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Why people that are struggling with anxiety should bring it up with their primary care clinician:

People who are struggling with anxiety should consider bringing it up with their primary care clinician for several important reasons:

Early Intervention: Anxiety disorders can have a significant impact on a person’s overall well-being and quality of life. Addressing anxiety early can prevent it from worsening and becoming more debilitating.

Accurate Diagnosis: Primary care clinicians can help diagnose the specific type of anxiety disorder a person may be experiencing. Accurate diagnosis is crucial for developing an effective treatment plan.

Rule Out Other Medical Conditions: Anxiety symptoms can sometimes be caused or exacerbated by underlying medical conditions. A primary care clinician can perform a thorough evaluation to rule out other potential causes of anxiety, such as thyroid problems or cardiovascular issues.

Holistic Approach: Primary care clinicians can take a holistic approach to care. They can consider how anxiety may be related to other aspects of a person’s health, including lifestyle factors, medication interactions, and co-occurring conditions.

Treatment Options: Primary care clinicians can discuss various treatment options with their patients. These may include lifestyle modifications, therapy (such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or medication), and referrals to mental health specialists if needed.

Monitoring Progress: Your primary care clinician can help monitor your progress over time. They can adjust treatment plans as necessary and provide ongoing support.

Accessibility and Convenience: Primary care clinicians are often more accessible than mental health specialists, and scheduling an appointment with them can be quicker and more convenient. This can be especially important for individuals who are hesitant to seek help or who require immediate assistance.

Building Trust: Many individuals have an established relationship of trust with their primary care clinician, making it easier to discuss sensitive mental health issues. This trust can facilitate open and honest conversations about anxiety.

Coordinated Care: If a primary care clinician determines that you need specialized mental health care, they can help coordinate your care and refer you to a mental health specialist. This ensures that you receive the most appropriate and comprehensive treatment.

It’s important to remember that primary care clinicians are trained to address a wide range of health concerns, including mental health. If you or someone you know is struggling with anxiety, don’t hesitate to reach out to your primary care clinician. They can provide valuable guidance and support or connect you with the necessary resources for managing anxiety effectively.
​Shervan K Shahhian

Why when it comes to the treatment of Mental Health issues: prevention, early detection and treatment are important:

Prevention, early detection, and treatment are crucial aspects of addressing mental health issues because they can have a profound impact on an individual’s well-being and the overall burden of mental health disorders on society. Here’s why each of these components is important:

Prevention:

Reduces the incidence of mental health disorders: Preventive measures, such as education and awareness campaigns, stress reduction techniques, and improving access to social support, can reduce the likelihood of individuals developing mental health disorders.
Saves resources: Preventing mental health issues can lead to significant cost savings for healthcare systems, as it reduces the need for expensive long-term treatment and hospitalization.
Enhances overall well-being: Promoting mental health and preventing mental illness fosters a healthier and more productive society. People who are mentally healthy are better equipped to lead fulfilling lives, maintain employment, and contribute to their communities.

Early Detection:

Enables timely intervention: Identifying mental health issues in their early stages allows for prompt intervention and support, potentially preventing the disorder from worsening.
Improves prognosis: Early detection often leads to better treatment outcomes. Many mental health disorders are more treatable when addressed early, reducing the risk of complications and long-term suffering.
Reduces stigma: Promoting early detection helps reduce the stigma associated with mental health problems. When people feel comfortable seeking help early, they are more likely to receive appropriate care and support.

Treatment:

Alleviates suffering: Effective treatment can significantly reduce the symptoms and suffering associated with mental health disorders, improving an individual’s quality of life.
Promotes recovery: Treatment can help individuals with mental health issues regain control of their lives and work toward recovery. This may involve therapy, medication, or a combination of both.
Prevents relapse: Continued treatment and support can help prevent relapses and recurrences of mental health disorders, allowing individuals to maintain their well-being over the long term.
Reduces societal costs: Providing treatment for mental health issues can reduce the economic burden on society by preventing productivity losses, disability, and the strain on healthcare resources.

