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"It’s a pro-survival trait. Babies are soft and fluffy. So are young mammals in general. That ‘thrill’ of touching soft/fluffy things helps keep us from drowning the little monsters shortly after birth, which would seriously cut down on the likelihood they’d survive to propagate the species. So our brains, and indeed, those of many other mammals, flood us with “feel-good” chemicals when we do, even if they’re not, in fact, our own offspring. That’s what makes puppies, kittens, babies of all sorts of creatures appealing. It’s why you see so many cross-species adoptions. We just can’t seem to resist it… :)"

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https://pages.uoregon.edu/adoption/studies/HarlowMLE.htm

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Harry Harlow with the mother surrogates he used to raise infant monkeys. The terry cloth mother is pictured above. The bare wire mother appears below.

Given a choice, infant monkeys invariably preferred surrogate mothers covered with soft terry cloth, and they spent a great deal of time cuddling with them (above), just as they would have with their real mothers (below).

The famous experiments that psychologist Harry Harlow conducted in the 1950s on maternal deprivation in rhesus monkeys were landmarks not only in primatology, but in the evolving science of attachment and loss. Harlow himself repeatedly compared his experimental subjects to children and press reports universally treated his findings as major statements about love and development in human beings. These monkey love experiments had powerful implications for any and all separations of mothers and infants, including adoption, as well as childrearing in general.

In his University of Wisconsin laboratory, Harlow probed the nature of love, aiming to illuminate its first causes and mechanisms in the relationships formed between infants and mothers. First, he showed that mother love was emotional rather than physiological, substantiating the adoption-friendly theory that continuity of care-"nurture"-was a far more determining factor in healthy psychological development than "nature." Second, he showed that capacity for attachment was closely associated with critical periods in early life, after which it was difficult or impossible to compensate for the loss of initial emotional security. The critical period thesis confirmed the wisdom of placing infants with adoptive parents as shortly after birth as possible. Harlow's work provided experimental evidence for prioritizing psychological over biological parenthood while underlining the developmental risks of adopting children beyond infancy. It normalized and pathologized adoption at the same time.

How did Harlow go about constructing his science of love? He separated infant monkeys from their mothers a few hours after birth, then arranged for the young animals to be "raised" by two kinds of surrogate monkey mother machines, both equipped to dispense milk. One mother was made out of bare wire mesh. The other was a wire mother covered with soft terry cloth. Harlow's first observation was that monkeys who had a choice of mothers spent far more time clinging to the terry cloth surrogates, even when their physical nourishment came from bottles mounted on the bare wire mothers. This suggested that infant love was no simple response to the satisfaction of physiological needs. Attachment was not primarily about hunger or thirst. It could not be reduced to nursing.

Then Harlow modified his experiment and made a second important observation. When he separated the infants into two groups and gave them no choice between the two types of mothers, all the monkeys drank equal amounts and grew physically at the same rate. But the similarities ended there. Monkeys who had soft, tactile contact with their terry cloth mothers behaved quite differently than monkeys whose mothers were made out of cold, hard wire. Harlow hypothesized that members of the first group benefitted from a psychological resource-emotional attachment-unavailable to members of the second. By providing reassurance and security to infants, cuddling kept normal development on track.

What exactly did Harlow see that convinced him emotional attachment made a decisive developmental difference? When the experimental subjects were frightened by strange, loud objects, such as teddy bears beating drums, monkeys raised by terry cloth surrogates made bodily contact with their mothers, rubbed against them, and eventually calmed down. Harlow theorized that they used their mothers as a "psychological base of operations," allowing them to remain playful and inquisitive after the initial fright had subsided. In contrast, monkeys raised by wire mesh surrogates did not retreat to their mothers when scared. Instead, they threw themselves on the floor, clutched themselves, rocked back and forth, and screamed in terror. These activities closely resembled the behaviors of autistic and deprived children frequently observed in institutions as well as the pathological behavior of adults confined to mental institutions, Harlow noted. The awesome power of attachment and loss over mental health and illness could hardly have been performed more dramatically.

In subsequent experiments, Harlow's monkeys proved that "better late than never" was not a slogan applicable to attachment. When Harlow placed his subjects in total isolation for the first eights months of life, denying them contact with other infants or with either type of surrogate mother, they were permanently damaged. Harlow and his colleagues repeated these experiments, subjecting infant monkeys to varied periods of motherlessness. They concluded that the impact of early maternal deprivation could be reversed in monkeys only if it had lasted less than 90 days, and estimated that the equivalent for humans was six months. After these critical periods, no amount of exposure to mothers or peers could alter the monkeys' abnormal behaviors and make up for the emotional damage that had already occurred. When emotional bonds were first established was the key to whether they could be established at all.

For experimentalists like Harlow, only developmental theories verified under controlled laboratory conditions deserved to be called scientific. Harlow was no Freudian. He criticized psychoanalysis for speculating on the basis of faulty memories, assuming that adult disorders necessarily originated in childhood experiences, and interpreting too literally the significance of breast-feeding. Yet Harlow's data confirmed the well known psychoanalytic emphasis on the mother-child relationship at the dawn of life, and his research reflected the repudiation of eugenics and the triumph of therapeutic approaches already well underway throughout the human sciences and clinical professions by midcentury.

Along with child analysts and researchers, including Anna Freud and René Spitz, Harry Harlow's experiments added scientific legitimacy to two powerful arguments: against institutional child care and in favor of psychological parenthood. Both suggested that the permanence associated with adoption was far superior to other arrangements when it came to safeguarding the future mental and emotional well-being of children in need of parents.

[Estonian translation of this page by Boris Kozlow]

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Adoption History: Harry Harlow, Monkey Love Experiments

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Harry Harlow with the mother surrogates he used to raise infant monkeys. The terry cloth mother is pictured above. The bare wire mother appears below. Given a choice, infant monkeys invariably preferred surrogate mothers covered with soft terry cloth, and they spent a great deal of time cuddling with them (above), just as they would have with their real mothers (below).

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https://www.verywellmind.com/manage-your-anxiety-2584184

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Anxiety involves feelings of worry, fear, and apprehension that have cognitive, emotional, and physical effects. It can lead to negative thoughts and cause people to feel out of control. It can also lead to somatic sensations, such as sweating, trembling, or shortness of breath.

These symptoms are common for people who have been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. However, they can also affect anyone to varying degrees at different times. Fortunately, there are effective strategies that you can utilize to help cope with anxiety in both the short and long term.

This article discusses some of the strategies that may be helpful for coping with anxiety including breathing exercises, distraction, and self-care.

Stop and Breathe

When anxiety flares, take a time out and think about what it is that is making you so nervous. Anxiety is typically experienced as worrying about a future or past event.

For example, you may be worried that something bad is going to happen in the future. Perhaps you continually feel upset over an event that has already occurred. Regardless of what you are worried about, a big part of the problem is that you are not being mindful of the present moment.

Anxiety loses its grip when you take your focus off of worry and bring your awareness back to the present.

The next time your anxiety starts to take you out of the present, regain control by sitting down and taking a few deep breaths. Taking a moment to stop and breathe can help restore a sense of personal balance and bring you back to the present moment. However, if you have the time, try taking this activity a little further and experiment with a breathing exercise and mantra.

Practice this simple breathing technique:

Begin by getting into a comfortable seated position.

Close your eyes and inhale slowly through your nose. Follow this inhalation with a deep exhalation.

Continue to breathe deeply and fully, in and out of your nose. Allow your breath to be a guide to the present.

Use the mantra, "Be Present" as you breathe. With each breath in, think to yourself "be" and with each breath out, focus on the word "present."

