Author Archives: Shervan K Shahhian, LIBERTY PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION, The Most Comprehensive Online Library Regarding Mental Health, Psychology and Parapsychology in the World.

Short-term and long-term mental health trauma refer to the duration and impact of psychological distress experienced by individuals in response to a traumatic event or series of events. Trauma can result from various situations, such as accidents, abuse, natural disasters, or significant life changes. Here’s an explanation of short-term and long-term mental health trauma:

Short-term Mental Health Trauma:

• Duration: Short-term trauma typically refers to the immediate psychological reactions and distress that individuals experience shortly after a traumatic event.
• Symptoms: Common short-term symptoms may include shock, disbelief, anxiety, fear, nightmares, flashbacks, and heightened emotional responses.
• Impact: Short-term trauma can interfere with daily functioning, disrupt sleep patterns, and lead to acute stress reactions. However, with time and appropriate support, many individuals can recover and gradually return to their baseline mental health.

Long-term Mental Health Trauma:

• Duration: Long-term trauma implies that the psychological effects persist for an extended period, often beyond the immediate aftermath of the traumatic event.
• Symptoms: Persistent symptoms may include chronic anxiety, depression, intrusive thoughts, emotional numbness, difficulty trusting others, and ongoing difficulties with relationships and daily functioning.
• Impact: Long-term trauma can have a profound impact on an individual’s quality of life, affecting their ability to work, maintain relationships, and experience a sense of well-being. Conditions like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) may develop, characterized by enduring symptoms and significant impairment.

Factors Influencing Trauma Response:

• Nature of the Trauma: The type, intensity, and duration of the traumatic event play a role in shaping the mental health response.
• Individual Resilience: Personal resilience and coping mechanisms influence how individuals process and recover from trauma.
• Social Support: Adequate support from friends, family, and mental health professionals can mitigate the impact of trauma and contribute to recovery.

Treatment and Intervention:

• Short-term: Immediate support, such as crisis counseling and debriefing, can be beneficial. Psychoeducation about common stress responses may also be provided.
• Long-term: Therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), may be recommended. Medications and support groups can also be part of the treatment plan.

It’s essential to recognize that individuals respond to trauma differently, and the distinction between short-term and long-term trauma is not always clear-cut. Seeking professional help is crucial for accurate assessment and appropriate intervention.

Shervan K Shahhian

Complex Trauma and the brain:

Complex trauma refers to prolonged and severe experiences of trauma, often occurring within relationships where there is an expectation of trust or caregiving, such as in cases of chronic abuse or neglect. These experiences can have profound and lasting effects on the brain, particularly on its structure, function, and the development of various neural systems. Understanding the impact of complex trauma on the brain is crucial for developing effective interventions and support for individuals who have experienced such trauma. Here are some key aspects of the relationship between complex trauma and the brain:

Amygdala and Fear Response:

• The amygdala is a key brain region involved in the processing of emotions, particularly fear and threat detection.
• Complex trauma can lead to an overactive and hypersensitive amygdala, resulting in heightened emotional reactivity, especially to potential threats.

Hippocampus and Memory:

• The hippocampus is crucial for forming and consolidating memories.
• Complex trauma can negatively impact the hippocampus, potentially leading to memory difficulties and challenges in distinguishing between past and present experiences.

Prefrontal Cortex and Executive Function:

• The prefrontal cortex is responsible for executive functions such as decision-making, impulse control, and emotional regulation.
• Complex trauma can impair the development of the prefrontal cortex, leading to difficulties in regulating emotions, making sound decisions, and controlling impulses.

Neurotransmitters and Hormones:

• Chronic stress resulting from complex trauma can disrupt the balance of neurotransmitters (e.g., serotonin, dopamine) and stress hormones (e.g., cortisol).
• These disruptions can contribute to mood disorders, anxiety, and other mental health issues.

Neuroplasticity and Adaptation:

• The brain has a capacity for neuroplasticity, allowing it to adapt to experiences and environments.
• In the case of complex trauma, neuroplastic changes may occur, potentially reinforcing maladaptive patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving.

Attachment and Social Brain Networks:

• Complex trauma often involves disruptions in attachment, affecting the development of social brain networks.
• Impaired social functioning and difficulties in forming and maintaining healthy relationships may result from the impact of complex trauma on these networks.

Sensory Processing and Body-Mind Connection:

• Complex trauma can influence sensory processing, leading to heightened sensitivity or numbing of sensory experiences.
• The body-mind connection is significant, and trauma may manifest not only as psychological symptoms but also as physical symptoms and conditions.

