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Top Ways Therapy Helps with Social Anxiety

The most common mental disorders in Americans center around anxiety. Each year, variations of anxiety affect 40 million Americans, yet less than half of these patients receive treatment.

One of the most common forms of anxiety disorder is social anxiety. For many, attending therapy on a regular basis can aid in handling triggers in the future and relieve daily stressors. Read on for more information.

What is social anxiety?

Social anxiety disorder (SAD) affects more than six percent of Americans, which is nearly 15 million people. While many people may feel a slight rise in nerves at the onset of social interaction, for those with SAD, the response is much more serious. People living with social anxiety disorder may experience difficulty in the following situations:

  • Speaking in large crowds
  • Attending an event in an unfamiliar area
  • Going to a new place or event unaccompanied
  • Initiating or participating in conversations, especially with strangers
  • Maintaining eye contact during a conversation

There is a slew of additional triggers for social anxiety, each of which are unique on a patient-to-patient basis. These occasions spark fear of embarrassment, judgment, and direct attention.

As a result, patients may experience an increased heart rate, lightheadedness, restricted breathing, increased sweating, or stomach irritability. These symptoms are not limited to the moment in which the trigger occurs and often last for an extended period of time.

How can therapy help?

There are various ways to manage SAD symptoms. Many choose to medicate; others seek holistic remedies through meditation or yoga. The most effective long-term treatment for social anxiety disorder is cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT. While medication is often a quick remedy, it has less long-term effectiveness than regular therapy attendance.

Cognitive behavioral therapy works by identifying the thought processes causing anxiety and forming a plan to alter them. The main concept behind this is the powerful connection between a person’s thoughts and behaviors. Patients typically attend 12 to 16 sessions, once a week, for roughly an hour to an hour and a half.

Each cognitive behavioral therapist will assess the ways in which SAD affects their patients to determine which form of CBT would be the most effective. There are plenty of options when it comes to CBT, including individual sessions, group therapy, at-home practices, and journaling.

Therapists will often introduce roleplay during individual and group therapy. This method allows patients to act out frequent social triggers and alter the scenario. When they face said challenge in the future, they’ll have a history of playing it out in sessions with the proper coping skills to handle it more calmly.

When the therapist feels the patient is ready, they will assign “homework” to implement these coping skills. These assignments might include attending an event in a new space, introducing themselves to new coworkers, or giving a small speech in a public setting.

Another effective form of CBT for social anxiety is known as exposure and response prevention, or ERP. Under the therapist’s supervision, patients are exposed to the triggers that spark social anxiety and taught how to respond in a healthy, relaxed manner. While it may seem like something that can be done without the aid of a therapist, repeated exposure to triggers can cause further damage when improperly monitored.

Professionals encourage their patients to confront their triggers and refuse to engage in them. This eventual lessening of anxiety as a result of continuous exposure and subsequent lack of response is known as habituation.

While each individual case is unique, there are a vast array of therapy techniques for those dealing with social anxiety. While medication and holistic remedies should not be overlooked, therapy is often the best choice for those seeking long-term results.

Learning to track down the source of triggers and practicing ways in which to disengage is the greatest benefit of weekly therapy, and can result in lasting relief from social anxiety.

Helping Your Friend Who is Going Through Depression

 

It’s painful seeing your friend going through a depression. You’re not an expert, but you can at least be there during this tough time. These are some tips that you can use if you think your friend is going through a depression.

Reach out

You might notice changes in the behavior of your friend, and you don’t know what happened. Try your best to get information by reaching out to other people. Perhaps, you can call the family or talk to other friends. They might know something that recently happened that led to these changes. It’s challenging to help someone when you have no idea what’s going on.

Just be there

People who are going through depression need someone to tell them what to do, but others need someone to be there. They might want to talk about their problems, and you need to be willing to spend your time listening without judgment. There are instances when they don’t want to share anything at all. They just want to be with another person and feel secure. Your presence can make a huge difference.

Take the feelings seriously

Not everyone reacts to the same problem. You might think that what your friend is going through is shallow. Avoid judgment and be there to listen. Regardless of what you hear, it’s crucial that you take things seriously. You can say the phrases, “I understand it’s hard”, or “I can’t imagine how difficult it is”. These are encouraging words that your friend needs right now.