In summary, addressing mental health issues through prevention, early detection, and treatment is essential for improving individual well-being, reducing the societal burden of mental health disorders, and promoting a more compassionate and understanding approach to mental health. These approaches work together to create a healthier and more supportive environment for individuals dealing with mental health challenges.
​Shervan K Shahhian

Why are Routine screening for anxiety in asymptomatic adults is recommended:

Routine screening for anxiety in asymptomatic adults is not typically recommended as a standard practice in healthcare. Screening for anxiety or any medical condition is typically done when there is a specific reason to suspect that a person may be at risk or experiencing symptoms. Here are a few reasons why routine screening for anxiety in asymptomatic adults is not commonly recommended:

Limited Resources: Healthcare resources, including time, personnel, and financial resources, are limited. Screening programs are typically implemented when there is evidence to suggest that a condition is prevalent, serious, and treatable. Anxiety disorders are common, but not all asymptomatic adults will develop clinical anxiety that requires treatment.

Risk of Overdiagnosis and Overtreatment: Routine screening may lead to overdiagnosis, where individuals without clinical anxiety are falsely identified as having the condition. This can lead to unnecessary treatments, including medications or therapies, that carry their own risks and costs.

Potential Stigmatization: Routine screening for anxiety in asymptomatic adults may also inadvertently stigmatize individuals who are identified as “at-risk” or having mild symptoms. This can cause undue stress and may not necessarily lead to improved outcomes.

Invasive Nature: Screening for anxiety may involve questionnaires or assessments that some individuals find invasive or uncomfortable, especially if they do not perceive themselves as having any symptoms.

Lack of Clear Guidelines: There are no widely accepted guidelines recommending routine anxiety screening in asymptomatic adults because the decision to screen should be based on individual risk factors, clinical judgment, and the presence of symptoms or risk factors.

However, it is essential for healthcare providers to be vigilant and inquire about mental health concerns during routine medical visits. They should be prepared to assess and provide support for patients who express anxiety symptoms or concerns, even if those individuals were previously asymptomatic. In such cases, early intervention and appropriate treatment can be beneficial in preventing the development of more severe anxiety disorders.

Ultimately, the decision to screen for anxiety or any medical condition should be individualized, based on the patient’s specific circumstances, risk factors, and symptoms, rather than through routine screening of asymptomatic adults.

Shervan K Shahhian

Hopelessness, and finding Meaning in Life:

Finding meaning in life can be a deeply personal and sometimes challenging journey, especially when one is grappling with feelings of hopelessness. Here are some thoughts and suggestions that may help you navigate this process:

Seek Professional Help: If you’re struggling with persistent feelings of hopelessness, it’s essential to reach out to a mental health professional. Therapy can provide you with the tools and support needed to address these feelings and find a sense of meaning in your life.

Self-Reflection: Spend some time reflecting on your values, interests, and passions. Consider what truly matters to you and what activities or pursuits give you a sense of fulfillment. Understanding your core values can help you align your life with what is meaningful to you.

Set Meaningful Goals: Setting and working towards goals that align with your values can give your life purpose and direction. These goals don’t have to be grand; even small, achievable objectives can provide a sense of accomplishment.

Connect with Others: Building and maintaining meaningful relationships with friends, family, or a supportive community can significantly impact your sense of purpose. These connections can provide emotional support and opportunities to share meaningful experiences.

Practice Gratitude: Regularly acknowledging and appreciating the positive aspects of your life can help shift your focus away from hopelessness. Keeping a gratitude journal or simply taking a moment each day to reflect on the things you’re thankful for can be beneficial.

Help Others: Sometimes, finding meaning in life can be as simple as helping others. Volunteering or supporting a cause you care about can create a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Explore Spirituality or Philosophy: Many people find meaning in their spiritual or philosophical beliefs. Exploring different belief systems or engaging in philosophical contemplation can help you discover what resonates with you.