Breathing exercises are powerful relaxation techniques that can help ease your body and mind of anxiety while turning your attention towards the present.

Press Play for Advice on Managing Anxiety

Hosted by Editor-in-Chief and therapist Amy Morin, LCSW, this episode of The Verywell Mind Podcast shares a strategy to help you cope with anxiety. Click below to listen now.

Figure Out What's Bothering You

In order to get to the root of your anxiety, you need to figure out what's bothering you. You can do this by putting some time aside to explore your thoughts and feelings.

Writing in a journal can be a great way to get in touch with your sources of anxiety. If anxious feelings seem to be keeping you up at night, try keeping a journal or notepad next to your bed. Write down all of the things that are bothering you. Talking with a friend can be another way to discover and understand your anxious feelings.

Recap

Exploring your feelings can also be helpful when you are coping with anxiety. Make it a habit to regularly uncover and express your feelings of anxiety.

Focus On What You Can Change

Many times anxiety stems from fearing things that haven't even happened and may never occur. For example, even though everything is okay, you may still worry about potential issues, such as losing your job, becoming ill, or the safety of your loved ones.

Life can be unpredictable and no matter how hard you try, you can't always control what happens. However, you can decide how you are going to deal with the unknown. You can turn your anxiety into a source of strength by letting go of fear and focusing on gratitude.

Replace your fears by changing your attitude about them. For example, stop fearing to lose your job and instead focus on how grateful you are to have a job. Come to work determined to do your best. Instead of fearing your loved one's safety, spend time with them, or express your appreciation of them. With a little practice, you can learn to dump your anxiety and pick up a more positive outlook.

At times, your anxiety may actually be caused by a real circumstance in your life. Perhaps you're in a situation where it is realistic to be worried about losing your job due to high company layoffs or talks of downsizing.

When anxiety is identified as being caused by a current problem, then taking action may be the answer to reducing your anxiety. For example, you may need to start job searching or scheduling interviews after work.

Recap

Another way to cope with anxiety is to focus on the things you can change. By being more proactive, you can feel like you have a bit more control over your situation.

Distract Yourself

At times, it may be most helpful to simply redirect yourself to focus on something other than your anxiety. You may want to reach out to others, do some work around your home, or engage in an enjoyable activity or hobby. Here are a few ideas of things you can do to thwart off anxiety:

Do some chores or organize around the house

Engage in a creative activity, such as drawing, painting, or writing

Go for a ​walk or engage in some other form of physical exercise

Listen to music

Pray or meditate

Read a good book or watch a funny movie

Recap

When you are feeling anxious, look for ways to take your mind off of your feelings of worry, stress, or anxiety.

Strengthen Your Body and Brain

Lifestyle changes can also be helpful for preventing anxiety and helping you cope with anxiety flares. What you eat, how much you sleep, and your physical activity levels can all have an influence on how you experience anxiety.

Research has found that mood and stress levels can be affected by what you eat. People who consume diets rich in fruits and vegetables, for example, tend to experience lower stress levels.

Research has also found that regular physical activity can also be useful for both alleviating and preventing anxiety. One study found that physical exercise had a protective effect against anxiety disorders and significantly reduced symptoms of anxiety.

Sleep can also have a powerful effect on your mental well-being and anxiety levels. Research has found that problems with sleep are one risk factor for developing anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder. Even short-term disruptions in your sleep may lead to increased levels of stress and anxiety.

Recap

Taking care of your mind and body may also be helpful for preventing and relieving anxiety. To combat anxiety, focus on eating a healthy diet, engage in regular physical exercise, and get enough rest.

A Word From Verywell

Most people are familiar with experiencing some anxiety from time to time. Techniques that you might try include breathing exercises, journaling, practicing gratitude, distracting yourself, and caring for yourself can all be helpful.

When anxiety affects one's relationships, work performance, and other areas of life, there is potential that these anxious feelings are actually an indication of mental health illness.

If you are experiencing anxiety and panic symptoms, talk with your doctor or other professionals who treat panic disorder. They will be able to address any concerns you have, provide information on diagnosis, and discuss your treatment options.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some ways of coping with anxiety when giving a presentation?

Being well-prepared, practicing your presentation, and using deep breathing techniques can help you manage feelings of nervousness and anxiety that you might be feeling. Visualize your success and remember to focus on the information you are presenting instead of the audience.

How do I help a child cope with anxiety?

Validate what they are feeling, but help your child learn to differentiate between real dangers and non-threats. Help you child learn to identify negative thoughts that contribute to anxiety and then challenge those thoughts with more positive, encouraging ways of thinking.

How can I deal with anxiety without medication?

Psychotherapy can help relieve anxiety without the use of medication. Other self-help strategies such as deep breathing, guided imagery, mindfulness, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation may also be helpful for relieving symptoms of anxiety.

What can I do to deal with anxiety at night?

Practicing good sleep hygiene may be helpful for combating nighttime anxiety. Creating a calming, restful sleep environment. Avoid sources of stress and set aside your phone to prevent anxiety-provoking doomscrolling right before bedtime. Establish a relaxing pre-bedtime routine such as winding down with some yoga poses, reading a book, taking a bath, or writing in a journal.

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

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How You Can Learn to Manage Your Anxiety Now

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Anxiety involves feelings of worry, fear, and apprehension that have cognitive, emotional, and physical effects. It can lead to negative thoughts and cause people to feel out of control. It can also lead to somatic sensations, such as sweating, trembling, or shortness of breath.

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https://www.mei.edu/publications/women-are-arab-regions-best-hope

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This article is part of the publication Thinking MENA Futures, produced in conjunction with MEI's Strategic Foresight Initiative and the MEI Futures Forum. Read the other articles in the series here.
The Arab region's diverse collection of 22 countries has one thing in common: Women continue to experience a backlash against their own long-overdue rights and fundamental freedoms. A combination of patriarchal structures, prolonged insecurities, and protracted crises means that this region ranks the lowest in the world in terms of women's rights, with a gender gap that needs 153 years to close. No Arab country is even among the top 100 on this list.

Even without the COVID-19 pandemic, instability and insecurity are the norm across the region - from humanitarian crises in Syria, Palestine, Yemen, and Iraq to economic collapse in Lebanon. These shocks continue to be felt throughout the region, destroying already-scant systems of social protection and women's services and support. In times of insecurity, pre-existing vulnerabilities are magnified, and women's rights are the first to be stripped and the hardest to revive.

"In times of insecurity, pre-existing vulnerabilities are magnified, and women's rights are the first to be stripped and the hardest to revive."

Most Arab countries have signed and ratified universal conventions supporting human rights (with reservations), but these have not brought meaningful change for women. Inequality remains the greatest impediment to regional progress. Progress or regress in any of these areas has an impact on all aspects of women's lives. Insecurities don't stay neatly confined within their borders. Instead, they intersect rather messily. Unless we address inequalities everywhere, we will achieve equality nowhere.

Meaning: There is a lot of work to do.
What will the region's family and gender norms look like in five years?
Things are changing in some countries, but progress and regress go hand in hand.

Women in Arab countries are an underutilized economic force, with the lowest female employment rate in the world. When employed, women are more often relegated to traditionally feminized work, in addition to their disproportionate share of unpaid care.

In the near future, more women will enter the workforce - by choice or by necessity. However, men's perceptions of working women will not evolve as quickly, despite women's increased economic independence. Women may still be relegated to overly feminized sectors, and equal pay is a long way off. Family tensions are likely to increase as a result of new-found freedoms, and women's rights activists predict a greater backlash, and a rise in divorce rates.