Be open to emergencies

Depressed people might find it hard to control their thoughts. Some of them end up thinking about ending their lives to escape from their problems. Make sure that you’re there when they start thinking negative thoughts. If you can’t, but your friend told you that help is necessary right now, you need to call emergency numbers right away. There are hotlines available for people going through a depression, and you need to inform your friend about them.

Recommend help

Your friend might hesitate before seeking help because it’s embarrassing. It’s crucial that you tell your friend that there’s no shame in going for counseling. These mental health experts will listen without judgment. They will take notes to provide suggestions, but the secret is safe with them. You can be there as much as possible, but you won’t be around all the time. It helps to have someone providing help when needed.

Take care of yourself

The problem when you’re trying to be there for another person during a difficult time is that you end up forgetting about yourself. Make sure that you don’t let your friend’s depression affect how you feel. You need to still take good care of yourself by doing the things you love. Go out with other friends who don’t have mental health problems, to keep yourself in check.

Some people eventually overcome their mental health problems, and the support of loving friends could be a considerable boost.

To read more on topics like this, check out the health category.

What is CBT and How Does It Work?

CBT, or cognitive behavioral therapy, is one of the most widely-used forms of treatment in the world of psychotherapy. While every patient is unique in their individual needs and their reception to treatment, the idea behind CBT is applicable in a vast array of cases.

What is CBT?

This particular method of therapy was created based on the link between a person’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Psychologists believe that these three elements work in a circular pattern, each of which can be either the cause or the effect of various triggers.

The ideology behind this form of treatment is all about how to lessen the impact of stressors by aiding patients in creating thoughts and behaviors to combat them. For some patients, these sessions can last six to 12 weeks, while for others, it’s a continuous process.

Ultimately, a cognitive behavioral therapist enters each session with the goal of altering the thought patterns and consequential behaviors that cause unhealthy symptoms in their patient.

How does CBT work?

CBT works differently for every patient in terms of duration. The average length of sessions for cognitive behavioral therapy is roughly between an hour to an hour and a half.

This difference in effectiveness is based on the reasoning behind the therapy. For patients with short-term difficulties like situation-based anxiety or insomnia, six to 12 weeks of CBT can be enough to resolve the problem. For others with extensive distress, recurring appointments may be necessary.

As the name states, cognitive behavioral therapy is rooted in the connection between thoughts and behaviors. The process of CBT begins with identifying a patient’s unhealthy thoughts and emotions.

Once these have been established, a plan is set between the therapist and patient to address these initial thoughts or emotions and the ways in which to engage or disengage with them. Over time, the goal is for the patient to recognize an unhealthy thought or emotion and work through it before it has the chance to result in unhealthy behaviors.

What is CBT used for?

There are a variety of reasons why a therapist would choose CBT for their patients. Most commonly treated with CBD are anxiety disorders, depression, OCD, and PTSD.

With each of these disorders, the first step is identifying the unhealthy behavior. For example, patients who live with an anxiety disorder may feel a sense of fear and thoughts of failure when faced with something unfamiliar.

Patients are often encouraged to document these thoughts and emotions in a journal to review with their therapist. Moving forward, the patient is encouraged to take their thoughts and rethink them in a more logical way, separate from the circumstances.

Instead of thinking, “I can’t attend this event, my anxiety is unmanageable”, patients are encouraged to change their thoughts to, “It’s normal to fear an unknown place, but it doesn’t have to be the reason I don’t attend. I’ve gone to new places in the past successfully, I just have to take the first step. I can always leave if I feel unsafe or uneasy”.

Many therapists also practice CBT in their group therapy sessions. In these groups, patients are able to bring forward a common trigger in their lives and act them out with others. In playing the scenarios out, the therapist can provide the patient with multiple variations of the scenario with various outcomes. This provides patients with the ability to think through their situations and come up with a plan to execute them in the healthiest way possible.

While every patient is unique, and their individual needs are evaluated from the first appointment, it’s not uncommon for a therapist to suggest a treatment with CBT. Cognitive behavioral therapy is growing more popular as a way to help patients evaluate their thoughts and emotions in order to produce healthy behaviors.