Cultivate Mindfulness: Mindfulness practices, such as meditation, can help you become more aware of your thoughts and feelings. This self-awareness can lead to a better understanding of what gives your life meaning.

Embrace Challenges: Life is filled with challenges and setbacks. Instead of viewing them as insurmountable obstacles, try to see them as opportunities for personal growth and learning. Overcoming difficulties can provide a profound sense of purpose.

Accept Impermanence: Recognize that life is constantly changing, and your sense of meaning may evolve over time. It’s okay for your sense of purpose to change and adapt as you grow and learn.

Remember that finding meaning in life is a journey, and it may take time and effort. Be patient with yourself and seek support when needed. It’s also important to acknowledge that everyone’s path to meaning is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. Your journey to finding meaning is personal and valid, and it can evolve as you continue to explore and learn more about yourself and the world around you.

Shervan K Shahhian

Lets look into social-emotional learning:

Certainly! Social-emotional learning (SEL) is a framework and set of skills that are essential for personal and interpersonal development. It focuses on the development of emotional intelligence, self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, and interpersonal skills. SEL is widely recognized as a critical component of education and personal growth because it helps individuals navigate their emotions, build healthy relationships, and make responsible decisions.

Here are some key aspects of social-emotional learning:

1. Self-Awareness: This involves recognizing and understanding one’s own emotions, strengths, weaknesses, and values. Self-aware individuals are better equipped to manage their emotions effectively.
2. Self-Regulation: Self-regulation is the ability to control one’s emotions, impulses, and behaviors. It involves techniques such as stress management, impulse control, and emotional resilience.
3. Social Awareness: Social awareness is about understanding and empathizing with the feelings and perspectives of others. It involves skills like empathy, active listening, and the ability to read non-verbal cues.
4. Relationship Skills: These skills are essential for building and maintaining positive relationships with others. They include effective communication, conflict resolution, and collaboration.
5. Responsible Decision-Making: This involves making ethical and responsible choices. It includes considering the consequences of one’s actions and making decisions that are in line with one’s values and societal norms.
6. SEL in Education: Many schools have adopted SEL programs to help students develop these skills. These programs often include curriculum and activities designed to promote emotional intelligence and social skills in students.
7. Benefits of SEL: Research has shown that SEL programs can lead to improved academic performance, reduced behavioral problems, better mental health outcomes, and enhanced interpersonal relationships.
8. Application Beyond Education: SEL skills are not limited to the classroom. They are valuable in various aspects of life, including the workplace, family dynamics, and personal well-being.
9. Continuous Development: Social-emotional learning is not something that stops after childhood or adolescence. It’s a lifelong process, and adults can continue to develop and refine these skills.

In summary, social-emotional learning is a crucial aspect of personal development that helps individuals build emotional intelligence, improve relationships, and make responsible decisions. It is widely recognized for its positive impact on personal and academic success and is increasingly integrated into educational and community programs.

Shervan K Shahhian

New “Possible” avenues for suicide prevention and other interventions: Suicide prevention and intervention efforts are critical for addressing a complex and sensitive issue. To improve these efforts, various strategies and avenues can be explored. Keep in mind that these approaches may evolve over time as new research and technologies emerge. Here are some potential avenues for suicide prevention and other interventions:

1. Telehealth and Online Support:

• Expanding access to telehealth services for mental health counseling and crisis intervention.
• Developing online support communities and resources for individuals at risk.

1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning:

• Utilizing AI and machine learning algorithms to identify individuals at risk based on their online activities and social media posts.
• Developing AI chatbots for immediate crisis intervention and support.

1. Mobile Apps and Digital Tools:

• Creating user-friendly mobile apps that provide mental health assessments, coping strategies, and access to crisis hotlines.
• Incorporating wearable technology to monitor physiological and behavioral indicators of distress.

1. School-Based Programs:

• Implementing comprehensive mental health education programs in schools to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and teach coping skills.
• Offering counseling services within schools to provide early intervention.

