this fact, I suggest that you consider the notion that according to a 2001 research study, psychotherapy is generally considered a complement to pharmacological interventions in the treatment of most mental illness. However, if the illness is an acute episode, psychotherapy approaches, like Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), have demonstrated their efficacy as primary treatments. More recent research has demonstrated that a form of psychotherapy was superior to control conditions in the amelioration of both Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms and depression. Upon termination of therapy, the psychotherapy group using Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) continued to improve while the fluoxetine (Prozac) participants again became symptomatic.

The following is a controversial 2010 documentary produced by the Citizens Commission on Human Rights (CCHR), a nonprofit mental health watchdog group. The CCHR was established in 1969 by the Church of Scientology and psychiatrist Thomas Szasz, M.D. Although this film appears to make some questionable and sensational claims, much of its information does appear to be substantiated within independent, reputable sources. If you choose to watch this documentary, please do so with an open mindedness. Always consult with your treating physician before making any changes to your mental health therapies.

The Marketing of Madness:

The Truth About Psychotropic Drugs

Video hosted by www.youtube.com.

Solutions To Help Keep Your 2012 Resolutions!

According to the American Psychological Association (APA), the most popular New Year's resolutions are losing weight, quitting smoking, and exercising more regularly. Unfortunately, almost sixty percent of those who make resolutions give up, within the first six months. Nevertheless, chances are that if you do make a resolution, you will be ten times more likely to prevail over those without the resolve.

Our feelings actually dictate our actions. In that regard, if you are like most people (including myself), you probably have brand name toothpaste in your bathroom. Although we both intellectually know that generic toothpaste is basically the same as (and often less expensive than) the brand name, we pay more for the brand name, because we feel that it will provide us with "fresher breath and whiter teeth."

Advertisers tend to trick our emotional selves into feeling good about their product over their competitor's or generic, often causing us to change our behavior to spend more for their product. Using this same basic "Psych 101" principle to one's advantage, can help empower oneself to create positive change, especially as it applies to resolutions.

To succeed with your resolutions, therefore, it is vital to pair enough emotional pain to the old behaviors, and enough emotional pleasure with the new behaviors. A smoker, for example, might imagine how good it will feel to breathe easier as well as to have more energy, freedom and pride in the accomplishment..

Having a plan is also key to any behavioral change. Fortunately, the Internet affords an amazing array of self-help tools. My online collection of "Solutions to your 2012 Resolutions" offers free software and meditation downloads for managing stress; additional APA information on New Year's Resolutions; free ebooks on weight-loss, exercise and smoking cessation; and links to other select online tools for behavioral change.

Access a FREE Audio Hypnosis Quit Smoking Download, Request FREE Nicotine Gum, and view a list of FREE Ebooks for Quitting Smoking, Weight Loss, Exercise, and more: www.QuitForFree.com

Mind-Body Connection: A Case Example

Mind-Body Connection: A Case Example
(May require PPT Viewer)

Opposition Grows to Update of Manual on Mental Illness

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2011/11/26/MNJJ1M3DFK.DTL

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The Story of Stuff

Dr. Jill Taylor: "A Stroke of Insight"

Since August is considered "Romance Awareness Month," I thought that readers of my blog might appreciate this timeless article from Reader's Digest:

The Science of a Happy Marriage
http://www.rd.com/family/the-science-of-a-happy-marriage/

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Sleep

A close friend of mine had been on prescription sleep medication, for years. I helped him to successfully combine the following three, non-pharmacological items for quality sleep, without further need for Ambien. I trust that it can also work for you.


My upcoming dissertation research centers on "audio-visual stimulation." "Light and Sound Machines" utilize the AVS phenomenon, in order to facilitate effortless states of deep relaxation. You can freely try AVS here: http://dreamachine.co
 
When visiting the Dreamachine website, you will find the simple, freely accessible program. Just follow the basic instructions. Ensure that you adjust only two of the settings: 1) Change the color to "yellow" - 2) Change the flashrate to "4hz." To start the program, click where it says: "Enjoy your journey." Also, you must first adhere to the precautions highlighted below.

Ideally, you should be seated in a comfortable position with your computer screen about 18” – 24’ in front of you. I recommend an exposure of at least between 8 - 10 minutes.

You can also experience the relaxing effects of AVS, via this freeware download:
www.thepsychologist.com/virtuallightandsound.htm

Or, if you like, you can purchase a reasonably-priced "Light and Sound Machine" here: http://www.elixa.com/mental/Orion.htm

In addition to (or instead of) the "Light and Sound Machine," many people also find relaxing the audio effects of binaural beats (must use headphones):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dX_xgkv9MT8

For sleep, I would recommend combining AVS with hypnosis and one of the following supplements:
(Review all disclaimers below, before considering any of the following information.)

• L-Tryptophan (Four 500 mg capsules)
• Kava (An alternative to l-tryptophan: four 250 mg capsules)
• Melatonin (5 - 10mg 30 minutes before bedtime)
• Hemp Oil (10 - 15 drops for pain relief and/or sleep)
• Audio Self-Hypnosis MP3 for Sleep

DISCLAIMERS:

• Always check with your physician, prior to trying any supplements. 

• Sufferers of photosensitive epilepsy should never try AVS.

• Do not apply any of this information while driving or operating heavy equipment.

• Hemp oil contains Cannabidiol (CBD) and other ingredients. You MUST check your local, state, and federal laws before purchasing hemp oil.