Amber R. Krempa, Psy.D., M.S.C.E.If you find yourself with a few minutes of down time this holiday season, and you like to read, 50 Great Myths of Popular Psychology: Shattering Widespread Misconceptions about Human Nature, is an interesting and informative book that addresses the misinformation and misconceptions we deal with daily as psychologists. Many popular psychology sources are filled with misconceptions.
In the book, 50 Great Myths of Popular Psychology: Shattering Widespread Misconceptions about Human Nature, 50 widespread myths in popular psychology (along with approximately 250 other myths and “mini-myths”), are examined. Current research evidence demonstrates that these beliefs are fictional, and their ramifications in popular culture and everyday life are discussed. Some of the popular psychology myths and misconceptions include....
By: Amber R. Krempa, Psy.D., M.S.C.E.
Drug addiction, also called substance use disorder, is a disease that affects a person's brain and behavior and leads to an inability to control the use of a legal or illegal drug or medication. Substances such as alcohol, marijuana, and nicotine also are considered drugs. When addicted, you may continue using the drug despite the harm it causes. Drug addiction can start with experimental use of a recreational drug in social situations, and, for some people, the drug use becomes more frequent. For others, particularly with opioids, drug addiction begins with exposure to prescribed medications. The risk of addiction and how fast you become addicted can vary by drug choice or family history. Some drugs, such as opioid painkillers, have a higher risk and cause addiction more quickly than others. As time passes, you may need larger doses of the drug to get high. As your drug use increases, you may find that it's increasingly difficult to go without the drug. Attempts to stop drug use may cause intense cravings and make you feel physically ill (withdrawal symptoms). You may need help from your doctor, family, friends, support groups, or an organized treatment program to overcome your drug addiction and stay drug-free. Regardless of the reason for the addiction, or the substance used, there is a solution. For additional information: Bradford Health Service Ann Marie Powell, Community Representative 1000 Hillcrest Road, Suite 304 Mobile, AL 36695 251-295-9717 or 251-753-6669 Alliance Health Center 5000 Highway 39 North Meridian, MS 39301 601-483-6211 or 1-877-863-3094 By: Amber R. Krempa, Psy.D., M.S.C.E.
Be available for your children
Listening and talking is the key to a healthy connection between you and your children. But parenting is hard work and maintaining a good connection with teens can be challenging, especially since parents are dealing with many other pressures. If you are having problems over an extended period of time, you might want to consider consulting with a mental health professional to find out how they can help. Michael S. Rosenbaum, Ph.D.Have you ever found yourself with sweaty hands
on a first date or felt your heart pound during a scary movie? Then you know you can feel stress in both your mind and body. This automatic response developed in our ancient ancestors as a way to protect them from predators and other threats. Faced with danger, the body kicks into gear, flooding the body with hormones that elevate your heart rate, increase your blood pressure, boost your energy, and prepare you to deal with the problem. You probably do confront multiple challenges every day, such as meeting deadlines, paying bills, and juggling childcare that make your body react the same way. As a result, your body's natural alarm system may be stuck in the "on" position, and that can have serious consequences for your health. Even short-lived minor stress can have an impact. You might get a stomachache before you have to give a presentation, for example. More major acute stress can have an even bigger impact. Studies have shown that these sudden emotional stresses - especially anger - can trigger heart attacks, arrhythmias, and even sudden death. Although this happens mostly in people who already have heart disease, some people don't know they have a problem until acute stress causes a heart attack or something else. When stress starts interfering with your ability to live a normal life for an extended period, it becomes even more dangerous. The longer stress lasts, the worse it is for both your mind and body. You might feel fatigued, unable to concentrate, or irritable for no good reason, for example. But chronic stress causes wear and tear on your body, too. Chronic stress can make existing problems worse, such as headaches. Chronic stress may also cause disease, either because of changes in your body or the overeating, smoking, and other bad habits people use to cope with stress. Stress can also make it harder to recover from an illness. Reducing your stress levels can not only make you feel better right now, but it may also protect your health long-term. 1. Boost your positive affect (happiness, joy, contentment, enthusiasm) by making a little time for enjoyable activities. 2. Identify what is causing your stress. Monitor your state of mind throughout the day. If you feel stressed, write down the cause, your thoughts, and your mood. Once you know what is bothering you, develop a plan for addressing it. That might mean setting more reasonable expectations for yourself and others or asking for help with household responsibilities, job assignments, or other tasks. 3. Build strong relationships. Relationships can serve as stress buffers. Reach out to family members or close friends and let them know you are having a tough time. They may be able to offer practical assistance and support, useful ideas, or just a fresh perspective. 4. Walk away when you are angry. Before you react, take time to regroup by counting to 10. Then reconsider. Walking or other physical activities can also help you work off steam. Commit to a daily walk or other form of exercise. 5. Rest your mind. To help get the recommended 7 or 8 hours of sleep, cut back on caffeine, remove distractions such televisions or computers from your bedroom, and go to bed the same time each night. Activities like yoga and relaxation exercises can not only help reduce stress but also boost immune functioning. 6. Get help. If you continue to feel overwhelmed, consult with a psychologist who can help you learn how to manage stress effectively. A psychologist can help you identify situations or behaviors that contribute to your chronic stress and then develop an action plan for changing them. (This article was adapted from an article provided by the American Psychological Association) |
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