Category: Studies
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Gratitude vs. Anxiety
The science of gratitude–and its mental health impact–explored (NYT). Many studies have asked participants to write letters of thanks, or to list the positive things in their lives, and then measured the effects of those acts. The results suggest that performing these types of activities provides mental health benefits — reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety,…
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Yoga vs. GAD
This “study” (with only three subjects!) indicates yoga may help with symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder. It’s not the first. You can run your own one-person study if you are struggling with GAD. Try some yoga and see what result you get. Might help!
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Friends and Mental Health
Many–forty percent–who have experienced serious depression recover completely, says a new study. What helps? One trusted friend: Social support was a major factor associated with complete mental health. “Formerly depressed adults who had emotionally supportive and close relationships were four times more likely to report complete mental health than those without such relationships. Having at…
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Crowds Decrease Anxiety?
From the “not for everyone” department: Anxiety-Prone May Relax Better in a Busy Environment (PsychCentral). Provocative new research suggest a one-size fits all strategy to wind-down or reduce anxiety/stress is probably not the right approach. For some, the best way to relax after a difficult day at work is to go for a walk or hike in…
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Stress-Panic Connection
Panic Can Build Gradually from Chronic Stress (Psych Central): The study found that for stressful life events in the categories of “work,” such as a demotion or layoff, or “friends/family/household,” such as a family argument, panic symptoms that had meandering severity before the event increased steadily but gradually for at least 12 weeks afterward.
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Vacation from Stress
Non-newsflash from the L.A. Times: Studies show that vacation time can go a long way in reducing stress and bringing our brains back to a more even keel. “A vacation is not a luxury,” says Jens Pruessner, an associate professor in the departments of psychology, psychiatry, neurology and neurosurgery at McGill University in Montreal. “It’s an investment…
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Exercise v. Anxiety
Exercise Lessens Anxiety (PsychCentral): Although we often think of it negatively, anxiety is a normal emotion, Abramowitz said. It evolved in our ancestors as a response to danger, such as a nearby predator. When you perceive a threat, you begin sweating, your heart rate increases and your breathing accelerates — the “fight or flight” response. Of…
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Sad Dads
Help needed for depressed fathers, reports NPR: Take a bow, American fathers. Dads of today are far more involved in raising their children than their fathers were. But with that greater involvement comes greater responsibility. And a new study in the journal Pediatrics finds some trouble brewing. Fathers who are depressed are far more likely…
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Mood and Medical Symptoms
Depression, Anxiety Influence Recall of Medical Symptoms in Different Ways (PsychCentral): University of Iowa psychologists discovered that people who feel depressed report experiencing a higher number of past symptoms. People who feel anxious, by contrast, report more symptoms in the present moment.