The Chicago Journal

A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding and Overcoming Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Claire Peterson Claire Peterson on December 4, 2023

Unveiling the Peaks of Seasonal Depression

As we embark on a comprehensive exploration of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), recent studies suggest that this week stands as the zenith of its impact. This phenomenon, characterized by a discernible shift in mood and energy during the transition from fall to winter, is an annual challenge faced by individuals like Leo Guzman, a Chicago native diagnosed with SAD during his formative teenage years.

Leo Guzman’s Seasonal Journey

Growing up in a city renowned for its distinct seasons, Leo Guzman has not merely observed but intimately experienced the palpable effects of seasonal changes. Despite being acclimated to the ebbs and flows, he keenly noticed an unsettling sensation during the fall-to-winter transition, prompting a more profound examination of his mental well-being.

Decoding Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Delving into the intricacies, Seasonal Affective Disorder, as defined by the Mayo Clinic, emerges as a nuanced form of depression intricately linked to seasonal variations. Manifesting cyclically, the disorder begins and concludes around the same period each year. Most prominently, symptoms initiate in the fall and extend through the winter months, draining energy and inducing mood swings, as elucidated in the clinic’s comprehensive post on the matter.

Spotlight on November – The Pinnacle of SAD

Thriveworks, a nationwide counseling center, precisely pinpoints November as the pinnacle of SAD, highlighting symptoms such as hopelessness, fatigue, sleep disturbances, altered eating habits, and loneliness. This observation, derived from a meticulous Google Trends analysis, anticipates a notable surge in searches during this second full week of November.

Analyzing Trends – A 2023 Perspective

Intricately examining the evolving landscape of societal awareness, Thriveworks’ comprehensive report forecasts that 2023 will witness a substantial 33.34% increase in search trends compared to 2021, and a noteworthy 2.44% rise from the previous year. These figures underscore a growing societal interest and commitment to combating the pervasive impact of seasonal depression.

Strategies for Battling Seasonal Blues

Experts, armed with valuable insights, recommend an array of strategies to combat SAD, ranging from fundamental lifestyle adjustments to proactive measures. These encompass steering clear of alcohol, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, embracing natural sunlight, engaging in regular exercise, and adopting small yet impactful habits like walking, as passionately advocated by Guzman.

Beyond the Basics – Additional Tips

Expanding the toolkit for overcoming SAD, Thriveworks suggests incorporating social activities, journaling, and the strategic use of a SAD lamp. Acknowledging the inherent challenge of socializing during this period, Spicer emphasizes the paramount importance of maintaining social connections, even when faced with initial discomfort.

Navigating the Seasonal Labyrinth

In conclusion, comprehending and effectively addressing Seasonal Affective Disorder demands a holistic and multifaceted approach. By amalgamating awareness, strategic interventions, and an unwavering commitment to self-care, individuals can adeptly navigate the intricate seasonal labyrinth and emerge resilient against the formidable peaks of SAD.

Anxiety can come from the heart, a mice study found

Edward Anderson Edward Anderson on June 19, 2023

Anxiety – Many studies on mental health have been conducted over the last several decades with the objective of aiding millions of people worldwide.

Anxiety is one of the most common mental illnesses, affecting around 30% of people and causing their hearts to beat.

Some, on the other hand, think that their beating heart adds to their anxiety.

Until now, a new mouse study found that they both belonged to the same group.

A new finding

The study, published in the March 9 issue of Nature, shows that in high-risk settings, a beating heart sends signals to the brain, increasing anxiety.

The findings may offer a new perspective on understanding and treating anxiety disorders.

Scientists observed anxiety-like behavior in mice after artificially increasing their heart rates.

They then calmed the mice by turning off a part of their brain.

The brain and emotions

According to Stanford University neuroscientist Karl Deisseroth, William James, the pioneer of psychology, proposed that physical experiences may contribute to emotions in the brain.

In his 1890 book The Principles of Psychology, James created the thesis that emotion follows what the body goes through, writing:

“We feel sorry because we cry, angry because we strike, afraid because we tremble.”

Interoception is the phenomenon in which the brain feels impulses within the body.

Nevertheless, neuroscientist Anna Beyeler of the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research in Bordeaux feels that determining whether these experiences contribute to emotion is impossible.

Beyeler analyzes brain networks connected with emotion and makes the following comment on his findings:

“I’m sure a lot of people have thought of doing these experiments, but no one really had the tools.”

Read also: Insomnia linked to heart attacks in new studies

The new study

Karl Deisseroth spent the most of his career developing devices for this kind of study.

He is one of the scientists that developed optogenetics, a method that utilizes viruses to modify the genes of certain cells so that they respond to light flashes.

With a light switch, scientists can regulate the activity of the cells.

In the current work, Deisseroth and his colleagues used a tiny vest with a light to change the heart rhythm of a mouse with a genetically altered heart.