1. Community Outreach:

• Training community leaders, teachers, and first responders to recognize signs of suicide risk and provide support.
• Organizing community events and workshops to promote mental health awareness and resilience.

1. Crisis Text Lines and Hotlines:

• Expanding and publicizing crisis text lines and hotlines for individuals in immediate distress.
• Ensuring 24/7 availability of trained crisis counselors.

1. Research and Data Analysis:

• Investing in research to better understand the underlying causes and risk factors associated with suicide.
• Using data analytics to identify trends and hotspots for targeted interventions.

1. Media and Messaging:

• Collaborating with media outlets to promote responsible reporting on suicide and mental health issues.
• Developing positive messaging campaigns to reduce stigma and encourage help-seeking behavior.

1. Peer Support Programs:

• Establishing peer support networks where individuals with lived experience can provide assistance and understanding to others in crisis.

1. Policy and Legislation:

• Advocating for policies that improve mental healthcare access and reduce barriers to treatment.
• Promoting responsible firearm ownership and safe storage practices.

1. Crisis Response Teams:

• Developing specialized crisis response teams that include mental health professionals to respond to crisis situations alongside law enforcement.

1. Global Collaboration:

• Collaborating with international organizations and sharing best practices to address suicide prevention on a global scale.

Remember that suicide prevention is a multifaceted challenge, and no single approach can fully address it. A combination of these avenues, tailored to specific populations and communities, can contribute to a comprehensive and effective suicide prevention strategy. Additionally, ongoing research and evaluation are essential to refine and improve these interventions over time.

Shervan K Shahhian

Mental health research exposes the harms and positive outcomes of social media:

Mental health research has indeed explored the effects of social media on individuals’ well-being, and the findings have been mixed, highlighting both harms and positive outcomes. It’s important to note that the impact of social media on mental health can vary from person to person, and many factors, including individual differences and patterns of social media use, play a role in determining these effects. Here’s an overview of some of the key findings:

Harms of Social Media on Mental Health:

1. Increased Risk of Depression and Anxiety: Some studies have suggested that heavy use of social media can be associated with higher levels of depression and anxiety. This may be due to factors such as social comparison, cyberbullying, and the fear of missing out (FOMO).
2. Negative Body Image: Exposure to images and content that promote unrealistic beauty standards on social media platforms can contribute to poor body image and low self-esteem, particularly among young people.
3. Cyberbullying: Social media platforms can be a breeding ground for cyberbullying, which can have severe mental health consequences for those targeted.
4. Social Isolation: Paradoxically, excessive use of social media can lead to feelings of social isolation, as some individuals may substitute online interactions for in-person connections.
5. Addiction: Social media platforms are designed to be engaging, which can lead to addictive behaviors, causing individuals to spend excessive amounts of time online to the detriment of their mental health and real-life relationships.

Positive Outcomes of Social Media on Mental Health:

1. Support and Connection: Social media can provide a platform for people to connect with friends, family, and support networks, especially when physical distances separate them. This can help combat feelings of loneliness and isolation.
2. Mental Health Awareness: Social media has played a role in reducing the stigma surrounding mental health issues. Many individuals and organizations use these platforms to share resources, personal experiences, and information about mental health, fostering greater awareness and understanding.
3. Access to Resources: Social media can provide easy access to mental health resources, such as self-help articles, online therapy options, and crisis hotlines.
4. Positive Content: Some social media accounts and communities are dedicated to promoting positivity, mental well-being, and self-care, providing valuable support and inspiration to users.
5. Education and Awareness: Social media can be a powerful tool for disseminating information about mental health, helping people learn more about mental health conditions, treatment options, and self-care strategies.

In conclusion, mental health research has indeed highlighted both the harms and positive outcomes of social media use. The relationship between social media and mental health is complex and multifaceted, with individual experiences varying widely. It’s essential for individuals to be mindful of their social media use and seek a balance that promotes their mental well-being. Additionally, ongoing research is crucial to better understand the long-term effects of social media on mental health and to develop strategies for mitigating potential harms.