The region must focus on increasing women's employment in the formal labor market while also recognizing and reducing women's unpaid care burden. The region must invest in women's health, particularly in ensuring that women have access to the full range of sexual and reproductive health services, with full autonomy over their own bodies.

Arab women are significantly behind in terms of women's participation and representation in politics. Even when women are present in politics, they are still kept from exerting power to influence change. This lack of political participation is largely due to cultural barriers, limited access to economic and financial resources, and the absence of female role models in political and public life.

Certain conditions need to be met before women are able to participate equally in all aspects of personal, public, and political life. Without massive legislative reform, nothing will be achieved. But policies on paper do not necessarily translate into practice. There continue to be discriminatory laws that hold women back - personal status codes that dictates what women can and cannot do with their bodies and their lives. Women must be present and active at all levels of leadership and decision-making. We need women in parliament - feminist women who will act in favor of women's interests.

Sexual violence and harmful practices, like honor killing, female genital mutilation, and child marriage, also continue to be prevalent and show no signs of abating. As the region continues to face insecurities, these forms of violence will only increase. Rights, freedoms, and opportunities cannot be named and claimed as long as women are unsafe in public and private space.

The education system must be updated and aligned with internationally-recognized good practice. Education for girls at all levels need to be guaranteed and normalized. Concepts of rights, respect, equality, dignity, and consent must be taught in schools. Girl child marriage must be banned, along with all other harmful practices to which girls are subjected. Understandings of bodily integrity and autonomy are fundamental if violence against women is going to end. Because without women's safety in public and private space, all the other rights are rendered meaningless.

And yet, there is a new generation of feminist women who are leading the charge for change. In many Arab countries, strong pushes for gender equality will be met with conservative backlashes, with imprisonment of activists likely to continue. At the same time, young activists wield the power of social media and refuse to stay silent. The world is watching.

There is a rift between this new generation and the previous one in terms of redefining roles, relationships, rights - and the meaning of family. It is impossible to generalize across the Arab region, given the great diversities between and within countries, but change will continue to happen, albeit slowly. Somalia cannot be compared with Syria, Libya cannot be compared with Lebanon.

One thing is clear: We will not see a radically different Arab region in five years. Will there be sexual and reproductive health and rights for all? Will there be freedom to love whomever we choose? Will there finally be full and meaningful equality for women? I would like to be optimistic, and yet the challenges are great.

To ensure meaningful progress in the Arab region, we must all focus on fully funding frontline women's groups and providing them with the tools and resources they need to do the work they have always been doing. The region must move toward feminist leadership at all levels as it is time to challenge and change existing power structures if we want the region to succeed. There's evidence for this: When women lead, we all benefit. It is the only hope the Arab region has.
Lina AbiRafeh is the executive director of the Arab Institute for Women (AiW) at the Lebanese American University, based in New York and Lebanon.
Photo by RYAD KRAMDI/AFP via Getty Images

The Middle East Institute (MEI) is an independent, non-partisan, non-for-profit, educational organization. It does not engage in advocacy and its scholars' opinions are their own. MEI welcomes financial donations, but retains sole editorial control over its work and its publications reflect only the authors' views. For a listing of MEI donors, please click .

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The Arab region's diverse collection of 22 countries has one thing in common: Women continue to experience a backlash against their own long-overdue rights and fundamental freedoms. A combination of patriarchal structures, prolonged insecurities, and protracted crises means that this region ranks the lowest in the world in terms of women's rights, with a gender gap that needs 153 years to close.

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https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2016/03/07/the-state-of-womens-rights-in-the-arab-world

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The good news is that when it comes to reforms that add to women's economic opportunities and reduce the number of laws restricting their roles, countries around the world are making improvements every year. According to the latest World Bank Women Business and the Law Report 2016, in the past two years, some 65 economies have passed 94 reforms that should help improve women's lives.

Most of these reforms have taken place not in the "developed" world but in "developing" countries in Europe, Central, Asia, and Africa. The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region has made the fewest reforms of any region- just 12. This is despite the fact that legal and business barriers preventing women from joining the labor force in MENA cause an estimated loss of 27% in income.

Here is a recap of the highlights of reforms made to women's rights, as well as discriminatory measures made against them:
Government:

Most MENA countries don't have quotas for parliament. But Jordan, Egypt, and Djibouti legally mandate quotas of 10% of their parliamentary seats for women, with Morocco reserving 15% and Iraq, 25%.

Recently , as well as 10% of the seats in parliament.

Tunisia's new electoral law introduced a quota ruling that women should comprise 50% of the candidates on political party lists. .

legislative council.

Women's representation in MENA's justice systems is, however, much lower than in politics. Regionally, the number of female justices is disproportionately low compared to the number of women in the population. (or in South Asia). Laws, too, tend to discriminate against women.
Laws:

.

Morocco is the only country where it's prohibited by law to discriminate against women when giving them access to credit.

Morocco and Djibouti are the only countries that legally mandate equal remuneration for equal work and nondiscrimination based on gender in hiring for jobs.

Algeria also legally mandates equal remuneration for equal work.

Worryingly, in the world. However, (physical, sexual, emotional, and economic): Law 293 on the Protection of Women and Family Members from Domestic Violence.

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The State of Women's Rights in the Arab World

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The good news is that when it comes to reforms that add to women's economic opportunities and reduce the number of laws restricting their roles, countries around the world are making improvements every year. According to the latest World Bank Women Business and the Law Report 2016 , in the past two years, some 65 economies have passed 94 reforms that should help improve women's lives.

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https://www.verywellfamily.com/when-do-babies-start-talking-5091993

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Talking is one of the most exciting baby milestones. Most babies start talking at about 12 to 18 months old-if by "start talking," you mean "say their first word." There are many other speech and language milestones that happen both before and after that first word.

It's hard to wait all those months for our babies to begin telling us what is on their minds. After all, not being able to understand how they're feeling is one of the most nerve-wracking aspects of caring for little ones. And as we wait, we may worry: Why is it taking so long? Do those coos and babbles count as talking? What if my baby's speech is delayed?

These questions (and more) are common. Let's take a look at what to expect when it comes to your baby's language skills, and what to do if you have any concerns.

Early Communication Skills

Even though it may not really seem like it, your baby is communicating with you as soon as they are born. Crying is the one of the only ways they have to communicate at first, but it's certainly a powerful one.

In time, most parents are able to understand what their baby's cries mean, as well as how to meet their needs before the crying even starts. This back and forth between parent and child is the first way you teach your baby how to communicate and connect with you.

Besides crying, there are other ways your baby communicates with you in their first few months, and these are all precursors to language development. Here's what to know about those early language milestones:

At two months, your baby will start turning their head to you when you speak; they may also start making cooing and gurgling sounds.

By four months, your baby will start babbling, and may even begin to copy some of the sounds and intonations you are making and to respond to your speech with sounds of their own (turn-taking).

By six months, there is more back and forth between you and your baby. Your baby may respond to your questions and requests with particular sounds, and they should also begin responding to their own names. At this age, their babbling will become more fine-tuned, with more "m" and "b" sounds. They may also squeal and blow "raspberries."

By nine months, your baby will look at you when you say their name and make lots of "mamama" and "bababa" sounds. They will raise their arms to tell you they want to be picked up.

Common First Words

Most babies will say their first word by the time they reach their first birthday. However, some babies may say their first word earlier or later than this.

It's around this time that you will notice your baby's receptive language skills-your baby understanding what you are saying-increasing as well. In fact, receptive skills often come before expressive (talking) skills. So if your baby points to things, understands simple instructions ("give Mommy the spoon "), and turns their head when you call out for them, these are very good signs of normal language development.

The way you can tell that a sound your baby says is meant to be a word is that they say the word in reference to a particular person or thing, and that they do some with some level of consistency.