When the mouse was switched off, its heart rate was around 600 beats per minute.

At 900 beats per minute, the mouse’s heartbeat was synced with the flashing light.

“It’s a nice reasonable acceleration [one mouse] would encounter in a time of stress or fear,” said Deisseroth.

When their hearts began to speed, the mice began to exhibit anxiety-like behavior.

In stressful situations, mice tend to retreat to the walls and hide in dark corners.

In another instance, when pressing a water lever resulted in a little shock every now and again, mice with normal heart rates pressed on it without hesitation.

Mice with a pounding heart, on the other hand, would become thirsty.

“Everybody was expecting that, but it’s the first time that it has been clearly demonstrated,” said Beyeler.

Brain scans

The researchers analyzed the mice’s brains for areas that may be processing the increased heart rate.

One of the most notable signals, according to Deisseroth, came from the posterior insula.

“The insula was interesting because it’s highly connected with interoceptive circuitry,” he said.

“When we saw that signal, [our] interest was definitely piqued.”

Further optogenetics were utilized to suppress activity in the posterior insula, which lowered the mice’s anxiety-like behaviors.

Although their hearts were still hammering, the animals behaved normally, spending more time in open areas of the mazes and pressing water levers without reluctance.

What next?

According to Wen Chen, branch chief of basic medical research for complementary and integrative health at the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health in Bethesda, the study’s findings caught the curiosity of many people.

“No matter what kind of meetings I go into, in the last two days, everybody brought up this paper,” said Chen.

The next step, according to Karl Deisseroth, is to look at other physical regions that may impact anxiety.

“We can feel it in our gut sometimes, or we can feel it in our neck or shoulders,” he said.

Using optogenetics, scientists may tense a mouse’s muscles or give it butterflies in the stomach to reveal new circuits that trigger fear or anxiety-like responses.

Yet, Beyeler believes that understanding the heart-brain connection might help doctors manage fear and anxiety.

The trip from the laboratory to the clinic, however, is more convoluted than the path from the heart to the head.

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Burnout: looking into the workplace phenomenon

Edward Anderson Edward Anderson on March 30, 2023

Burnout – Shortly before the 2020 pandemic, studies and media reports showed that burnout was occurring quite frequently among working people.

Work with the highest liability of burnout includes the health care, education and service sectors.

It got even more attention when New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced her resignation earlier in 2023.

“I know what the job takes, and I know that I no longer have enough in the tank to do it justice.”

Psychologist Christina Masrach, who has studied work-related stress for decades, found a term that pops up frequently in her investigation.

“She’s talking about an empty tank,” Maslach pointed out.

Maslach said the pandemic shows how crucial work is to a healthy and productive society, even when people are exasperated. 

Modern understanding

Some researchers argue that burnout is a modern phenomenon caused by our busy culture, while others argue that it is just another repetition of a long series of fatigue problems. tired. .

They mentioned the ancient Greek concept of Asedia, which the fifth-century monk and theologian John Cassian described as physical lethargy and deprivation.

In the 1970s, Herbert Freudenberger, a psychological consultant for volunteers working with drug addicts, coined the term “burnout”.

Freudenberger used this phrase to describe the following characteristics of volunteers:   

  • A gradual loss of motivation
  • Emotional depletion
  • Reduced commitment

Christina Maslach noticed similar trends in interviews with social workers in California, which inspired her to develop a burnout detector, the Maslach Burnout Inventory.

They discovered three of the traits with Susan Jackson, a PhD student at the time.

Feelings of chronic fatigue, cynicism and inefficiency, or low personal achievement.

According to Renzo Bianchi, an occupational psychologist at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Maslach’s scale has elevated burnout to a legitimate research topic. 

“Before [the Maslach Burnout Inventory], burnout was pop psychology,” said Bianchi.

Definition

Since its conception, Maslach’s inventory has been the most extensively used instrument for investigating burnout, although its description of the disorder has been disputed.

Organizational psychologists Wilmar Schaufeli and Dirk Enzmann wrote The Burnout Companion to Study and Practice: A Critical Analysis in 1998.

They maintained that boxing burnout, described as a combination of tiredness, cynicism, and inefficiency, was “arbitrary.”

“What would have happened if other items had been included?” they proposed.

“Most likely, other dimensions would have appeared.”

The three causes, according to Evangelia Demerouti of Eindhoven University of Technology, are loosely defined.

Other factors such as health concerns and familial responsibilities can all contribute to fatigue.

Disagreements have arisen between opposing viewpoints, one of which is how to use Maslachi’s inventory.

There was no reference to a cutoff to define when people went from not burnt out to burnt out.

It was instead intended to help academics identify similarities in a work environment or profession.

Maslach had limited influence on how others used the method. 