 

Why is Vitamin C Serum So Popular and is it Here to Stay

Vitamin C is one of the more powerful elements when it comes to skincare, with almost endless benefits. From encouraging collagen renewal to revitalize skin’s elasticity to help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, to helping repair sun damage, the list of results goes on and on. Prior to investing in the best Vitamin C Serum, it is important to understand why it is so popular.

Encourages Collagen Production

The regular use of Vitamin C serum helps to boost collagen production, filling in fine lines and wrinkles. This leads to a more youthful looking appearance without the need for potentially risky and expensive cosmetic work.

Maintains Younger Looking Skin

Regardless of your age, it is always a great idea to be pro-active about avoiding fine lines, wrinkles, sagging skin, and other signs of aging. In addition to encouraging collagen production, Vitamin C Serum helps your skin look younger by brightening your complexion and evening out your skin tone.

Protects Skin from Sun Damage

Since Vitamin C is an antioxidant, it naturally helps to repel things that can cause damage to it such as UVB and UVA rays. Take note, however, that Vitamin C Serum should not be considered an alternative to sunscreen, but as an addition to your regular sunscreen application instead.

Improves Moisture and Hydration

For those of you who experience dry skin, Vitamin C Serum is a must. Topical Vitamin C delivers a high concentration of vitamins that the body needs to improve hydration and moisture levels.

Is Vitamin C Serum Here to Stay?

With almost countless benefits, this incredible serum is definitely here to stay. Thanks to it being completely natural, there is no need to worry about how your skin will react because there are no harsh chemicals or uncertain ingredients.

To learn more about why Vitamin C Serum is so popular, check out Timeless Skin Care today!

 

How You Can Effectively Treat Toenail Fungus and Do Away with it Once and for All

 

The toenail is a thickened extension of the skin’s top layer, and it is made of the same kind of protein, which is called keratin. The toenail grows from a particular area underneath the skin, called the matrix, and it is connected to the nail bed and blood vessels underneath as well. Whether you are aware of it or not, our toenails go through a lot of stress, especially when we constantly wear shoes, when we stub our toes, or when we have damp socks and shoes, which can lead to the buildup of fungi and bacteria. This is one reason why we may experience problems with our toenails from time to time, and one of the most common issues is toenail fungus. But what exactly causes toenail fungus, and how can we effectively treat it? If you have been suffering from toenail fungus for some time and would like to do away with it once and for all, here’s what you should know.

What causes it?

There are many factors which can cause toenail fungus, but here’s the thing: the fungus itself may often be the same kind which causes another condition, athlete’s foot. As a matter of fact, individuals who are prone to developing athlete’s foot may also be prone to developing toenail fungus. Toenail fungus can affect everyone, but it more commonly affects men, especially as an individual gets older. Also, some people with diseases like diabetes may also be more susceptible to forming the condition, and it also affects people with lower or weaker immune systems than most. Other causes of toenail fungus include hyperhidrosis (a condition which causes sweaty feet), nail trauma, shoes which provide a dark and moist environment for fungus to thrive, and the sharing of nail equipment or footwear with people who already have the condition.

The symptoms of toenail fungus

Toenail fungus symptoms can vary, but the most common symptom of the condition is nail discolouration, where the nail becomes white, brownish yellow, or yellow. The nail may also thicken as the condition worsens, and there will often be an increase in white particles or debris underneath the nail. The infected portion of the nail may also appear to be loose from the skin or nail bed, and the nail may look like it is crumbling or breaking down.

The treatment

If you visit a specialist for toenail fungus, treatment may include the use of antifungal medication combined with nail debridement, where the nail is trimmed, and debris is removed from the nail. Debridement serves to lessen the nail’s thickness, and it may also allow the medication to penetrate more thoroughly. Debridement is usually performed once a month for better results.

The use of antifungal medication is also common, particularly in the form of topical treatments. There are both prescription and over-the-counter topical treatments, but they sometimes have limited success because the fungus lies deep within the nail and beneath the nail bed, and treatment like this doesn’t usually penetrate directly into the nail bed.