At one year, babies can point and wave, and they may say words while pointing and gesturing-shaking their head while saying "no," or waving while saying "bye."

When Do Babies Talk in Sentences?

Babies usually start out by saying just a few words, and they may go weeks and months before adding new words to their vocabulary. However, between the ages of 18 months and two years, most babies have a language explosion, learning about one new word a week.

However, it's closer to two years before babies really begin "talking"-i.e., stringing their words together into simple sentences. According to the Academy of American Pediatrics (AAP), most two-year-olds will be able to point to pictures in books, people, and common objects and be able to name them.

They will be able to say between 50 and 100 words, and will start to combine words together to make two word phrases like "all done," and "play ball." Some two-year-olds begin to say three-word sentences, and others are speaking in paragraphs.

It's also important to note that children who are bilingual may seem delayed in speech as they can be confused as to which language to use. Pediatricians ask about languages spoken at home to differentiate between true delays and normal progression. (And being bilingual has many benefits!)

Support Speech and Language Development

Babies are watching and listening all the time. Simply talking to them as you go about your day is one of the best ways to help them learn language. Reading books and singing songs together also promotes language development.

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association recommends activities like these to help babies and young toddlers learn to understand what you say and to speak for themselves.

As you are talking about what you are doing or the book you are reading, give your baby the words for colors, shapes, and numbers: "Here are three green apples in our bowl. One, two, three!"

Have conversations with your baby, even before they can talk. Respond to their sounds, laughs, and funny faces with your own, taking turns.

When your baby starts to learn and say words, add on to them. If they say "milk," you might say, "Would you like more milk? Here is milk in your blue cup."

Signs of Speech Delay

Remember, some babies speak later than others, and some speak earlier-and that's OK. Milestones are all estimates, and it's OK if your baby falls outside them. It's also possible for babies to have a delay in expressive speech (talking), but be on track when it comes to receptive speech (understanding).

Having a delay in language is actually quite common; according to the AAP, one in five children will learn to talk later than other children their age. Sometimes these delays resolve on their own.

However, it's always good to discuss concerns about your child's language development with your pediatrician so that they can assess the delay. Sometimes speech delays are a sign of hearing impairment, developmental delays, or autism spectrum disorder.

It may be stressful to bring up your concerns about your child's language development, but it's always better to tackle these things earlier than later.

If there are issues, initiating therapies as early as possible is essential. The earlier you bring up your concerns and see if your child needs intervention, the better. In most cases, when intervention is implemented early enough, it can make a significant difference in the child's abilities.

A Word From Verywell

One of the most exciting parts of parenting a baby is witnessing them reach milestones. There is nothing more delightful than seeing your baby break out into a gummy smile for the first time, and nothing more thrilling (and anxiety-producing!) as watching your baby take their first steps. Your baby's first babbles, their first word, and their first sentence-these are moments you will remember and savor forever.

Of course, with the anticipation of baby milestones also comes the worries. You worry that your baby isn't meeting a milestone quickly enough, or that they haven't mastered the milestone in the correct way. That's why it's important to always discuss your worries and concerns with your pediatrician-they can guide you on the right path, and soothe any anxieties that you might have.

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Talking is one of the most exciting baby milestones. Most babies start talking at about 12 to 18 months old-if by "start talking," you mean "say their first word." There are many other speech and language milestones that happen both before and after that first word.

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https://www.o2oasis.com/how-does-hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy-hbot-help-with-stress/

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Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) and Stress

Stress is a common emotional response most of us experience. How it affects us, largely depends upon how we are able to deal with the emotion when we realize it is starting to impact our day-to-day lives. Unfortunately, there is no way to fully eliminate stress as it does have its benefits, as you will see shortly. However, it is when stress reaches too high of a level it can lead to anxiety, worry, and panic attacks, as well as lower our immune response and lead to increased risks for illnesses and diseases.
How Is Stress Beneficial?
Stress helps motivate us and keep us active. It stimulates brain functions and allows us to perform deductive reasoning, improves our concentration, and allows us to focus on specific tasks. When we have too little stress in our lives, it can cause boredom and even be a cause of depression in some people.

As stress levels increase, our initial response is normally one that allows us to be highly productive and complete tasks. This in turns, makes us feel a sense of accomplishment, and stress levels become less and remain within the "acceptable" range. But, when stress levels continue to increase past this point is where we need to be concerned.
When Should You Be Concerned about Stress?
Constant, elevated stress levels do not allow our bodies to respond in a positive manner. Rather, they cause a negative response, like those mentioned above. Furthermore, one might notice an increase in weight, often as a result of increased fat in the belly region from eating and snacking on unhealthy foods, we find comfort in whenever we are trying to resolve elevated stress levels.
How Does Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment Help?
HBOT exposes our bodies to elevated levels of oxygen-rich air. Since more oxygen is being spread throughout the circulatory system and tissues within the body, it stimulates the body's healing response system. In addition, the oxygen helps reduce anxiety levels and stress levels due to heightened levels of oxygen within the brain and creates a calming effect. Stress and anxiety slowly start to become less intense emotions and are replaced by a relaxed state of mind.

For instance, HBOT has been used by military veterans experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Those that receive regular HBOT noticed many of the symptoms associated with PTSD, like depression and anxiety became less frequent and severe, allowing them to better integrate back into private life and society.
Other Benefits of HBOT
Besides providing stress and anxiety relief, HBOT promotes healing within the body. People have used this form of treatment to help speed recovery times after an accident or surgical procedure. Other people have used it as an alternative form of treatment for various medical conditions, such as poor circulation, infections in the soft tissues, digestive and intestinal problems, arthritis, chronic pain, and more. Please keep in mind, since everyone is unique, the overall effectiveness of HBOT can and does vary from one patient to the next.

Compliments of underpressure Inc.

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How does Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) help with Stress? | Oxygen Oasis

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Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) and Stress Stress is a common emotional response most of us experience. How it affects us, largely depends upon how we are able to deal with the emotion when we realize it is starting to impact our day-to-day lives.

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https://www.healthline.com/health/anxiety/cbt-for-anxiety#what-it-is

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Anxiety is the most common mental health condition in the United States, but according to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America, only about 37 percent of people receive treatment.

Anxiety doesn't have a quick fix. While medications are sometimes necessary and part of a good treatment plan, therapy can also help you work through anxiety. It can help you discover the root cause of your anxiety and the steps you can take to combat it. One treatment option proven to be effective is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

CBT is a type of therapy that works on negative thought patterns or behaviors in an effort to recognize and restructure them. In other words, CBT can help you change how you approach a situation.

For example, if you're about to start a new job, you could be feeling several things:

Anxious. Because it's a new environment with new co-workers and processes, you might be feeling anxious. You might think, "I'm never going to be able to catch on" and consider calling in sick your first day.

Neutral. You might be feeling neutral because you've had other jobs in the past. Work is just work, after all. You might think, "As soon as I'm done for the day, I'm going out for dinner." You might get off work and go grocery shopping, focused on the rest of your night.

Excited. When starting a new adventure and facing new challenges, you might feel excited. You might think to yourself, "I can't wait to collaborate on that new project." You might go into the office and start introducing yourself to others.

Beginning a new job can give people different thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. These differences all depend on the personal attitudes, beliefs, and assumptions we have about our circumstances.

When you have anxiety, the negative thought patterns and emotions overshadow the positive ones. Feelings of unworthiness and fear can start to take over. The goal in CBT is to work on changing the way you think. By doing this, you can change how you feel about a situation.