A modified version of the Maslach Burnout Inventory was used in 86% of the medical burnout studies presented in JAMA 2018, some of which reduced the number of statements or reduced the assessment of burnout. 

Researchers used an unvalidated version of the scale that included cutoff value, but there was little agreement on its definition.

The JAMA researchers found 142 types of fatigue.

Researchers identified 11 different assessment instruments that did not use inventory variants in the study group. 

Concerns have led educators to rethink how burnout is defined and measured. 

“We don’t [have] a good conceptualization of diagnosis of burnout,” said Demerouti.

“We need to start from scratch.”

Read also: FGF21 shots in mice might be a solution to sobering up faster

Agreements

According to Bianchi and his team in 2021, experts agree that fatigue is an important aspect. 

Research over the past two decades has focused on the idea that burnout causes cognitive changes such as memory loss and difficulty concentrating. 

This problem can lead to forgetfulness, says Charlie Renaud of the University of Rennes 

People’s problems can escalate into personal situations and make entertainment difficult. 

Renaud argued that as more information becomes available, questions about cognitive changes are added to writing scientific assessments. 

Connection to depression

Depression is often attributed to individuals, but theories appear to be conflicting as to which social factors cause burnout. 

The Researchers questioned whether the latter would arise as a diagnosis by itself. 

Research suggests that the concepts are not mutually exclusive. 

Prolonged stress at work can lead to depression, and mood burnout. 

Furthermore, according to Bianchi and colleagues, fatigue is related to depression, not cynicism or incompetence. 

If the symptoms are covered by fatigue, then fatigue and sadness appear to be a more durable combination than Maslach’s inventory. 

“The real problem is that we want to believe that burnout is not a depressive condition [or] as severe as a depressive condition,” said Bianchi, but he said it isn’t true.

Should it be diagnosed?

The diagnosis is controversial because not everyone thinks it’s a good idea. 

“Burnout was never, ever thought of as a clinical diagnosis,” Maslach explained.

However, Bianchi and his team disagreed with this statement. 

They developed a proprietary scale, the Occupational Depression Inventory, to measure nine core symptoms associated with work-related major depression, which including cognitive decline and increased risk of suicide death. 

If burnout is related to depression, it may need to be addressed. Bianchi says. 

“Hopefully, the interventions, the treatments, the forms of support that exist for depressed people can be applied for occupational depression,” he said.

According to Kirsi Aloha of the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, this treatment does not lessen the work-related stress that causes the condition. 

“[Imagine] the person is on sick leave, for example, for a few weeks and recuperates and rests,” she offered.

“And he comes back to the exactly same situation where the demands are too high and no support and whatever. Then he or she starts burning out again.”

Burnout is not current included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 

Maslak’s Bern theory was supported when the World Health Organization classified the syndrome in its 2019 International Classification of Diseases. 

However, the World Health Organization says it is a tool and not a health problem.  

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Mental health struggles are factors for college students considering to drop out

Claire Peterson Claire Peterson on March 26, 2023

Mental health – According to a new survey, many college students are concerned about their mental health and are considering dropping out.

Based on the survey, two out of every five undergraduate students, or about half of all female students, experience emotional stress throughout their studies on a regular basis.

The survey

The latest findings were announced on Thursday by Gallup and the Lumina Foundation, a private independent organization.

The survey was conducted in the fall of 2022, and 12,000 people with a high school graduation but no associate’s or bachelor’s degree participated.

More than 40% of undergraduate degree students considered dropping out in the past six months, according to the study.

Some participants preferred emotional distress and personal mental health to financial challenges and academic difficulties.

According to experts, the adolescent years are a critical period for mental health, and college brings significant changes that can function as additional sensors.

Sarah K. Lipson, an assistant professor at Boston University and the Healthy Minds Network’s principal investigator, explained further:

“About 75% of lifetime mental health problems will onset by the mid-20s, so that means that the college years are a very epidemiologically vulnerable time.”

“And then for many adolescents and young adults, the transition to college comes with newfound autonomy.”

“They may be experiencing the first signs and symptoms of mental health problems while now in this new level of independence that also includes new independence over their decision-making as it relates to mental health.”

A mental disease affects one out of every five people in the United States, with young individuals aged 18 to 25 suffering a disproportionate amount of the burden.

For years, the rate of college students suffering from anxiety and depression has been rising, and the issue has only become worse since the epidemic.

In 2023, half of young adults aged 18 to 24 reported anxiety and depressive symptoms, according to a Kaiser Family Foundation survey.

Breaking the stigma

Experts agree that mental health in college is crucial.

Lipson claims that it identifies virtually every long-term consequence that people care about, including:

  • The future
  • Economic earnings
  • Workplace productivity
  • Future mental health
  • Future physical health

With this in mind, support is critically needed.