Another form of toenail fungus treatment which has been getting a lot of praise is laser treatment. Unlike other treatment which can take months, and which may be particularly burdensome, laser treatment is usually done in only two or three sessions, depending on the severity of the condition. It is also painless and doesn’t require recovery, with each session lasting only between 12 to 20 minutes.

To read more on topics like this, check out the health category.

The Truth About Turmeric Supplements

 

In recent years, turmeric has become another trendy superfood sold as a natural spice, and in supplement form. There are many promises to drinking turmeric regularly, such as eliminating inflammation and chronic pain. But despite these claims, it is too early to conclude because only a small handful of clinical trials have been conducted to corroborate these findings.

Scientific studies about the anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric

There have been many animal studies and small clinical human trials to observe the benefits of taking turmeric regularly. The findings concluded that turmeric contains Curcumin, which has some properties to reduce inflammation. These studies became the proponent to the widespread availability of turmeric shots and other supplement products that contain turmeric. These products target consumers looking for natural remedies for arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome, and colitis.

Although these pre-clinical trials show positive results, it will still depend on the results of large-scale trials to consider turmeric as a viable medication for inflammation in humans. There are a lot of factors to take into account when testing in humans, and these factors will likely impact the outcome.

Is it worth trying turmeric as a supplement?

Turmeric is a common spice used in Indian cooking and is a common food ingredient in other parts of Asia and the Middle East. If you like eating food containing turmeric, or drink some form or turmeric drink or tea, only a small amount of Curcumin will be ingested in your body.

If you are not trying to cure a chronic illness, adding turmeric into your regular diet will still provide some benefits. One of the problems with Curcumin is that it does not get absorbed into the body quickly. Some supplements include other ingredients like pepper to aid in absorption.

What are the precautions of taking turmeric as a supplement?

The main concern with turmeric is the source. There were FDA studies that showed some turmeric powder available commercially might sometimes contain contaminants like lead. Lead and other heavy metals are hazardous to the health, which is why it is vital to carefully research the source and manufacturer of turmeric supplements you are buying.

Another possible concern is that manufacturers of turmeric and other natural health supplements are not regulated the same way as pharmaceutical companies. There is no vetting process to confirm whether the ingredients indicated on the label are precisely what is contained inside the bottle.

There were also some concerns on the possible side effects of taking too much turmeric. Some have experienced diarrhoea and stomach pains. Turmeric is also counter-indicative to some chronic conditions, which is why it is necessary to consult your doctor if you are planning to drink turmeric supplements. For people who are taking medication such as blood thinners, turmeric may have a severe reaction to these medicines.

In conclusion, there is a lot of potential for the medical and health benefits of turmeric, but it is best not to get carried away until extensive medical studies have been conducted. In the meantime, it is still safe to take it as a supplement, and in moderation.

To read more on topics like this, check out the health category.

The Health Benefits That Come with the Ketogenic Diet

 

It is understandable to feel a little hesitant when it comes to tackling something like a ketogenic diet. After all, you have likely heard about some of the misgivings that come with a low-carb diet, ranging from cholesterol to a possible increase in the rate of heart disease due to the fat content. However, it is vital to separate fact from fiction, and there is plenty to love when it comes to the ketogenic diet.

Here are just some of the health benefits that come with going keto!

Ketogenic diets help to reduce blood sugar and overall insulin levels

Considering how many people are affected by diabetes worldwide, it comes as no surprise why keto kits are so popular. Going for a low-carb diet means that you will be reducing blood sugar as well as insulin levels, reducing the risk of developing diabetes. As a matter of fact, those who have insulin resistance and are required to take a dosage will find themselves having to reduce the dosage when they try the ketogenic diet! It is a win-win situation for those who happen to be vulnerable to diabetes.

By going keto, you are reducing your appetite

Perhaps one of the biggest reasons why people tend to relapse from dieting is that they are constantly hounded by hunger pangs. By cutting carbs and focusing on protein as well as fat, you will be reducing your appetite and making it much easier to lose weight the right way. Why bother going with other diets if the hunger is going to make you miserable?

Ketogenic diets can lower blood pressure

It goes without saying that hypertension is often the gateway that leads to many other diseases and health conditions such as kidney failure and stroke. The ketogenic diet is one of the most effective ways to lower blood pressure, minimizing the overall risk to your health by a dramatic amount. Considering how rampant hypertension tends to be worldwide, a low-carb diet could be just what the doctor ordered.