"Anxiety and nervousness are rooted in survival, so feeling anxious or fearful is part of the human experience," explains Ciara Jenkins, a therapist and licensed clinical social worker at Life On Purpose Counseling & Coaching Services. "Everyone experiences anxiety from time to time at varying degrees. Many times, intense anxiety, fear, or panic is caused by how we think about a certain situation and not necessarily the situation itself."

Jenkins goes on to say that when you can create space between a situation and your thoughts, feelings, and actions, it can give you the power to handle the situation. It doesn't hold you back from your goal or make things worse.

"Perception accounts for a lot of our experience. Being able to let go of unhealthy thoughts frees us up to consider other healthier and more factual alternatives, which lead to an improved experience and less intense uncomfortable emotions," Jenkins adds.

When you have negative feelings and thoughts about a situation, over time it can start to affect your behavior toward it. A child who keeps having negative feelings about going to school may start to come up with excuses not to go.

As time goes on, these behaviors start to become repeating patterns. Using CBT, you can learn to pay attention to those patterns and actively work to change them, along with the feelings tied to them. Given time, it can help to prevent these behaviors from happening in the future.

"CBT helps individuals identify the links in the chain that lead to worse anxiety and depression: the thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and physical sensations that are intimately connected to one another," says Steven Lucero, PhD, MBA, a clinical psychologist with Brightside. The key, he stresses, is that you can take action to disrupt the spiral of avoiding the situation that causes anxiety.

Examples

For instance, let's say you're dealing with low self-esteem. Maybe you try to avoid social situations because being around a lot of people is overwhelming and triggers anxiety.

You're invited out to a group gathering at a restaurant, and you know there will be a big turnout. Your immediate thoughts are, "No way. I'll have to make small talk. What if people think I'm awkward?"

You might feel nervous, even slightly panicked. At the last moment, you tell the host that you're not feeling well. You won't be able to make it.

While this behavior will make you feel better in the short term, it only prolongs the anxiety you feel in social gatherings. The problem is, when you continuously avoid the situations that trigger anxiety and fear, you continue that negative cycle of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

In therapy, you work on anxiety in social gatherings. You might:

1. Begin to learn relaxation exercises that you can use when you get another invitation to go out.

2. Write down the thoughts you feel when you start to have anxiety.

3. Work with your therapist to look at your list.

4. Replace negative thoughts and feelings with ones that are more realistic.

This technique is known as cognitive restructuring or reframing.

"As you see yourself increasingly effective at handling the things that previously led to fear and anxiety, you will be more capable of continuing to act in opposition to the fear," Lucero explains.

CBT professionals use some common techniques to help you manage anxiety and change your behavior.

Cognitive restructuring or reframing

This involves taking a hard look at negative thought patterns. Perhaps you tend to:

Thinking this way can affect what you do and, in some instances, can become a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Your therapist will ask about your thought processes in certain situations so you can identify negative patterns. Once you're aware of them, you can learn how to reframe those thoughts so that they're more positive and productive.

Thought challenging

Thought challenging is about considering things from multiple angles, using actual evidence from your life. Thought challenging can help you consider things from a more objective perspective, rather than just assuming that your thoughts are the facts or truth.

Education about cognitive distortions can help a person identify when a cognitive distortion is showing up in thoughts, and that allows them to work to correct the unhelpful thoughts to thoughts that are more balanced and factual," says Jenkins.

With anxiety, you might have trouble rationalizing your problems. You might feel anxious, but not understand where those feelings are coming from. Or, you might have a fear of something such as social gatherings, but you aren't sure why.

Behavioral activation

If anxiety is preventing you from doing a certain activity, you can schedule it by writing it in your calendar. This sets a plan in place so you don't keep worrying about it.

For instance, if you have anxiety about your kids getting sick at a playground, you might schedule a park date with a friend. This will encourage you to move forward and face the situation, armed with the skills you work on in CBT.

Journaling

Journaling, also called thought recording, helps you get in touch with and bring awareness to your thoughts and feelings. It can also help clarify and organize your thoughts.

You might make lists of your negative thoughts and the positive ones you can swap them out with. Your therapist may encourage you to write down the new skills and behaviors you work on between therapy sessions.

Behavioral experiments

These are commonly used when you're experiencing catastrophic thinking, which is when you assume the worst is going to happen.

"Just like a scientific experiment, we hypothesize about the potential outcomes of that action, and actually write down what we anticipate will happen and what the fears are of what could happen," explains Lucero.

You might have a discussion with your therapist about what you predicted would happen and if it actually did. Given time, you'll start to see your worst-case scenario is unlikely to happen.

Relaxation techniques

Relaxation techniques reduce stress and allow you to think more clearly. In turn, these can help you take back control of a situation. These techniques might include:

deep breathing exercises

progressive muscle relaxation

meditation

These practices don't take long to do and are tools you can use wherever you're experiencing anxiety, such as in line to pay for groceries.

Finding a good therapist can be challenging. While you might feel overwhelmed by figuring out where to start, you *can* find a therapy practice that's right for you. Here are some things to think about when you're looking for a CBT professional.

In-person or online

Seeing a therapist in person involves sitting with them in an office setting on chairs or couches. But as more therapists are seeing their clients virtually, practices are offering many more options for online therapy than they used to. You may find you're more comfortable going in person or in the comfort of your own home.

Some companies such as Online-Therapy actually specialize in CBT. They can include other helpful resources for you, such as workbooks and live sessions in addition to therapy sessions.

Individual or group therapy

You might decide to do individual counseling or have CBT in a group therapy setting. This is where a facilitator, usually a licensed mental health professional, works with a small group of people who are in similar circumstances.

Decide on your preferences

It can be helpful to figure out if there is a type of therapist you may feel more comfortable with.

A good relationship with a therapist is important to your mental health recovery process. Ask yourself:

What do you want in a therapist?

Do you feel more comfortable with a therapist of a certain gender?

Do you want a therapist who is older or younger?

Do you want a religious aspect to therapy?

Start your search

You might ask for recommendations from friends and family. Another place to find a CBT therapist is searching online. The website Psychology Today has a database that you can search by state. You can also visit the directory at the National Association of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapists.

Don't settle

It's important to feel comfortable with your therapist.

If you aren't a good match, it's OK to find another one. Not everyone is going to be a good fit, and different therapists can meet different needs.

Anxiety can be a challenge, but the good news is that you have steps you can take to work through it. CBT is a way to change your negative thought patterns in order to positively affect how you respond to situations.

By finding a therapist with expertise in CBT, you can take steps to manage your mental health. You can then take the skills you learn from CBT and apply them to situations in the future.
Risa Kerslake is a registered nurse, freelance writer, and mom of two from the Midwest. She specializes in topics related to women's health, mental health, oncology, postpartum, and fertility content. She enjoys collecting coffee mugs, crocheting, and attempting to write her memoir. Read more about her work at her.

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How Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Can Treat Your Anxiety

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Anxiety is the most common mental health condition in the United States, but according to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America, only about 37 percent of people receive treatment. Anxiety doesn't have a quick fix. While medications are sometimes necessary and part of a good treatment plan, therapy can also help you work through anxiety.

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https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/patients-and-families/cognitive-behavioral

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Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of psychological treatment that has been demonstrated to be effective for a range of problems including depression, anxiety disorders, alcohol and drug use problems, marital problems, eating disorders, and severe mental illness. Numerous research studies suggest that CBT leads to significant improvement in functioning and quality of life. In many studies, CBT has been demonstrated to be as effective as, or more effective than, other forms of psychological therapy or psychiatric medications.

It is important to emphasize that advances in CBT have been made on the basis of both research and clinical practice. Indeed, CBT is an approach for which there is ample scientific evidence that the methods that have been developed actually produce change. In this manner, CBT differs from many other forms of psychological treatment.