A Healthy Minds Network research from 2021 found that one out of every seven college students reported suicidal thoughts, which was greater than in 2020.

Read also: Covid-19 source still unknown, but raccoon fox could be linked

The Fountain House’s College ReEntry program’s director of outreach and research, Julie Wolfson, stated:

“For a lot of students, this isn’t what they saw their life looking like. This isn’t the timeline that they had for themselves.”

“They see their friends continuing on and becoming juniors and seniors, graduating and getting their first job. But they feel stuck and like they’re watching their life plan slipping away.”

Lipson went on to say that it creates a guilt spiral.

Mental health specialists, on the other hand, pointed out the importance of putting personal needs over the status quo.

“There’s no shame in taking some time off,” said Union College psychologist Marcus Hotaling.

“Take a semester. Take a year. Get yourself better – whether it be through therapy or medication – and come back stronger, a better student, more focused, and more importantly, healthier.”

Authorities also urge educational institutions to help by alleviating pressure by enacting policies that make it simpler for students to return.

“When a student is trying to do the best thing for themselves, that should be celebrated and promoted,” said Wolfson.

“For a school to then put a ton of barriers for them to come back, it makes students not want to seek help.”

“I would hope that in the future, there could be policies and systems that are more welcoming to students who are trying to take care of themselves.”

Support development

Mental health therapy is subjective, and experts suggest that taking a break from school is not for everyone.

Monitoring progress through self-assessments of symptoms and gauges of functioning, according to Ryan Patel, head of the American College Health Association’s mental health section, could help in making the decision.

“If we’re making progress and you’re getting better, then it could make sense to think about continuing school,” said Patel.

“But if you’re doing everything you can in your day-to-day life to improve your mental health and we’re not making progress, or things are getting worse despite best efforts, that’s where the differentiating point occurs, in my mind.”

College counseling centers are struggling to keep up with rising demand.

Moreover, the mental health professional shortage extends beyond the universities.

Researchers feel that universities are well situated to provide students with a support system.

“Colleges have an educational mission, and I would make the argument that spreads to education about health and safety,” said Hotaling.

He feels that college teachers should be trained to recognize serious situations or threats to their students’ safety.

They should be aware, however, that students may experience a series of mental health concerns and should be aware of the services available to assist them.

…

Hiking: some of the biggest pros

Leah Cooper Leah Cooper on February 27, 2023

Hiking – Many people are eager to make up for the time they were forced to stay at home because of the outbreak.

In addition to traveling and dining out, many people have resorted to gyms or a more active lifestyle to improve their health.

Hiking is a wonderful alternative to diet, rigorous lifting, and running in the park.

Trekking has been shown to have several advantages, ranging from physical exercise to mental relaxation.

Here are some of the most compelling reasons to begin hiking.

Weight loss

One of the most popular reasons people begin hiking is to lose weight.

Reducing weight might be difficult, but getting out of the house and into the mountains can be beneficial both physically and psychologically.

Even if some trekking sites are quite far, the effort will be well worth it.

Trekking across a new location every weekend can lead to additional calorie-burning activities, since hiking has been found to be a good weight-loss activity.

Some people may fail to achieve their weight loss goals due to a lack of enjoyment.

Hiking, on the other hand, may be enjoyable because it involves more than just good eating and going to the gym.

Mental health improvement

Work and school consume five of our seven days each week, which might cause stress.

Dealing with children and their families may be difficult at times.

When stress levels rise, mental health problems may arise.

As a result, stress can manifest as follows:

  • Fatigue
  • Headaches
  • Sleep problems
  • Upset stomachs

According to the Mayo Clinic, regular physical exercise may help you lower stress.

Hiking, whether with or without a companion, is an excellent method to relieve stress by getting away from it all, resting your mind, and carving out some quiet time for yourself.

Trekking is also well known as a kind of exercise that helps you to clear your thoughts while also enjoying nature and life.

Heart benefits

The heart, like every other muscle in your body, has to be exercised on a regular basis.

The fresh air you breathe while trekking can also assist your heart regenerate.

Regardless of how fit or out of shape you are, you may choose the level of difficulty of the trip you want to finish.

Read also: Fungal infection rate grows in 2023, concerns experts

Leg work

One of the main reasons people start hiking is to strengthen their legs.

Trekking is not like going to the gym in that your workout is typically stationary.

The steepness of the terrain when hiking, on the other hand, may deliver that “burn” while simultaneously strengthening your legs.

Diabetes control

When it comes to diabetes, doctors usually recommend walking above other forms of physical activity.

It is frequently an effective means of regulating blood glucose levels.

Hiking pushes the limit since the elevation needs greater strength.

Lower blood pressure

Often, specialists advise patients to improve their cardiovascular health in order to reduce their blood pressure.

Adults should aim for 150 minutes of physical exercise every week, according to a Healthline article.

