November 23, 2017
by Tracey Block
It is no secret that North Americans watch a lot of television. Researchers have long discussed the negative effects of too many sedentary hours hypnotised by the glow of the screen. And now along comes 'binge-watching'. With the advent of TV streaming services, we now spend evenings, days or weekends watching entire seasons of our favorite shows. Can our mental health and overall wellbeing survive this kind of (in)activity?
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November 20, 2017
by Tracey Block
Every morning, many of us subject ourselves to a rude awakening—the sound of an alarm forcing us into the day’s obligations. But what does this artificial arousal have in common with current research into mental illness? A lot. The ebb and flow of the human daily biological clock, known as circadian rhythm, while different from person to person, dictates when we should wake, eat and sleep. More than ever, scientists recognize that denying the body its opportunity to sleep when it needs to can have detrimental effects on our physical and psychological well-being.
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November 17, 2017
by Tracey Block
Growing old. The one unifying factor among all humans is also the most difficult to face. The inevitable aging process is one we try to escape with expensive lotions and hair dye. Coming to terms with the physical signs of aging is taking its toll on our mental health. Researchers wonder if it is possible to hold a mirror up to reality and accept the natural cycle of life.
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November 13, 2017
by Tracey Block
It may only be the middle of November, but stores and shopping malls are already decked out for the holidays. More than the visible signs of the coming festivities, the iconic holiday music piped through every store's stereo adds excitement, indeed. But, for some shoppers, hearing that music evokes more than visions of sugar plums. It can cause feelings of stress, anxiety, depression and more. Short of doing your holiday shopping wearing ear plugs, what can you do to survive the terror of the tunes?
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November 10, 2017
by Tracey Block
Celebrities who speak out about their mental health challenges help reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness and make it safer for ‘ordinary’ citizens to recognize a need, seek help, and share their own stories of courage.
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November 9, 2017
by Melanie Laing
Is there something hereditary about being transgender that makes one more at risk for mental health issues, or is it about how society treats transgender people? ...exploring the complexities of Transgender Mental Health
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November 8, 2017
by Tracey Block
More than just a contest to grow the best moustache, Movember has grown into a campaign successfully bolstering recognition of male cancers and male mental health issues. Thanks to its efforts, new websites and organizations catering to male needs continue to be established, and therapists worldwide are realizing the needs of the male psyche have long been ignored.
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November 5, 2017
by Tracey Block
While roughly 70 percent of the world participates in Daylight Savings Time in the spring and returns to Standard Time in the fall, these seasonal markers remain a contentious topic of discussion twice a year. Researchers have collected conflicting results on the effects of the one hour time change—some positive, some negative. And yet it remains a system plagued by chaos—causing humans physical and psychological distress. Is one hour of daylight worth all of this?
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November 3, 2017
by Tracey Block
Adults have allowed themselves to be deprived of play for too long. Researchers have proven daily play-filled activities improve adult creativity, lead to greater productivity, reduce stress levels and lower blood pressure. So why aren't more of us getting out there to play?
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November 2, 2017
by Tracey Block
Research indicates nostalgia makes us look forward to scaring ourselves every year during the Halloween season. For some, spooky activities bring back happy memories of years past. But do we always enjoy being scared? Investigating why we love--or hate--to be scared might be worth a second look.
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