CBT is based on several core principles, including:

1. Psychological problems are based, in part, on faulty or unhelpful ways of thinking.

2. Psychological problems are based, in part, on learned patterns of unhelpful behavior.

3. People suffering from psychological problems can learn better ways of coping with them, thereby relieving their symptoms and becoming more effective in their lives.

CBT treatment usually involves efforts to change thinking patterns. These strategies might include:

Learning to recognize one's distortions in thinking that are creating problems, and then to reevaluate them in light of reality.

Gaining a better understanding of the behavior and motivation of others.

Using problem-solving skills to cope with difficult situations.

Learning to develop a greater sense of confidence in one's own abilities.

CBT treatment also usually involves efforts to change behavioral patterns. These strategies might include:

Facing one's fears instead of avoiding them.

Using role playing to prepare for potentially problematic interactions with others.

Learning to calm one's mind and relax one's body.

Not all CBT will use all of these strategies. Rather, the psychologist and patient/client work together, in a collaborative fashion, to develop an understanding of the problem and to develop a treatment strategy.

CBT places an emphasis on helping individuals learn to be their own therapists. Through exercises in the session as well as "homework" exercises outside of sessions, patients/clients are helped to develop coping skills, whereby they can learn to change their own thinking, problematic emotions, and behavior.

CBT therapists emphasize what is going on in the person's current life, rather than what has led up to their difficulties. A certain amount of information about one's history is needed, but the focus is primarily on moving forward in time to develop more effective ways of coping with life.

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Numerous research studies suggest that cognitive behavioral therapy leads to significant improvement in functioning and quality of life.

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https://www.refreshmyspirit.com/stacking-stones.html

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Stacking stones is a frequent practice here in the Pacific Northwest. Rock stacking is a spiritual observance found in the forests, mountains, and on the coast. Once you know what you are looking for, these little altars can be easy to spot.

People have been stacking rocks since they've been walking upright. It is a practice that is eons old, and consistent across distant and unrelated cultures.

The meaning behind these stacks cover both practical and spiritual.

In many instances, the stacking of rocks were for navigating unfamiliar trails. They provided direction.

Balanced stones were also part of ancient burial rituals, sometimes signifying burial grounds, and they were used in ceremonies relating to astronomy.

Now, the majority of these small stacks you find in the outdoors have more to do with personal connection to both Nature, and the Universe.

It's comforting and brings me a measure of peace because I must focus and be mindful of what I'm doing ."

The Benefits Of Stacking Stones

The benefits of stacking stones are numerous and varied, but usually come back to providing spiritual harmony within oneself, and with the natural environment where you find yourself.

Sandi Dawkins (32) is a YouTube creator and photographer who lives in Newport Oregon . She said, " Building small zen towers with rocks I find on the beach, and in the woods, has been one of the most healing experiences for me. I normally take just a few, definitely no more that eight, to stack in thankfulness several times a week.
Stacking stones benefits me by forcing me to focus on choosing how I want them to balance, and what prayer I attach to each small rock. The practice of patience and focus on the immediate present have helped me tremendously with the meditative videos I create for my YouTube channel. It is the practice of true mindfulness.
This simple zen practice of stacking stones has increased my profits on YouTube tremendously. I have thought up some of my most powerful content and affirmations while sitting right on the seashore, or on a little trail, back up in the forest."

**********

John Etheridge (49) is an online entrepreneur who lives in Astoria Oregon.

He said, " The benefits of stacking stones are definitely real. They include
- Complete focus on what you are doing. Now, I take problems head-on, but with a much calmer approach. I know I will find an answer, or find someone who knows.
- Problem-solving for stones that are irregular
- Surrendering to quietness and the sounds of only Nature.
- Becoming one with vibrant but peaceful energy. I walk north to the South Nehalem Jetty, and usually take time to sit and build a small alter. To me, it is a way to have a connection with the natural world and the Universe. There is a deep stillness of the mind when you are quiet in such a beautiful setting as Rockaway, and you are focused with gratitude when stacking stones.
- Centering yourself with the subtle vibrations of Earth.
- Using creativity to think of unique stack designs
- Gaining patience.
My wife and I hike almost every weekend. There is just so much beauty. We build little alters when we sit and rest. It's normally only about 6-7 stones, and we make sure they are within arms reach. We don't want to disturb the environment. - Connecting with the spirit of others who find your stack.
- Channeling blessings through individual stones.

These are just some of the benefits I've been fortunate enough to experience. In truth, all of them have helped me become more profitable in Many of them, are presented near a natural resting area which overlooks a beautiful view. They are usually about 5-6 stones high. Nothing elaborate, just an offering of recognition for the beauty God or the Universe created. my online business .

Before I started stacking stones, I was creating a lot of stress in my life. I was rushing from one interruption to the next. I was spinning my wheels in spiritual quicksand. When people start taking huge quantities of large rocks, and stacking them in a pile, it causes hardship on the environment, and becomes a danger to humans. Moving so many large rocks disturbs the vegetation. It alters erosion controls. It fractures dwellings for small forest animals, and can upset their birthing cycles. There are just a host of problems when people decide they are going to create a monument. Making a small, personal, little stack is not going to harm the environment. I get that people are thankful to be out in such beautiful terrain and want to connect with the Earth and the Universe.
Stacking stones has allowed me to become more centered and more effective . "

Stacking Stones On The Beach

Stacking stones on the seashore is far more prevalent than in other outdoor areas because of a couple of reasons.

One, the beach seems to make people more calm and contemplative. And, two, rocks on the beach have been worn smooth from centuries of tumbling along the ocean floor. They do not have jagged edges, like those in the forest.

Jilli Jen Petersen (41) a therapist from Rockaway Beach OR, said, " The beach is a natural setting to become more reflective and introspective. The gentle breeze off the ocean, the rhythmic tumbling of the waves, and the soft grains of sand under your blanket all combine to elevate a sense of serenity.
We plan to move to either Taos or Santa Fe. In our travels, we have seen hundreds of small alters of stacked rocks honoring the connection of man and Nature. Since we are locked in the inner city. We decided we would make a miniature Japanese zen garden in our den to keep our connection with peaceful energy.
I attach a prayer or blessing to each small rock. Many times, it will be a prayer for an individual, or me asking God to bless and protect my children as the begin to find their way through Life.

Stacking stones on the beach ties into the essence of temporary. The small alters I build near the South Jetty will be washed back to a natural state when high tide recommences. It gives the next person a blank slate to create their own work."

Stacking Stones In The Forest
Go To Refresh My Spirit Home from Stacking Stones page What Are The Benefits Of The Beach? How Can I Become More Mindful? What Is A Christmas Journal? More Books For Spiritual Growth
Stacking stones in the forest is not as prevalent as it is on the beaches, yet you can still find small alters built along well-marked trails and faint paths.

At one time, stacked rocks were used as identification of being on the right path to a settlement. They were directional in nature, and part of the frontier navigation system.

Jared Halstead (58) a postal worker in Shoreline WA, said, " I love being out in the woods. There are plenty of state land and national park land within an hour's drive from where I live in Seattle.

Our reason for stacking stones is purely spiritual. We dedicate a prayer with each small rock. We know that high winds will blow them over, and they will return to their natural setting. The prayers will then be carried into eternity."

Stacking Stones In Mountain Wilderness

It is not out of the ordinary to find small stacks of rocks in mountain meadows, picturesque high-country canyons, or overlooking beautiful vistas.

Visitors leave these small alters as symbols of connection between their spirit and Nature.

