Psychology Takeaway Podcast

Post-Christmas blahs

The period between December 25 and December 31 can present unique challenges, both socially and emotionally, the week before Christmas also carries its own pressures. But mental health concerns during the week following Christmas and the end of the year are particularly significant for many.

Jim and Ralph look at some of the causes including: Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Social Isolation, Increased Stress, Holiday Grief, and changes in routine.

The opponent process: What goes up, comes down.

The boys offer some suggestions for beating the blues including:

1. Be honest with yourself about how you’re feeling. 
2. Get enough rest
3. Prioritize self-care:

                    Make time for yourself. 

Keep up with your healthy habits. 

                    Make room for your grief

Adopt an attitude of gratitude

If you're feeling overwhelmed, it's important to seek support, whether from friends, family, or mental health professionals. Many services are available to help people navigate these challenges during the holiday season.

LEARN MORE

Beating the post-Christmas blues: https://youtu.be/M4EPpAsiZqc?feature=shared

Here is opponent process theory as it applies to emotion: https://youtu.be/nNrmB_lyNDY?feature=shared

 

 

 

Christmas stress - an encore presentation

After the last podcast about brain-eating bacteria, we thought we should discuss seasonal stress in this week's podcast.

A lot of people get stressed out around the holiday season. Right now, I am stressed about a huge dump of snow that is affecting my holiday travel plans. I can't do anything about the weather, but I can control my response. I can choose to be frustrated and upset, or I can just say, "Oh well."

I can't get to the studio to do a new Christmas Stress podcast so I am putting up a past one.

Ralph and Jim examine Christmas stress and offer some antidotes.

Learn More

Depression and Christmas: https://youtu.be/D74VPcaKbAc

 

Brain eating bacteria?

Yes, it seems like something out of a cheap sci-fi movie. We know that unchecked, bacteria can wreak havoc. Just this Fall there were news stories of flesh-eating bacteria  coming out of Florida https://www.the-scientist.com/are-flesh-eating-bacteria-causing-infections-in-florida-not-exactly-experts-clarify-72281

It seems that was sort of an anomaly but Ralph has some new research that is much more scary – our own, normally friendly, gut bacteria turning rouge and attacking our body!

They cross the blood-brain barrier and start snacking on the brain; now that does seem like a script idea for a movie, or even a series.

Join Jim and Ralph as they unpack this latest horror show.

LEARN MORE

Here is a short video that documents the discovery of the brain eating bacteria that we were talking about: https://youtu.be/IFXOVMBfLuM?feature=shared

If you are freaked out here are some sounds to help you you chill: https://www.youtube.com/live/2OpuFmwuARc?feature=shared

 

Nightmares and things that go bump in the night

After the sweet dreams of last week, today Ralph, Jim, and Alex look at the scary world of nightmares.

But things get even more weird and scary next week!

Sleep, perchance to Dream

Sleep, perchance to Dream

Jim and Ralph visit the world of nighttime mentation – that is, dream states. They look at some theory behind the purpose of dreaming.

There is no single dream theory that fully explains all of the aspects of why we dream. The most prominent theory is that dreams help us to process and consolidate information from the previous day. 

Ralph does not usually remember his dreams so they discuss various aides to dream recall.

LEARN MORE

We like the song These Dreams by Heart – a lot of good visual images: https://youtu.be/41P8UxneDJE?feature=shared

For a more informed treatment of dreams, check out this:

https://youtu.be/2W85Dwxx218?feature=shared

 

 

Sleep Apnea: Understanding the nighttime struggle

In our last podcast, we discussed insomnia. Most of us realize it when we have had a restless, sleepless night. But what about waking up and feeling that you didn’t sleep at all? Or maybe you have been told that you snore like a chainsaw. If either sounds familiar, this episode is for you.

; unrecognized and untreated sleep apnea can lead to high blood pressure, heart problems, and even stroke. If you think you might have it, please treat it seriously.

LEARN MORE

Causes, signs and symptoms: https://youtu.be/IMON9zmViu4?feature=shared

Seven Signs: https://youtu.be/csm_nCum2So?feature=shared

Get our free book on Sleep Disorders by emailing Jim at: carro1jl@cmich.rdu

How to deal with insomnia (sort of) going out of your mind

As a follow up to last week's podcast on revenge procrastination, today we deal with involuntary sleep deprivation - insomnia.

At any one time about 12% of American adults suffer from chronic insomnia. Do the math - it is a huge number.

Jim and Ralph look at sleep and the causes of this elusive disorder.

LEARN MORE

E-mail Jim for our book on Sleep Disorders:

carro1jl@cmich.edu

Bedtime procrastination

Jim and Ralph are in new studios. Please join us as we talk about sleep. Mainly voluntary sleep deprivation - it is a dangerous concept .

LEARN MORE

If you want our e-book on sleep just send a request to Jim at: carro1jl@cmich.edu

 

 

WEIRD Neuroscience

 

Jim and Ralph look at some numbers that medical doctors (and psychologists) use to classify disorders and interpret data. It is not exactly lying with statistics but, in the words of the Chester Cat, “Things are not quite as they seem”

LEARN MORE

You Tube video on WEIRD numbers: https://youtu.be/vRqCs2SUdxY?feature=shared

What You Are Eating, Might Be What’s Eating You! - Part Two

Jim and Ralph continue talking with Master Chef, Cindy Walz about food and how we consume it.

Get a free copy of the Mediterranean and Mind Diet by contacting Jim  at: carro1jl@cmich.edu

LEARN MORE

Here is a link to Cindy’s web site: http://Yinyang.com

Stanford has a 30 minute You Tube video devoted to the psychology of eating: https://youtu.be/8lkhpkcfMjI?feature=shared

Read more about Cindy and her husband, Bill: https://www.secondwavemedia.com/epicenter/features/international-nights-yin-yang-chefs-stir-craft-cocktails-modern-kitchen.aspx.