Trekking is an aerobic exercise that can help you regulate your blood pressure.

Strengthen bone density

As we age, our bone density deteriorates, making us more prone to falling and breaking our bones.

According to study, hiking can help increase bone density.

Some trek routes need only walking, which is a great weight-bearing workout.

It is extremely advised that you go for walks or exercise while you are still young to enhance your bone density.

A social activity

Hiking is a great single activity, but it’s much better with friends or family.

Traveling in a group is also useful if you become lost and one of your party members knows the way.

New experiences

When it comes to trekking, there is virtually no end in sight.

Every journey is a chance to experience the world and engage with nature.

There’s always a new peak to climb, new people to meet, and new activities to try.

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Mental health becomes concern following studies

Edward Anderson Edward Anderson on February 13, 2023

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Mental health: The brains of teenagers in the US changed during the Covid-19 pandemic, causing them to age faster than average, according to studies.

Younger study participants reported more severe symptoms of anxiety, depression, and internalized problems.

Internalized problems typically include feelings of sadness, low self-esteem, anxiety, and difficulty regulating emotions.

The symptoms all appeared after the first year of the pandemic.

Factors

Recent studies reveal multiple factors that caused adolescent mental health to suffer during the pandemic.

Teens were pulled out of school and separated from friends and support structures.

Many were forced to live with fear and uncertainty the Coronavirus brought.

Additionally, teens witnessed their parents losing their jobs while millions lost their parents and loved ones to the Coronavirus.

The study

Titled Biological Psychiatry: Global Open Science, the study is among the first to examine physical changes in the brain caused by stress and anxiety.

The paper was also published last Thursday.

The research comes from a more extensive study in which scientists tried to understand gender differences in adolescent depression.

Eight years ago, scientists launched a plan to perform MRI scans on 220 children aged 9 and 13 every two years.

The team conducted two rounds of analysis before the pandemic halted their research.

As a result, they had to wait until late 2020 to resume the scanning.

Read also: Portland woman breaks into another apartment and raises mental health help concerns

The brain

By then, scientists determined that the children affected by the 2020 pandemic had brains older than their chronological age.

The brain had growths in the amygdala and hippocampus.

The amygdala is the area regulating anxiety and stress, while the hippocampus is the area controlling access to memories.

During this time, tissues in the cortex, the part of the brain that controls executive functions, have thinned.

While a child’s brain naturally changes over time, research has shown that physical changes can happen more quickly in the face of significant adversity.

Other studies show that the brains of people who experience abuse, neglect, poverty and family problems early in life age faster.

They are also prone to later mental health issues.

Findings

The study’s lead author is Ian Gotlib, who teaches psychology at Stanford University.

He said the team expected to find a problem behind anxiety and depression.

However, they weren’t sure what they’d find with the MRI scans.

“The pandemic has not been kind to adolescent mental health,” said Gotlib.

“It’s always interesting to do research like this when you’re not really sure what’s going to happen.”

“These effects were interesting and happened pretty quickly.”

“This wasn’t just a one-year shutdown,” Gotlib added.

“So we didn’t know that the effects on the brain would be this pronounced after that short a period of stress.”

“It tracks with the mental health difficulties that we’re seeing.”

Ian Gotlib says it is unclear whether brain changes will have an impact as they grow older.

Future plans

Ian Gotlib’s team plans to examine ten children from the study who had Covid-19 to see if there is a different effect.

He noted that the physical difference is more pronounced in children with Covid-19.

Meanwhile, the diversion chief of pediatric neurology at UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital, Dr. Max Wiznitzer, agreed that the brain changes were interesting.

However, he stressed whether the mental health issues persist is more important.

“The anatomy is not important,” said Wiznitzer, who was uninvolved with the research.

“It’s the functionality that’s important.”

“The clinical consequence here is the functional impact, the mental health condition clinically and how it’s functioning and how you deal with it.”

Wiznitzer also said that people can manage anxiety or depression with the right mental health interventions.

“The brain has that capacity for reorganization – or call it improvement, if you will,” said Wiznitzer.

Read also: Dylan Sessler’s One-on-One Mental Health Coaching Helps People Overcome Their Struggles

Other notes

Ian Gotlib is hopeful that parents and guardians will remember that mental health consequences can linger despite the end of lockdowns and school closures.

“Be sure that your adolescent or your teen is getting any help that he or she, that they, might need if they’re experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety or being withdrawn.”

Reference:

Teens’ brain aged faster during the first year of the pandemic, study says, and stress may be to blame

Portland woman breaks into another apartment and raises mental health help concerns

Jason Robinson Jason Robinson on December 26, 2022

By now, residents of Portland, Oregon, know of Terri Zinzer, who has been arrested multiple times in recent months.

In every incident, it was clear that Zinzer needed mental health care, but the situation in the city made it difficult to do so.

