Distancing Articles

Panic refers to a sudden, intense fear that occurs abruptly. Such panic might lead to what is often termed a Panic Attack. In a panic attack, it’s common for two additional symptoms to occur. The first is an intense physical sensation, such as a fast-beating heart or shortness of breath. The second is extreme thoughts, often referred to as 'catastrophizing', accompanying thoughts like “I feel like I'm going to die” when a panic attack occurs.

Excessive breathing and fear-induced experiences suggest the possibility of a panic attack. These symptoms worsen rapidly due to a thought pattern known as 'catastrophizing', which intensifies due to the fear that the worst situation is about to occur. Therefore, to be diagnosed with panic disorder, recurrent panic attacks and a persistent fear of them must be present. If you show such signs, do not hesitate to seek help from a professional.

There's research suggesting that the more milk tea you drink, the more likely your mental health could deteriorate. A study from August 2023 in the respected Journal of Affective Disorders explores this idea, providing information that shouldn’t be overlooked. Let's examine these findings.

You may have been concerned that frequent phone usage indicates a problem, but the link between screen time and mental health issues is minor or negligible. Professional help might be needed for addictive levels interfering with daily life, yet if it's not severe, it's not likely a major concern.

You probably already know that exercise is beneficial for mental health. So, the question is, how much exercise is needed to actually help mental health? I've brought the results from a 2022 study in JAMA Psychiatry that evaluated how the intensity of exercise affects the reduction in the risk of depression. Intensity of exercise can be subjective, with what feels strenuous or moderate differing from person to person, but the key takeaway is that when the mind is troubled, moving the body rather than lying down inactive can be beneficial. If you're feeling depressed right now as you read this, consider this a doctor's prescription and try to go out for a while.

Many people are curious if anxiety disorders can truly be treated without medication. Recently, a study comparing the effectiveness of anxiety medication and mindfulness meditation was published in JAMA Psychiatry in November 2022. The research concluded that meditation was as effective as medication, although it took 45 minutes a day over eight weeks. Ultimately, whether it's meditation or medication, both have their pros and cons. Therefore, it's crucial to choose the right treatment when problems occur and effectively seek help.

Recently, there has been an increase in adults reporting ADHD. Medications have proven to be very effective in improving ADHD symptoms, yet many people still express concerns about them. To provide accurate information and evidence, I've brought the results of a study published in JAMA Psychiatry in November 2023 that investigates the impact of ADHD medication on cardiovascular disease.

"Every winter, I feel down and listless." Do you know anyone who shares these sentiments? Interestingly, a form of depression, known as 'seasonal depression', is associated with seasonal changes. It's commonly observed during autumn and winter, and less frequently during spring and summer. You might wonder, what causes seasonal depression?

‘My girlfriend might have Borderline Personality Disorder. What should I do?’ ‘My husband mistrusts me. He's excessively obsessive. Could he have BPD?’ Lately, there has been a surge of posts on internet communities. They are from people describing their significant other's behavior. They question if it could be a sign of BPD and ask for advice on how to handle it. So, what exactly is Borderline Personality Disorder? Do people who fear break-ups and say, 'I don't know what I'd do without you,' have BPD?

Insomnia refers to the inability to sleep despite having ample opportunities to do so. In simpler terms, not being able to sleep due to a busy work schedule or childcare responsibilities does not constitute insomnia. According to the National Health Insurance Corporation, in 2020, about 670,000 were treated for sleep disorders, an increase of approximately 8% annually from 2016. While lack of sleep may seem insignificant, if this condition persists it can hinder everyday life. In this edition, we explored everything there is to know about insomnia.