Understanding the complex interplay between trauma and the brain is essential for developing trauma-informed therapies and interventions. Approaches that consider the neurobiological effects of trauma can be more effective in addressing the unique needs of individuals who have experienced complex trauma. It’s important to note that research in this field is ongoing, and our understanding continues to evolve.

Shervan K Shahhian

Heated arguments regarding politics can damage friendships and relationships:

Heated arguments regarding politics have the potential to damage friendships and relationships. Politics can be a deeply personal and emotionally charged topic, as people often hold strong beliefs and values related to their political views. When individuals engage in heated political discussions, it can lead to misunderstandings, hurt feelings, and a sense of alienation.

Here are a few reasons why political discussions can strain relationships:

Differing Beliefs: People may have deeply entrenched political beliefs that differ from those of their friends or family members. These differences can create tension and make it challenging to find common ground.

Emotional Investment: Political issues can be emotionally charged, especially when they relate to fundamental values and principles. This emotional investment can lead to heightened emotions during discussions and disagreements.

Perceived Attacks: In political discussions, individuals may feel personally attacked if their views are criticized or challenged. This can escalate the argument and make it difficult for people to engage in a constructive dialogue.

Polarization: Societal and political polarization can contribute to a “us versus them” mentality, making it harder for people with different political views to empathize with one another.

Lack of Understanding: Sometimes, people may not fully understand the nuances of each other’s political perspectives. Miscommunication and misinterpretation can lead to frustration and resentment.

To maintain healthy relationships, it’s important to approach political discussions with empathy, open-mindedness, and a willingness to listen. Avoiding personal attacks, actively seeking common ground, and recognizing that people can have different perspectives based on their experiences can help prevent unnecessary damage to relationships. In some cases, it might be beneficial to set boundaries or agree to disagree on certain topics to preserve the overall health of the relationship.

Shervan K Shahhian

Awakened awareness, what is it:

“Awakened Awareness” typically refers to a state of heightened consciousness or spiritual awakening. This concept is often associated with various spiritual and philosophical traditions where individuals undergo a profound shift in perception, understanding, and self-awareness.

In the context of spirituality, awakened awareness often involves transcending the limitations of the ego, gaining insight into the nature of reality, and experiencing a deep sense of interconnectedness with all of existence. This can be accompanied by a profound sense of inner peace, love, and compassion.

Different traditions and teachings may use different terminology to describe this state. For example, in Eastern philosophies, it might be referred to as enlightenment, self-realization, or awakening. In Western spiritual traditions, terms like expanded consciousness, mindfulness, or transcendence might be used.

It’s important to note that the concept of awakened awareness is highly subjective and can be interpreted in various ways depending on one’s cultural, religious, or philosophical background. People may pursue practices such as meditation, prayer, contemplation, or specific spiritual disciplines to cultivate and deepen their awakened awareness.

Shervan K Shahhian

How does Trauma effect the brain:

Trauma can have profound effects on the brain, influencing various cognitive, emotional, and physiological functions. The impact of trauma on the brain can be complex and may vary depending on factors such as the type, duration, and intensity of the traumatic experience, as well as individual differences in resilience and coping mechanisms. Here are some general ways in which trauma can affect the brain:

Amygdala and Fear Response:

• The amygdala, a part of the brain involved in processing emotions, particularly fear, often becomes hyperactive in response to trauma. This heightened activity can lead to increased emotional reactivity and difficulty regulating emotions.

Hippocampus and Memory:

• The hippocampus, a region critical for forming new memories, can be negatively impacted by trauma. This may result in difficulties with memory consolidation and retrieval, contributing to the formation of fragmented or intrusive memories associated with the traumatic event.

Prefrontal Cortex and Executive Function:

• The prefrontal cortex, responsible for higher-order cognitive functions such as decision-making, impulse control, and emotional regulation, can be affected by trauma. This can lead to difficulties in concentration, impaired judgment, and challenges in regulating emotions and behavior.

Neurotransmitters and Hormones:

• Trauma can disrupt the balance of neurotransmitters (chemical messengers in the brain) and hormones, particularly those related to stress, such as cortisol. Dysregulation in these systems can contribute to symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders.

Brain Plasticity:

• Trauma can influence neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to reorganize itself. This can result in both adaptive and maladaptive changes in neural circuitry, potentially impacting the individual’s ability to cope with stress and engage in healthy behaviors.

Hyperarousal and Hypervigilance:

• Trauma survivors may experience a state of heightened arousal and hypervigilance, which is often associated with an overactive sympathetic nervous system. This can contribute to difficulties with relaxation, sleep disturbances, and an increased sensitivity to potential threats.

Dissociation:

• In response to overwhelming stress, some individuals may experience dissociation, a defense mechanism that involves a disconnection from thoughts, identity, consciousness, or memory. This can impact the integration of traumatic experiences into a coherent narrative.