Shervan K Shahhian

Let’s look into some key psychological services:

Psychological services encompass a wide range of professional services designed to address mental health and emotional well-being. These services are provided by trained and licensed psychologists, therapists, counselors, and other mental health professionals. Here are some key psychological services:

1. Psychotherapy (Counseling): Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy or counseling, is a common psychological service. It involves a therapist or counselor working with an individual, couple, or group to address mental health issues, emotional challenges, and behavioral problems. Different approaches include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, and humanistic therapy.
2. Psychological Assessment: Psychologists conduct assessments to diagnose and understand mental health conditions, cognitive abilities, and personality traits. Common assessments include IQ tests, personality assessments, and neuropsychological evaluations.
3. Medication Management: Psychiatrists, who are medical doctors specializing in mental health, provide medication management services. They prescribe and monitor the effectiveness of medications used to treat conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.
4. Addiction Counseling: Substance abuse and addiction counselors help individuals struggling with addiction develop coping strategies, set goals for recovery, and work through the challenges of substance abuse.
5. Child and Adolescent Services: Psychologists and therapists specialize in working with children and adolescents to address developmental issues, behavioral problems, and emotional challenges.
6. Marriage and Family Therapy: Marriage and family therapists help couples and families improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen relationships. They work with issues such as marital problems, parenting difficulties, and family dynamics.
7. Trauma Therapy: Trauma therapists assist individuals who have experienced traumatic events, such as abuse, accidents, or combat. They use specialized techniques like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) to help clients process and heal from trauma.
8. Geriatric Psychology: Psychologists who specialize in geriatric psychology work with older adults to address issues related to aging, cognitive decline, and mental health in later life.
9. Sex Therapy: Sex therapists help individuals and couples with sexual issues and dysfunctions, providing a safe and confidential environment to discuss and address concerns.
10. Forensic Psychology: Forensic psychologists apply psychological principles to legal and criminal justice settings. They may provide expert testimony in court, conduct evaluations of defendants, or work with law enforcement agencies.
11. School Psychology: School psychologists work in educational settings to support students’ mental health, learning, and social-emotional development. They may assess and provide interventions for students with learning disabilities or behavioral issues.
12. Career Counseling: Career counselors help individuals explore career options, make career decisions, and develop strategies for job searching and career advancement.
13. Community Mental Health Services: These services are provided in community settings to offer accessible mental health care to individuals who may not have easy access to traditional clinical settings.

These are just a few examples of the many psychological services available to address a wide range of mental health and well-being concerns. If you or someone you know is in need of psychological services, it’s important to seek help from a qualified and licensed mental health professional.

Shervan K Shahhian

Parapsychology: Connecting to Mainstream Psychology:
Parapsychology is a field of study that explores paranormal phenomena, such as telepathy, clairvoyance, precognition, and psychokinesis. It investigates experiences and phenomena that fall outside the scope of mainstream psychology and the natural sciences. Parapsychologists often conduct experiments and research to investigate these phenomena, although the scientific community has generally been skeptical of the field due to the lack of conventional evidence and typical methodological concerns.

Connecting parapsychology to mainstream psychology has been a challenging endeavor due to several factors:

Lack of typical Scientific Consensus: Parapsychology has struggled to gain acceptance within the broader scientific community because many of its claims lack conventional and mainstream scientific evidence. Mainstream psychology and other scientific disciplines require rigorous empirical support for their theories and findings, which parapsychology has often provided but still not accepted.

Methodological Concerns: Parapsychological experiments often face typical methodological challenges, such as issues related to control groups, experimental design, and statistical analysis. These challenges have made it difficult to produce results that can withstand mainstream scientific scrutiny.

Peer Review and Publication: Getting parapsychological research published in reputable scientific journals can be difficult due to skepticism, fundamentalist religious beliefs and the field’s controversial nature. This has limited the opportunities for parapsychologists to engage with the broader scientific community.