A few weeks ago, Terri Zinzer is said to have walked into a house and laid down on a bed.

Last week, she was caught again in another break-in, and Zinzer missed a court hearing on Monday.

The latest incident

Zinzer’s break-in occurred at around 4:30 PM at an apartment on Northeast 17th Avenue near Northeast Broadway.

According to Drew Doety, his mother came home from work and found a stranger on her bed.

“She unlocks the door to find a person sleeping in her bedroom under her blanket,” Doety explained.

“At first, she thought it was my sister, but then discovered that it was a random person, random woman in her bed.”

“She yelled at them to get out, then realized that it was just better to leave the apartment and call the police.”

Doety said his mother went back in to check the situation and found the woman hiding in a closet with her clothes on.

When the police arrived at the property, Zinzer barricaded himself in the bathroom.

Doety said police had to break down the door and take her away in handcuffs.

“I would say it was a pretty distressing situation for everybody involved,” he said.

“And definitely not the kind of thing that you expect to come home to, but in Portland, it is seeming more and more commonplace.”

Terri Zinzer

Drew Doety’s sentiments rang true, especially in the case of Zinzer, whose actions shed some light on the flaws in the justice system for not getting her help.

Although the prosecutor said she needed mental health care, Zinzer refused.

As a result, she has had more confrontations with the police in recent months.

Past incidents

Terri Zinzer’s first confrontation with the police began in July when she was caught stealing in Gresham.

However, the district attorney’s office did not charge her anything.

A few weeks later, police caught her committing trespass, but the district attorney’s office has not yet filed a lawsuit against her.

On September 12, Zinzer broke into Kelsey Smith’s home, with the break-in captured on security video.

Initially, the prosecutor’s office said they would not charge him, but claimed Zinzer needed psychiatric care, not prison.

Instead, they chose to file a complaint.

Terri Zinzer was indicted last week.

An arrest warrant was later issued on September 19 after missing a hearing in Clackamas County.

During that hearing, it was going to be determined if she was mentally capable of handling another theft case.

On September 27, Zinzer was arrested for theft, disorderly behavior, and false information.

Since the district attorney’s office had not filed a complaint, she was released from prison.

On September 30, Zinzer broke into Doety’s apartment.

After the break-in

Drew Doety and his family were shocked by the event and are currently waiting for the police before taking any action.

“Definitely violating to have somebody come into your home and to find somebody in your bed,” he said.

“So we spent the night basically sanitizing the entire apartment, and now it’s a matter of calling the police and insurance and hoping everything can get solved.”

According to Doety, they plan to file a complaint.

Zinzer was supposed to appear in court on Monday, but was instead held in solitary confinement.

According to court documents, she yells and swears at officials, knocks on the cell door, and spits on the windows.

Prior to the current situation, Terri Zinzer was charged with 16 offenses in 2018.

Even then, she didn’t seem to get the help she needed.

Reference:

Justice system appears unable to provide necessary mental health help for Terri Zinzer

TikTok research finds teens exposed to harmful content

Nicholas Alexander Nicholas Alexander on December 19, 2022

…

In 2022, TikTok faced many issues, with security issues coming in the first place.

A recent study raises the possibility that it might negatively affect young users.

After kids create an account on the video-sharing app, it may begin to promote inappropriate material regarding eating disorders and suicide.

The outcomes are expected to fuel the fires as TikTok’s issues worsen, especially in light of how it impacts young users.

The study

The charity Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH) released a report on Wednesday.

They discovered that it takes less than three minutes to watch content on TikTok about body image and suicide after signing up.

Users can find a community on the app that promotes information about eating disorders five minutes later.

The researchers claim that they created eight more accounts in the US.

New TikTok users in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia must be at least 13 years old.

The accounts took a little break and liked content about mental health and body image.

Every 39 seconds throughout the course of a 30-minute period, TikTok suggested videos about mental health and body image, according to the CCDH.

TikTok woes

The study is being released as local, state, and federal officials look into potential sanctions for TikTok, particularly concerning privacy and security concerns.

They are also evaluating the app’s safety for teenagers.

The study was made available to the public more than a year after senators questioned executives from social media companies during congressional hearings.

They were worried that the harmful content that would be shared on their platforms would expose younger users, particularly adolescent girls, to their mental health and self-esteem.

Following hearings and disclosures by Facebook leaker Frances Haugen, the companies decided to tighten their control over teenagers.

The CCDH study, however, indicates that more work has to be done.

“The results are every parent’s nightmare,” said Imran Ahmed, the CEO of the CCDH.

“Young people’s feeds are bombarded with harmful, harrowing content that can have a significant cumulative impact on their understanding of the world around them and their physical and mental health.”