It’s important to note that the effects of trauma on the brain are not uniform, and individuals may respond differently based on various factors. Additionally, the field of trauma research is continually evolving, and ongoing studies contribute to a deeper understanding of these complex processes. Therapy, support, and interventions can play crucial roles in helping individuals cope with and recover from the effects of trauma.

Shervan K Shahhian

The power of Oxytocin, what is it:

Oxytocin is a hormone and neuropeptide that plays a crucial role in various physiological and behavioral functions in the body. It is often referred to as the “love hormone” or “bonding hormone” because of its involvement in social bonding, attachment, and emotional regulation. Here are some key aspects of the power of oxytocin:

Social Bonding: Oxytocin is released in response to social interactions, especially positive ones. It is associated with feelings of trust and social bonding. For example, it is released during activities such as hugging, cuddling, and other forms of physical touch.

Childbirth and Breastfeeding: Oxytocin is essential during childbirth as it stimulates uterine contractions, facilitating labor. It also plays a role in breastfeeding by promoting the ejection of milk from the mammary glands.

Stress Reduction: Oxytocin has been shown to have stress-reducing effects. It can modulate the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which is involved in the body’s stress response.

Pair Bonding: Oxytocin is thought to contribute to the formation and maintenance of romantic and maternal-infant bonds. It has been associated with increased feelings of attachment and commitment in relationships.

Social Recognition: Oxytocin is involved in social recognition and the ability to remember and recognize familiar faces. It may play a role in promoting social cognition and enhancing social memory.

Sexual Function: Oxytocin is implicated in sexual function and arousal. It is released during sexual activity and is believed to contribute to sexual pleasure and satisfaction.

Emotional Regulation: Oxytocin has been linked to emotional regulation and the modulation of emotional responses. It may have anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) effects.

It’s important to note that while oxytocin is often associated with positive social interactions and bonding, its effects can be context-dependent, and research is ongoing to fully understand its complexities. Additionally, synthetic oxytocin is sometimes used in medical settings to induce labor or manage postpartum bleeding, but its use in other contexts, such as a “love drug,” is a topic of ongoing research and discussion.

Shervan K Shahhian

Oxytocin, how does it effect the mind:

Oxytocin is a hormone and neuropeptide that plays a crucial role in various physiological and behavioral processes, often associated with social bonding, trust, and stress regulation. Its effects on the mind are diverse and can influence both cognitive and emotional aspects of behavior. Here are some of the key ways in which oxytocin affects the mind:

Social Bonding: Oxytocin is often referred to as the “love hormone” or “bonding hormone” because it plays a significant role in social bonding and attachment. It is released in response to social interactions, such as hugging or other forms of physical touch. This can enhance feelings of trust and intimacy between individuals.

Stress Regulation: Oxytocin has been shown to have stress-reducing effects. It can help dampen the activity of the stress response system, including the release of cortisol. This may contribute to its role in promoting social support and resilience during stressful situations.

Emotional Regulation: Oxytocin can modulate emotional responses, influencing how individuals perceive and respond to emotional stimuli. Some studies suggest that oxytocin may enhance positive social emotions while reducing the perception of threat and fear.

Social Cognition: Oxytocin has been implicated in various aspects of social cognition, such as empathy and the ability to infer the emotional states of others. It may facilitate social information processing and contribute to more prosocial behavior.

Memory Formation: Oxytocin has been found to play a role in memory formation, particularly in the context of social or emotionally significant events. It may enhance the consolidation of memories related to positive social experiences.

Reproductive Behavior: Oxytocin is well-known for its role in uterine contractions during labor and milk ejection during breastfeeding. In the context of reproduction, oxytocin can influence maternal behaviors and the parent-child bond.

Trust and Cooperation: Oxytocin is associated with increased trust and cooperation in social interactions. Research suggests that intranasal administration of oxytocin can enhance trust and cooperation between individuals in economic games and other cooperative tasks.

It’s important to note that the effects of oxytocin can be context-dependent, and individual responses may vary. While oxytocin is often associated with positive social behaviors, it can also have complex and sometimes paradoxical effects on social behavior, depending on the specific context and individual differences. Additionally, the research on oxytocin and its effects on the mind is an active area of study, and new findings may contribute to a deeper understanding of its role in human behavior and cognition.

Shervan K Shahhian

There were concerns and studies indicating that college students may be at a higher risk for engaging in Internet gambling. However, it’s important to note that the situation may have evolved since then, and I recommend checking more recent sources for the latest information.

Several factors may contribute to higher rates of Internet gambling among college students:

Accessibility: The ease of access to online gambling platforms makes it more convenient for individuals, including college students, to engage in these activities.