Lack of conventional Framework: Parapsychology has a established theoretical framework but it still cannot integrated into mainstream psychology. In contrast, mainstream psychology is grounded in established convectional theories and principles that have undergone extensive “theoretical” testing.

Cultural and Historical Factors: Parapsychology has often been associated with pseudoscience and the paranormal, which can further hinder its integration with mainstream psychology. The historical context of paranormal investigations and popular culture’s portrayal of such phenomena may influence perceptions.

While parapsychology remains a niche field on the fringes of mainstream psychology, there have been efforts to bridge the gap. Some psychologists have shown an interest in exploring anomalous experiences and phenomena, but they typically approach them from a more theoretical and non-scientifically conventional perspective. This involves conducting experiments that adhere to mainstream scientific methodologies and seeking natural explanations for any observed effects.

In summary, connecting parapsychology to mainstream psychology remains a challenge due to the lack of conventional scientific evidence, typical methodological concerns, and the biased skepticism of the broader scientific community. While some researchers continue to investigate paranormal phenomena, they must do so with a non-conventional, critical and open minded evidence-based approach rather than assuming all supernatural explanation are false.

Shervan K Shahhian

Understanding Photobiomodulation: The Clinical Applications of Low-Level Light Therapy:

Photobiomodulation (PBM), also known as low-level light therapy (LLLT), is a medical technique that uses low-level laser or light-emitting diode (LED) light to stimulate cellular processes in the body. This therapy has gained popularity in recent years for its potential therapeutic applications in various medical fields. Here’s an overview of photobiomodulation and its clinical applications:

1. Mechanism of Action:

Photobiomodulation works on the principle of using specific wavelengths of light to interact with cells and tissues.
When these specific wavelengths of light are absorbed by cellular chromophores (such as cytochrome c oxidase), they can stimulate various cellular processes.
2. Clinical Applications:

a. Pain Management:
– Photobiomodulation has been used to alleviate both acute and chronic pain conditions, including musculoskeletal pain, neuropathic pain, and inflammatory pain.
– It may reduce pain by decreasing inflammation, increasing blood flow, and promoting tissue repair.

b. Wound Healing:
– PBM has been employed to improve wound healing, particularly in cases of chronic wounds or post-surgical incisions.
– It can enhance collagen production, accelerate tissue regeneration, and reduce the risk of infection.

c. Dermatology:
– PBM is utilized for various skin conditions, such as acne, psoriasis, and eczema.
– It can promote collagen production, improve skin texture, and reduce inflammation.

d. Neurological Conditions:
– PBM shows promise in treating neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
– It may help protect neurons, improve mitochondrial function, and reduce inflammation in the brain.

e. Oral Health:
– Dentists use PBM to treat conditions like oral mucositis, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, and periodontal disease.
– It can reduce pain, inflammation, and promote tissue healing in the oral cavity.

f. Ophthalmology:
– PBM has potential applications in treating certain eye conditions, including macular degeneration and glaucoma.
– It may help protect retinal cells and improve blood flow in the eyes.

g. Sports Medicine:
– Athletes often use PBM for faster recovery from injuries, reduced muscle soreness, and improved performance.
– It can accelerate healing in sports-related injuries like sprains, strains, and bruises.

3. Considerations:

The effectiveness of PBM can vary depending on the specific condition, the parameters of light used (wavelength, power, duration), and individual patient characteristics.
Safety is a critical consideration, and PBM devices should be used by trained healthcare professionals.
It’s essential to choose the appropriate wavelength and dosage for each application, as different wavelengths have different effects on cellular processes.
In summary, photobiomodulation or low-level light therapy is a promising medical technique with a wide range of clinical applications. However, it’s crucial to approach PBM with a clear understanding of its mechanisms, appropriate protocols, and consideration of individual patient needs to maximize its therapeutic benefits. Patients interested in PBM should consult with healthcare professionals experienced in its use to determine its suitability for their specific condition.
​Shervan K Shahhian