Read also: NetChoice claims California law violates First Amendment, sues state

Response

In response to the study’s publication, a TikTok official claimed that it was incorrect for a number of reasons, including:

  • Small sample size
  • The limited 30-minute window for testing
  • How the accounts scrolled past unrelated topics to find other content

“This activity and resulting experience does not reflect genuine behavior or viewing experiences of real people,” said the spokesperson.

“We regularly consult with health experts, remove violations of our policies, and provide access to supportive resources for anyone in need.”

“We’re mindful that triggering content is unique to each individual and remain focused on fostering a safe and comfortable space for everyone, including people who choose to share their recovery journeys or educate others on these important topics.”

The representative claims that the CCDH doesn’t differentiate between positive and negative videos on particular issues, noting that people frequently share inspiring stories of conquering eating disorders.

Safeguards

TikTok asserts that it is constantly enhancing user protections.

For instance, the app now has filters that may exclude explicit or “possibly harmful” videos.

TikTok developed a “maturity score” in July to identify videos with potentially mature or advanced content.

Additionally, users may choose how long they want to spend watching TikTok videos, regularly schedule screen breaks, and access a dashboard that shows information like how often they use the app.

Additionally, TikTok offers a number of parental restrictions.

Algorithm

The US Senator Richard Blumenthal’s office faked a 13-year-old girl’s Instagram account last year.

The account was followed by posts regarding dieting and eating disorders (which are supposed to be banned).

Blumenthal claims that the account began to be elevated to accounts with more extreme diets.

Instagram later deleted the accounts because it had violated its policies against encouraging eating disorders.

Read also: Donald Trump slumps in voter standing based on recent poll

Policy violations

According to TikTok, it is forbidden to post anything that suggests suicide or other self-destructive behavior or that normalizes, normalizes, or glorifies such behavior.

The information below shows videos that were taken down for breaking the laws against self-harm and suicide between April and June 2022:

  • 93.4% were removed at zero views
  • 91.5% were removed 24 hours after being posted
  • 97.1% were removed before anyone reported them

The representative claims that anyone looking for prohibited terms like “#selfharm” won’t come up with anything.

They will be recommended to local aid programs instead.

Despite the assurances, the CCDH argues that additional steps are required to limit some content and enhance protection for individuals under 18.

“This report underscores the urgent need for reform of online space,” said Ahmed.

“Without oversight, TikTok’s opaque platform will continue to profit by serving its users – children as young as 13, remember – increasingly intense and distressing content without checks, resources or support.”

Reference:

TikTok may push potentially harmful content to teens within minutes, study finds

Scott Waltman: How this psychologist is helping people through memes

Jason Robinson Jason Robinson on November 3, 2022

Scott Waltman is an author, international trainer and clinical psychologist who specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). He went to graduate school at Pacific University in Oregon, and did his predoctoral internship at the Colorado Mental health Institute in Pueblo. After that, Scott completed his postdoctoral fellowship at UCLA Medical Center in Torrance, California. From there, he started working at the University of Pennsylvania, where he worked as a cognitive behavior therapy trainer under Dr. Aaron T. Beck, the originator of cognitive therapy and one of the most influential and famous psychiatrists of all time.

Working with Dr. Beck, Scott Waltman realized that Socratic questioning was a common challenge for clinicians. He, along with Dr. Aaron T. Beck, then studied how expert clinicians use Socratic questioning and put that information together to create a new format for teaching Socratic questioning to clinicians. Their framework was designed to both correct the common mistakes that people make and train clinicians to use the chronic question in a way consistent with an expert therapist. 

“While I presented this model at various international conferences to help with the uptake, we found that a number of clinicians we wanted to reach weren’t attending conferences. So we had to think of creative ways to reach clinicians who are normally difficult to reach,” shared Scott Waltman. “This is how I decided to start my Instagram page ‘socraticmethodcbt’. It’s a mix of memes and educational materials geared towards therapists and mental health advocates,” he added.

Though meant for therapists and clinicians, his memes are widely followed by the masses in general since it provides a lighter way to address their issues, normalizing the concept of mental health issues. The page is full of amusing memes and helpful tips with the intention of making useful information accessible in a format that is not only engaging but also entertaining. 

There is no doubt that memes have become a common way of communication in this day and age. Even when you don’t talk to your friends or relatives for weeks, you find a relevant meme to share with them. It’s a conversation starter and also a way to show others they are remembered. The fact is that memes have garnered immense attention over the past few years, and with social media becoming such an important part of our lives, the craze for fun content has increased exponentially. 

Where mental health issues are still considered taboo in some parts of the world, and people avoid talking about their problems for fear of being labeled, Scott Waltman has come up with an interesting and informative way to spread awareness about mental issues. People can associate with his posts and realize what they are going through, all the while taking useful tips to help them cope with their day-to-day lives. 