Technology Use: College students are often more tech-savvy and comfortable using digital platforms, which may contribute to higher rates of online gambling.

Financial Pressures: College students may face financial pressures, and the desire to quickly make money or relieve stress could lead some to turn to gambling.

Peer Influence: Social factors, including peer influence, can play a significant role in shaping behaviors. If gambling is normalized or encouraged within a social group, individuals may be more likely to participate.

Psychological Factors: Some students may turn to gambling as a form of escapism or to cope with stress, anxiety, or other psychological challenges.

It’s crucial to address these concerns and promote responsible gambling behaviors, especially among young adults. Universities and educational institutions may implement awareness campaigns, educational programs, and support services to help students make informed decisions regarding gambling activities.

For the most current and specific information on this topic, I recommend checking recent studies, surveys, or reports from reliable sources or organizations that focus on gambling behavior and its impact on different demographics, including college students.

Shervan K Shahhian

Gambling and addictive behaviors:

Gambling can be a form of entertainment for many people, but it can also lead to addictive behavior in some individuals. Gambling addiction, also known as compulsive gambling or gambling disorder, is a serious condition characterized by the inability to control or stop gambling despite negative consequences.

Several factors contribute to the development of gambling addiction, including:

Biological Factors: Some individuals may be genetically predisposed to addiction. Changes in brain chemistry and function can make some people more susceptible to addictive behaviors.

Psychological Factors: Issues such as depression, anxiety, or other mental health disorders may contribute to the development of gambling addiction. Gambling can be a way for individuals to escape from or cope with underlying emotional issues.

Social Factors: Environmental factors, including family influence, peer pressure, and societal norms, can play a role in the development of gambling addiction. Exposure to gambling at a young age, for example, may increase the risk.

Personality Traits: Certain personality traits, such as impulsivity, sensation-seeking, or a tendency to seek thrills, may increase the likelihood of developing a gambling problem.

Availability and Accessibility: The easy access to gambling opportunities, both in traditional and online forms, can contribute to the development of addictive behavior. The widespread availability of casinos, online gambling platforms, and other forms of betting can make it challenging for individuals to avoid or control their gambling habits.

Rewards and Reinforcement: Gambling activates the brain’s reward system, leading to the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine. Over time, individuals may become addicted to the pleasurable feelings associated with winning, which reinforces the behavior.

Treatment for gambling addiction often involves a combination of psychotherapy, support groups, and, in some cases, medication. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a common approach to addressing the underlying thoughts and behaviors associated with gambling addiction.

It’s important for individuals struggling with gambling addiction to seek professional help. Many resources and support groups are available to assist in managing and overcoming gambling problems. If you or someone you know is experiencing issues with gambling, consider reaching out to a mental health professional or a helpline for assistance.

Shervan K Shahhian

Why has Divorce surged in adults age 50 and older:

The surge in divorces among adults aged 50 and older, often referred to as “gray divorce,” can be attributed to a combination of social, economic, and cultural factors. While individual circumstances vary, some common reasons include:

Increased Life Expectancy: As people live longer, the prospect of spending several more decades with a spouse may be daunting. Some individuals may feel the need to reassess their life and pursue personal fulfillment, even if it means ending a long-term marriage.

Changing Gender Roles: Shifts in societal expectations regarding gender roles and women’s empowerment may contribute to gray divorce. Women, in particular, may be more financially independent and socially empowered, reducing their reliance on traditional marital structures.

Empty Nest Syndrome: Once children leave home, couples may find themselves with more time on their hands and less shared responsibility. The absence of the common goal of raising children can lead couples to reevaluate their relationship and find that they have grown apart.

Individual Growth and Self-Discovery: Individuals may experience significant personal growth and changes in priorities as they age. This can lead to spouses realizing that they want different things out of life or have developed incompatible values over the years.

Financial Independence: Economic independence among older individuals allows them to consider divorce without the financial constraints that might have existed earlier in life. Pensions, savings, and Social Security benefits can provide a level of financial security that makes divorce more feasible.

Stigma Reduction: As societal attitudes toward divorce have evolved, there is less stigma associated with ending a marriage later in life. This reduced stigma may encourage individuals to pursue divorce as a viable option for improving their overall well-being.

Unfulfilling Marriages: Some couples may have stayed together for the sake of their children or due to societal expectations. As societal norms shift, individuals may be more inclined to prioritize their own happiness and well-being, even if it means ending a long-term marriage.

It’s important to note that these reasons are not exhaustive, and individual cases can be influenced by a combination of factors. Gray divorce is a complex phenomenon with multiple causes, and the decision to divorce is deeply personal and context-specific.

Shervan K Shahhian