Panic and Diabetes

Those of us in the field of psychology and who have dealt with patients who had medical illnesses have known that there's a strong connection between physical and mental health. So, it comes as no surprise that new research is providing yet more support for our beliefs. This time it's about diabetes.

Research that has just been published in one of the major psychiatric journals (General Hospital Psychiatry, November 2006) indicates that almost 5% of the patients (193 of them) of the 4400 who had diabetes also had panic and depression. Average red blood cell glucose levels, or A1c levels, were above the recommended level of 7.0 or less.

The researchers indicate that it may be a problem of self-care in these patients, but didn't note whether or not there was a metabolic connection. Either way, it seems that how you feel dictates how you treat yourself and how well you maintain your blood sugar levels, exercise and diet. The latter two can contribute to the development of diabetes which has become, according to medical experts, an epidemic in the United States.

So, it might seem that going for a brisk walk instead of eating that cookie or ice cream is going to be good for your health in all areas.

Related Topics: Healthy Holiday Eating, Job Burnout May Increase Diabetes Risk

Technorati Tags: diabetes, panic, anxiety

Social Anxiety and the Holidays

Anyone who has any degree of social anxiety knows that the holidays aren't always something to look forward to because of all the socializing that goes on. There are the family and friends' dinners, the lunches, the little get-togethers with former classmates and neighbors and the biggie, the office holiday party. How is anyone going to make it through this time and still have fun?

What's your worst fear about these gatherings? Will someone say something awful to you or about you or will you be asked a question you can't answer? Sure, that's going to happen. The world is full of people who ask inappropriate questions, are far too nosey and who haven't been put in their place for their bad manners, forget about the holiday punch. It will happen. Accept that and we can go on to how you're going to make this year a special time for YOU.

I am a firm believer in traditions, but I also believe that you can start traditions rather than just following the ones that have been handed down to you or us. This is going to be your new tradition and it's going to be something that will make you proud of yourself. Yes, an appropriate bow or curtsey can be taken right about now.

First, think of all the terrible things that people might say to you. Sit in front of a mirror and say them. Now, look yourself right in the eye and answer the question or comment. How? The one thing that is holding you back here is your sense of not wanting to hurt anyone's feelings? Right? No? Then you don't feel up to answering? That's okay, too. Just say something that will please YOU.

For instance, someone says, "You know you've gained weight." Your comment: "Yes, it happens to all of us, doesn't it? I think you can understand." Or, "Even Oprah gains weight now and then, so I don't feel bad about it. It's life." Then go on to talk about something that interests you.

You don't have to stick with a topic just because someone started it. Turn it around. You can do it.

Now, practice looking over your shoulder in the mirror and saying, "Oh, excuse me, there's someone over there I have to see."

This is your curtain line, my friend and you can use it as often as you want. Find someone in the crowd that you'd like to talk to and walk right over. Now, put your hand out and with a smile introduce yourself. How can you possibly talk to someone you don't know? Comment on their dress, suit, the fact that you noticed they have an uncanny resemblance to an old classmate (okay, so this may be a bit of a white lie). Ask open-ended questions and you're on your way.

Enjoy the holidays and use them wisely.

Related Topics: WebMD Video: Chronic Illness and the Holidays, Emotional Survival Guide for the Holidays

Technorati Tags: social anxiety, holiday anxiety, anxiety, stress

Facial Expressions and Mood Changes

Many of us respond to situations with almost unnoticeable changes in our face, the muscles pulling away from a smile and into some look of concern, anger, anxiety, you name it. We know that smiling can actually change your mood and lift that level of anxiety you've been feeling. This is probably due to the wonderful feedback system our muscles have and which quickly, like a good messenger, delivers the message to the mood centers in the brain. If the writer of that old line from a song, "let a smile be your umbrella" only knew how right he/she was.

Now, there are attempts to help us when we, again unknowingly give our brain that negative feedback which then results in a down-in-the-dumps mood or increased levels of anxiety. One really unique treatment is the use of Botox to keep those muscles from sending negative signals.

Does it actually work? Well, one physician with a really small sample (10 patients) claims it does, but he's not a mental health expert and there's no mention of how he measured the dramatic mood improvement. I'd think it might just be a case of looking better and less worried when you look in the mirror and your mood improves.

Can everyone benefit from this? I doubt it and at $400 a treatment, it seems rather expensive. I'd wait for a much larger study to be done and then review whether or not to consider it.

Related Topics: WebMD Videos: Treatment is Key for Anxiety, Actually, Laughter May Be the Best Medicine

Technorati Tags: anxiety, panic, botox