Nate Saddleman (36) is a former big-tech coder who now travels the western United States with his wife in a Mercedes Sprinter. He said, " We spend a lot of time in the high-country of Utah, Wyoming, and New Mexico. We come across small alters of stacked stones on a regular basis.

Jill and I quite often make one, ourselves. We are so thankful to be able to lead the life we do. When stacking stones, we attach a small prayer of gratitude to each one. The meaning we attach to each rock expands our own spirit."

When Stacking Stones Can Become A Problem

Stacking stones in the forest and mountain areas has actually come under fire in the past few years.

Sadly, for some people, the spiritual connection seems to be lost and the stacks become more about size and engineering savvy.

Those small alters do not cause any problems. It is the extreme stacks of rock that become both an eyesore and a hazard."

Stacking Stones In A Zen Garden

Stacking stones in a zen garden has been a good alternative for people living in the inner city.

Zen gardens can be purchased, as can separate stacking stones.

Jake Freeman (56) is a teacher in inner-city Detroit. He said, " I am about as far removed from Nature as you can get. My wife and I love to hike and mountain bike, out West, but it will be another two years before we both retire.

The whole experience is one of calming and focused gentleness. It's a great meditative modality for us. It helps us become grounded and re-centered. A very good way of revitalizing our spirits."

Connecting with the Universe can take many forms. Stacking stones is just one of the ways to refresh your spirit as you seek to slow down the busyness of your day, and cultivate calming mindfulness.

Filed Under:Stacking Stones

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Stacking Stones - Stacking Rocks - Zen - Stone Stacking - Zen Stones

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Stacking stones is a frequent practice here in the Pacific Northwest. Rock stacking is a spiritual observance found in the forests, mountains, and on the coast. Once you know what you are looking for, these little altars can be easy to spot. People have been stacking rocks since they've been walking upright.

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https://pranashanti.com/what-do-stacked-stones-mean-for-mindfulness/

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As we look forward to our autumn programming, we're always happy to have Dr. Kim Sogge back to the centre. Dr. Sogge brings a wealth of experience and information to her mindfulness-based courses, and this year we've expanded upon her original Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Course and will also be offering her Mindfulness-Based Self-Compassion Course.

Whenever we start spreading the word about these beneficial offerings, we look for our favourite pictures that communicate a sense of mindfulness. We are mindful in our choosing - while we love pictures of peaceful-looking people sitting on docks or in wooded landscapes, we want to cultivate the understanding that this is a practice for your daily life. You do not need to escape the city, your job or your family to cultivate mindfulness, and so for promotion, we turn to the stone stack.

You may be confused though! After all, what's a stack of stones got to do with a mindfulness-based stress reduction course? It's a great question.

You may have walked a trail at times and noticed these little stone stacks. They remind you of those who came before you - seekers of health and commune - and assure you that you're on the right path. You are welcome to add a stone to the stack, communally creating an intention of mindfulness and commitment to your path of wellness.

Because stone stacks are built using unaltered stones, they require your full attention on the task of the present moment to find the perfect connection of the stone's centre of gravity to its foundation to balance the next layer. The process is meditative; it heightens present moment awareness/mindfulness. Even the simple act of choosing the stones heightens mindfulness!

You can infuse each stone with a prayer or intention, and when accidents or mother nature tumbles the stone stack, the prayer has done its work and is released.

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What do stacked stones stand for, especially re: mindfulness?

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As we look forward to our autumn programming, we're always happy to have Dr. Kim Sogge back to the centre. Dr. Sogge brings a wealth of experience and information to her mindfulness-based courses, and this year we've expanded upon her original Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Course and will also be offering her Mindfulness-Based Self-Compassion Course.

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https://www.healthline.com/health/pressure-points-for-anxiety

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Most people experience anxiety at some point in their life. You might experience mild symptoms when facing a challenging or stressful situation. You might also have more severe, long-lasting symptoms that impact your daily life, including:

feelings of panic, fear, or worry

restlessness

difficulty concentrating

difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep

fatigue

irritability

nausea, headaches, or digestive concerns

feeling a lack of control

muscle tension

Anxiety is typically treated with therapy, medication, or a combination of both. There are also several alternative treatments, including acupressure, that can help.

Acupressure is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that may provide temporary relief from anxiety symptoms. It involves stimulating pressure points in your body, either on your own or with the help of a professional.

Read on to learn about six pressure points you can try for anxiety relief.

The hall of impression point lies between your eyebrows. Applying pressure to this point is said to help with both anxiety and stress.

To use this point:

1. Sit comfortably. It can help to close your eyes.

2. Touch the spot between your eyebrows with your index finger or thumb.

3. Take slow, deep breaths and apply gentle, firm pressure in a circular motion for 5 to 10 minutes.

The heavenly gate point is located in the upper shell of your ear, at the tip of the triangle-like hollow there.

Stimulating this point is said to help relieve anxiety, stress, and insomnia.

To use this point:

1. Locate the point in your ear. It might help to use a mirror.

2. Apply firm, gentle pressure in a circular motion for two minutes.

The shoulder well point is in your shoulder muscle. To find it, pinch your shoulder muscle with your middle finger and thumb.

This pressure point is said to help with relieving stress, muscle tension, and headaches. It can also induce labor, so don't use this point if you're pregnant.

To use this point:

1. Find the point on your shoulder muscle.

2. Pinch the muscle with your thumb and middle finger.

3. Apply gentle, firm pressure with your index finger and massage the point for four to five seconds.

4. Release the pinch as you massage the point.

You find this pressure point in the webbing between your thumb and index finger.

Stimulating this point is said to reduce stress, headaches, and neck pain. Like the shoulder well point, it can also induce labor, so avoid this point if you're pregnant.

To use this point:

1. With your index finger and thumb, apply firm pressure to the webbing between the thumb and index finger of your other hand.

2. Massage the pressure point for four to five seconds, taking slow, deep breaths.

The great surge pressure point is on your foot, about two or three finger widths below the intersection of your big toe and second toe. The point lies in the hollow just above the bone.

This pressure point may help to reduce anxiety and stress. You can also use it for pain, insomnia, and menstrual cramps.

To use this point:

1. Find the point by moving your finger down straight down from between your first two toes.

2. Apply firm, deep pressure to the point.

3. Massage for four to five seconds.

You can find the inner frontier gate point on your arm, about three finger widths below your wrist.

Stimulating this point may help to reduce anxiety while also relieving nausea and pain.

To use this point:

1. Turn one hand so your palm faces up.

2. With your other hand, measure three fingers below your wrist. The point lies here, in the hollow between the tendons.

3. Apply pressure to the point and massage for four to five seconds.

There's limited research about the use of acupressure and pressure points for anxiety. But experts are starting to look at alternative anxiety treatments.

Most of the studies that do exist have focused on pressure points for anxiety before a potentially stressful situation or medical procedure, rather than general anxiety. They've also all been fairly small. Still, their results are promising.

For example, a 2015 review of several studies examining the effects of acupressure on anxiety found that acupressure seemed to help relieve anxiety before a medical procedure such as surgery.

Another of 85 people hospitalized for cancer treatment found that acupressure helped to reduce their anxiety.

A looked at anxiety in 77 students with severe menstrual pain. Acupressure applied at the great surge pressure point during three menstrual cycles decreased anxiety in study participants by the end of the third cycle.

Most recently, a found that acupressure helped reduce stress and anxiety symptoms in women receiving fertility treatments.

Again, larger studies are needed to fully understand how to use pressure points for anxiety. But the existing studies haven't found any negative effects of acupressure on anxiety symptoms, so it may be worth a try if you're looking to try a new approach.

Just keep in mind that these studies also suggest that acupressure seems to provide temporary, not long-term, relief from symptoms. Make sure to keep up with all other stress management, therapy, or other treatments prescribed by your doctor while trying acupressure.

