Health anxiety, often manifested as an obsessive and irrational worry about having a serious medical condition, is more than a simple concern over one’s health. It’s a distressing situation where normal bodily functions are misinterpreted as serious illnesses, despite reassurances from medical professionals. This condition affects millions worldwide, with the Anxiety and Depression Association of …
Anxiety disorders are the most prevalent mental health conditions affecting millions of individuals worldwide. Traditional treatments, such as therapy and medication, play crucial roles in managing anxiety. However, emerging research suggests that nutrition also plays a significant role in managing anxiety. This article explores the connection between nutrition and anxiety, examining dietary factors that can …
I was recently on my favorite Reddit groups when someone asked about how to manage feeling overwhelmed by text messages. It struck a cord because I have dealt with major anxiety and procrastination due to the messages I would get from family, colleagues, and patients. I shared 3 steps with my fellow redditor about how …
Have you gone to the doctor because you are sick only to be reassured that all your tests are normal? You could be suffering from a psychogenic disease. No, this is NOT all in your head; however, the problem could have started there. Nonetheless, what you are experiencing is real. And it is estimated that …
I spent my childhood in Baltimore City with very little contact with the outdoors. Once I moved to a sunnier state, I realized how much better I felt when I was outside. Surprise surpise! Spending time outdoors improved my mental health. This made me ask, how much time should I spend outdoors to be happy? …
Have you ever noticed how your heart starts racing or your hands start to sweat right before you have a big presentation? That’s an example of your sympathetic nervous system going into overdrive, aka your fight or flight system at its misguided finest. We have known for God knows how long that emotions, such as …
Forest bathing is a type of nature therapy used to improve physical and mental health by immersing one’s self in nature. It’s an amazingly effective healing technique; however – as the name suggests – it typically requires you find a natural outdoor environment. Given my busy schedule as a medical student, then Family Medicine resident, …
Getting a Dog in Medical School Part II In my article on Getting a Dog in Medical School, I discussed the benefits of getting a dog while in medical school as well as what that ideal dog would be for someone with such a busy schedule. In this article, I want to focus on some …
What is ikigai? The beauty of living abroad and learning another language is that it opens the door to concepts that are not found in your native tongue. One such concept, ikigai (pronounced ee-key-gah-ee), can radically alter the way you view your life. Ikigai can best be defined as raison d’être, or reason for being. …
Getting a Dog in Medical School Part I How to Select the Ideal Dog for a Medical Student Getting a pet for emotional support is such a common strategy for improving one’s mental health. In fact, 74% of pet owners believe having a pet improves their mental health. This article is about selecting a dog …