Abdominal fat is harmful – something that the ketogenic diet focuses on

Last but not least, the most common type of fat that people tend to lose when going for a low-carb diet is abdominal fat – also known as visceral fat. It is the fat that surrounds the organs and is known for causing insulin resistance as well as inflammation. People who go for the ketogenic diet are more likely to lose fat from the abdominal cavity first, further lowering risk factors.

It is understandable to be hesitant about a high protein and fat diet, especially when so many sources tend to have a negative viewpoint about the ketogenic diet. However, going the low-carb route will help you develop resistance while lowering blood sugar and making it easier to lose weight. There is very little reason not to go for a ketogenic diet, especially when there are so many health benefits associated with it.

To read more on topics like this, check out the health category.

Gallstones: How they Form and the Symptoms They Manifest

 

Gallstones form in the gallbladder. They are solid particles made from bilirubin and bile cholesterol. Many people suffer from gallstones from eating fatty and salty foods. Some who have them do not exhibit symptoms, but some experience signs that their gallstones are already affecting their health and well-being. When this happens, it warrants a trip to the emergency room so the doctor can check the severity of the symptoms and so that they can formulate the best treatment plan for you.

Causes

  • If you consume high amounts of fatty and greasy food.
  • Other components in the bile can cause the formation of stones.
  • Females are more prone to have them than males.
  • Being overweight.
  • Certain medications such as cholesterol drugs and birth control pills.

Gallstones also cause gallbladder disease. If doctors don’t take them out, chances are disease will form in the gallbladder, which will manifest more symptoms. Liquid bile, when interacting with the stones, can block the flow of digestive enzymes from another organ, the pancreas. If the stones continue to block the flow, the pancreas and gallbladder will inflame. Pancreatitis and cholecystitis are the inflammation of the said organs. Very small gallstones can also escape the gallbladder and reside in the bile duct, a very small tube that connects the gallbladder to the liver. This duct is where bile flows, and when there are stones blocking the duct, you may exhibit jaundice and severe pain.

Symptoms

If you start to exhibit symptoms that you have gallstones in your gallbladder and if the pain becomes unbearable that it affects your daily activities, it is time to seek medical help. Symptoms may come and go but they usually present themselves right after a greasy or fatty meal. Here are some of the symptoms to look out for:

  • Persistent pain in the upper abdomen that radiates through the back
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Fever
  • Jaundice
  • Belching and bloating

If you experience any of these symptoms, do not hesitate to go to the hospital for proper care and treatment.

Treatment

If the pain is still bearable and you don’t suffer from frequent attacks, your doctor may prescribe you pain medications; otherwise, surgery is the best course of action to take to relieve frequent attacks. If you require cholecystectomy or gallstone surgery, London doctors will prep you right away to take the stones out of your gallbladder. They will assess if the stones are numerous, and they may recommend taking the whole gallbladder out. There are two types of gallstone surgery: laparoscopic and open. The former does not require opening up your abdomen and usually lasts anywhere from twenty minutes to an hour. The doctors will make a small slit where they will take the gallbladder out. The latter will require a six-inch incision in the abdomen and takes longer to recover.

The best way to avoid gallstones from forming is to practice healthy eating. Do away with fatty and greasy foods and substitute them with vegetables, healthy meats and the like. Fortunately, we can all live without a gallbladder, so taking it out when you have gallstones is the best option so you don’t have to worry about forming more gallstones in the future.

To read more on topics like this, check out the health category.

Why Facial Serums Are Good For The Skin

Cleanse. Tone. Moisture – these three are the basic skin care routine to keep our complexion smooth and clear. However, due to climate change and pollution, there are products that we can add to our daily routine to help repair our skin cells and maintain a youthful glow. Facial serum is one of the products that provides nourishment to our facial skin. However, it is also the product often neglected by many.

Facial serums are considered a miracle product which can help you obtain a healthy, radiant complexion. Aside from that, here are other benefits of using a facial serum:

1. Facial serums can help your skin retain moisture 

One of the major reasons why individuals use face serums is that certain facial serums can help your skin retain its moisture. So if your skin easily becomes flaky, dry or patchy it’s well worth investing in a high quality facial serum.