Scott Waltman’s book, ‘Socratic Questioning for Therapists and Counselors: Learn How to Think and Intervene Like a Cognitive Behavior Therapist’ has gained international support from therapists around the world. Through this book, readers will learn how to apply his framework to specialty populations, such as patients with borderline personality disorder who receive dialectical behavior therapy. Apart from that, additional chapters contain explicit guidance on how to layer intervention to transform core beliefs and schema. This book is a must-read for therapists in training, early career professionals, supervisors, trainers, and any clinician looking to refine and enhance their ability to use Socratic strategies to bring about lasting change.

The expert psychologist believes that mindset is essential but not as important as the actions you take. “I am not an affirmations person because, in my experience, people often do not believe the affirmations they say,” shared Scott. “Instead what I find is often, when someone is looking to make changes in their life, the feelings are the last thing to change. What is important is to set a direction and take action. As someone takes action, the circumstances of their life will change too. As the circumstances of their life change, the narrative and emotions will catch up. It is all interconnected,” he added.

Scott Waltman is board certified in CBT by the American Board of Professional Psychology. He is also a fellow diplomat and a certified trainer consultant for the Academy of Cognitive Behavior Therapy. He also sits on the Board of The Academy of Cognitive and Behavioral 

Therapy and the International Association of Cognitive and Behavior Therapies. With vast experience in studying, practicing and then training therapists, he understands the importance of cognitive behavioral therapy and its life-changing impact on people’s lives. Be it his serious therapy sessions or interactive yet fun memes, all his work is based on helping people get better control over their emotions and have a healthy, constructive and positive mind. 

Paddy Pimblett’s Speech After UFC Victory Helps More Men Open Up About Mental Health

Claire Peterson Claire Peterson on August 29, 2022

While Paddy Pimblett’s UFC win over Jordan Leavitt was a career milestone, it was his post-fight speech that stole the show.

Pimblett’s interview

The rising star was on a meteoric rise to becoming a popular figure in the sport when he dedicated his victory to a friend who took his own life, growing his fanbase even more.

Paddy Pimblett used the interview to urge men to break the mental health stigma.

“I woke up on Friday morning at 4am to a message that one of my friends back home killed himself,” Pimblett said.

“This was five hours before my weigh-in. So, Ricky lad, that’s for you.”

“There’s a stigma in this world that men can’t talk. Listen: if you’re a man and you’ve got weight on your shoulders, and you think the only way you can solve it is by killing yourself, please speak to someone. Speak to anyone!”

“I know I’d rather have me mate cry on my shoulder than go to his funeral next week.”

“So please, let’s get rid of this stigma. And men, start talking!”

Pimblett was seen walking into the media area in tears after his speech.

The result

Pimblett’s words resonated with viewers as more and more men came forward asking for help.

A mental health counselor has revealed a wave of men took his words to heart, reached out and spoke out.

A moderator from Andy’s Man Club, a mental health group based in West Yorkshire, England, revealed that Pimblett’s speech helped more people to participate for the first time.

“Across both of the Leeds and Castleford groups we have 69 (10 new) and 39 (9 new) who attended respectively,” said Andy Wilson.

“It just shows how much the groups are needed and how more and more men are talking if they’re struggling.”

“The interview with Paddy Pimblett following his fight at the weekend can only have helped raise awareness on how important it is for people to open up and talk if they’re struggling with anything, and a reminder once again that it’s okay to talk.”

Experts weigh in

Tracey Marchese, a professor at Syracuse University’s School of Social Work, was moved by his speech and agrees with him.

“Depression and suicide are some of the leading causes of death in men,” she revealed.

“And even the people who complete suicide, the rate is about four times higher in men than it is in women.”

Marchese attributes the number to culture’s specific idea of ​​how men are “supposed” to act.

“I mean, think about the phrase ‘man up,” he explained.

“Men are essentially, and I don’t want to stereotype and all men are treated this way, but if we look at the big picture in society, this is what we see.”

““It’s a weakness to show that you have signs of mental illness or that you’re not coping well.”

When it comes to seeking help, whether through medication or simply by talking about it, Marchese believes this should be seen in the same light as seeking cures for other diseases.

“Would you not take diabetes medication? Would you not take insulin?”

“So to think that depression is seen differently as if you somehow caused it or that you are weak because you can’t handle your problems is absurd.”

For a prominent figure like Paddy Pimblett in the UFC world, Tracey Marchese was moved by his encouragement of other men to open up, and the response to his words was even better.

“I heard the crowd cheering for him when he said it,” she said. “That’s the other piece that was so important.”

“It’s not that he was just saying it and up there doing it. He was in a crowd of people, and the things he was talking about, it wasn’t just about him. It was about what he was saying.”

References:

Huge numbers of men are seeking mental health help following Paddy Pimblett’s speech

UFC star Paddy Pimblett sparks a powerful discussion about mental health