2. Facial serums can help shrink your skin’s pores 

If your skin’s pores are larger than you’d like, you can also use a facial serum to help shrink it. Facial serums are known to significantly reduce the size of pores.

3. You can use a facial serum instead of moisturiser 

If you find most moisturisers too rich and thick and are looking for a lightweight alternative, you may want to use a facial serum. As facial serums are much lighter than thick moisturisers and will still hydrate your skin.

4. Facial serums also double as primers

You can also use a facial serum as a primer as your foundation will glide smoothly onto your skin on top of your facial serum. So if you’re looking for a miracle product which can be used in a variety of different ways, you’ll find that having facial serum on hand at all times is a great idea.

5. Facial serums can help you look younger

Another reason why anti aging face serum are so popular is that they can help treat various signs of ageing such as dark spots, fine lines and wrinkles. Even if you haven’t noticed any signs of ageing, by regularly using a carefully chosen facial serum you’ll be able to prevent your skin from ageing too quickly.

6. You can use a facial serum to give your skin an even and healthy complexion

If you’ve noticed that your face has an uneven skin tone due to sun exposure, it’s well worth researching facial serums which have brightening effects which will can help to restore your original skin color. Which means that you won’t have to waste time trying to use concealers to cover your uneven skin tone.

7. Your skin will look dewy 

If you start wearing facial serums, your friends and family members will all wonder what you secret is as your skin will look healthy, dewy and radiant. Your skin will literally glow, in a subtle way.

8. Facial serums are absorbed deep into your skin

You may be surprised to learn that facial serums are absorbed much more efficiently by your skin than traditional facial creams. Which is great as that way you can be sure that the vitamins such as vitamin c, which are in your facial serum, will be properly absorbed by your skin and help it heal.

So there you have it, 8 reasons why using a facial serum on a daily basis will transform the look and feel of your skin!

To read more on topics like this, check out the health category.

Reasons Why Some Medical Establishments Fail

 

You might think that hospitals are a profitable business given the demand and the amount people are willing to pay to stay healthy. The truth is that given the stiff competition and the fact that not everyone can pay the bills, some hospitals have a hard time surviving. Some even end up closing because they do not manage the obstacles faced.

It is crucial for you to learn why they failed so that you can find a way not to experience the same thing with your business.

Poor management

Although you need medical professionals who are of the top caliber to be a part of the team, you need to have finance experts too. Although you are in the health care industry, you are still operating a business. You cannot afford to run it without help from business experts as you will most likely fail. Look for people with managerial expertise who will provide ideas for successfully running the company.

Lack of investment 

You already know that a business in this industry is not going to be cheap. Therefore, you need to prepare for significant investments. You cannot decide to start the business and avoid further investment halfway. You need to see things through until you are confident that you have everything necessary to operate the hospital, like modern equipment and full supplies. You might lose vast amounts if you do not fully commit.

High cost

People need quality health care at an affordable price. This issue is a touchy subject for a lot of people especially those who feel that they are getting messed about by the entire health care industry. You need to be cautious with the cost of the services offered. Try to lower the medical cost if possible without sacrificing profits since you need to have enough money to keep the hospital running.

Lack of quality physicians 

Having qualified doctors is usually the main reason why most people decide to choose a health care facility. They will not entrust their health to an establishment that does not have the best doctors. Therefore, you need to ensure that you employ top physicians who have what it takes to deal with patients facing health threats. You may also ask for help from a physician recruiter who knows the industry well and would hire someone who deserves the job. You can find out more about these recruiters at https://mascmedical.com. Instead of relying on the traditional hiring process involving your Human Resources department, you can ask a third-party firm to help out.

Lack of compassion

When your primary goal of opening the business is to make money, you are not going to succeed. You are running a healthcare facility, and its primary purpose is to ensure the health of patients. When you run a hospital that does not care about the well-being of the patients, they will not get healed. They will let everyone know about the poor services received, and it will adversely affect your reputation.

Now that you understand what could pull your business down, you need to re-examine your plan and ensure that you will not face failure like other hospitals.