While acupressure may provide some temporary relief from anxiety symptoms, there's not much evidence that it'll help with long-term anxiety.

If you find that your anxiety symptoms are making it hard to go to work or school or interfering with your relationships, it may be time to talk to a doctor or therapist. Concerned about the cost of therapy? Here are therapy options for every budget.

You should talk to a doctor or therapist if you start to experience:

feelings of depression

thoughts of suicide

panic attacks

trouble sleeping

headaches

digestive problems

Acupressure can be a helpful tool for temporarily managing anxiety symptoms, but there's not enough evidence to support its use as a treatment for ongoing anxiety. Still, using these pressure points in instances where you're feeling particularly stressed or anxious can help.

Just make sure to keep up with any other treatments recommended by your doctor and reach out to them or a therapist if your symptoms become more severe or start interfering with your day-to-day life.

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Pressure Points for Anxiety: 6 Points to Try for Relief

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Most people experience anxiety at some point in their life. You might experience mild symptoms when facing a challenging or stressful situation. You might also have more severe, long-lasting symptoms that impact your daily life, including: feelings of panic, fear, or worry restlessness difficulty concentrating difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep fatigue irritability nausea, headaches, or digestive concerns feeling a lack of control muscle tension Anxiety is typically treated with therapy, medication, or a combination of both.

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https://www.uhhospitals.org/blog/articles/2020/04/how-physical-touch-can-reduce-anxiety

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April 13, 2020

Try these techniques, from the Connor Integrative Health Network at University Hospitals, to use your five senses or tangible objects - things you can touch - to help you move through distress.

Put Your Hands in Water

Focus on the water's temperature and how it feels on your fingertips, palms, and the backs of your hands. Does it feel the same in each part of your hand? Use warm water first, then cold. Next, try cold water first, then warm. Does it feel different to switch from cold to warm water versus warm to cold?

Pick Up or Touch Items Near You

Are the things you touch soft or hard? Heavy or light? Warm or cool? Focus on the texture and color of each item. Challenge yourself to think of specific colors, such as crimson, burgundy, indigo, or turquoise, instead of simply red or blue.

Breathe Deeply

Slowly inhale, then exhale. If it helps, you can say or think "in" and "out" with each breath. Feel each breath filling your lungs and note how it feels to push it back out.

Savor a Food or Drink

Take small bites or sips of a food or beverage you enjoy, letting yourself fully taste each bite. Think about how it tastes and smells and the flavors that linger on your tongue.

Take a Short Walk

Concentrate on your steps - you can even count them. Notice the rhythm of your footsteps and how it feels to put your foot on the ground and then lift it again.

Hold a Piece of Ice

What does it feel like at first? How long does it take to start melting? How does the sensation change when the ice begins to melt?

Savor a Scent

Is there a fragrance that appeals to you? This might be a cup of tea, an herb or spice, a favorite soap, or a scented candle. Inhale the fragrance slowly and deeply and try to note its qualities (sweet, spicy, sharp, citrusy, and so on).

Move Your Body

Do a few exercises or stretches. You could try jumping jacks, jumping up and down, jumping rope, jogging in place, or stretching different muscle groups one by one. Pay attention to how your body feels with each movement and when your hands or feet touch the floor or move through the air. How does the floor feel against your feet and hands? If you jump rope, listen to the sound of the rope in the air and when it hits the ground.

Listen To Your Surroundings

Take a few moments to listen to the noises around you. Do you hear birds? Dogs barking? Machinery or traffic? If you hear people talking, what are they saying? Do you recognize the language? Let the sounds wash over you and remind you where you are.

Feel Your Body

You can do this sitting or standing. Focus on how your body feels from head to toe, noticing each part. Can you feel your hair on your shoulders or forehead? Glasses on your ears or nose? The weight of your shirt on your shoulders? Do your arms feel loose or stiff at your sides? Can you feel your heartbeat? Is it rapid or steady? Does your stomach feel full, or are you hungry? Are your legs crossed, or are your feet resting on the floor? Is your back straight? Curl your fingers and wiggle your toes. Are you barefoot or in shoes? How does the floor feel against your feet?

Try the 5-4-3-2-1 Method

Working backward from 5, use your senses to list things you notice around you. For example, you might start by listing five things you hear, then four things you see, then three things you can touch from where you're sitting, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste. Make an effort to notice the little things you might not always pay attention to, such as the color of the flecks in the carpet or the hum of your computer.

Additional Tips

Grounding yourself isn't always easy. It may take some time before the techniques work well for you, but don't give up on them.

How to get the most out of these techniques:

Practice. It can help to practice grounding even when you aren't dissociating or experiencing distress. If you get used to an exercise before you need to use it, it may take less effort when you want to use it to cope in the moment.

Start early. Try doing a grounding exercise when you first start to feel bad. Don't wait for distress to reach a level that's harder to handle. If the technique doesn't work at first, try to stick with it for a bit before moving on to another.

Avoid assigning values. For example, if you're grounding yourself by describing your environment, concentrate on the basics of your surroundings, rather than how you feel about them.

Check in with yourself. Before and after a grounding exercise, rate your distress as a number between 1 and 10. What level is your distress when you begin? How much did it number between 1 and 10. What level is your distress when you begin? How much did it decrease after the exercise? This can help you get a better idea of whether a particular technique is working for you.

Keep your eyes open. Avoid closing your eyes, since it's often easier to remain connected to the present if you're looking at your current environment.

Grounding techniques can be powerful tools to help you cope with distressing thoughts in the moment. But the relief they provide is generally temporary.

Related Links

UH Connor Integrative Health Network has remote appointment options that allow you to continue to manage your health safely from the comfort of your own home. Call 216-877-8577 to learn more about our virtual options for acupressure, stress management, integrative health consults and more.

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How Your Sense of Touch Can Reduce Anxiety

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April 13, 2020 Try these techniques, from the Connor Integrative Health Network at University Hospitals, to use your five senses or tangible objects - things you can touch - to help you move through distress. Focus on the water's temperature and how it feels on your fingertips, palms, and the backs of your hands.

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https://psychcentral.com/anxiety/using-the-five-senses-for-anxiety-relief

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Everyone feels anxious at one time or another. But did you know that engaging your five senses may help calm your worries?

Not everyone experiences anxiety in the same way, and what may offer anxiety relief to you may not work for someone else.

While many people take medications or attend therapy to manage anxiety symptoms, exercises that engage your five senses may also be helpful. This is particularly so when you need something that works right here, right now.

Indeed, intentionally focusing on hearing, touch, smell, taste, and sight might offer quick relief.

For someone with anxiety, knowing how to effectively use all five senses can be a powerful tool.

Grounding techniques are strategies that help connect or "ground" you in the present moment. They're essentially a form of mindfulness, which has been shown to help many different mental health conditions.

A large 2014 research review with nearly 19,000 studies concluded that mindfulness-based stress reduction programs can ease symptoms of anxiety, depression, and pain.

Experts believe that grounding techniques, specifically, help you detach from emotional pain, so you can better regulate your emotions.

Grounding encourages you to take a break from your negative thoughts that may be causing anxiety until you've calmed down.

Grounding methods for anxiety are different from other relaxation exercises in that they focus heavily on distractions and quieting extreme emotions.

A small 2015 study found that just 1 hour of grounding exercises helps improve mood in people with anxiety and depression more than relaxation alone.

An added benefit of grounding techniques is that they can be done at any time, without anyone else knowing that you're using them.

One popular grounding technique is the 5-4-3-2-1 method. Here's how to practice your five senses grounding.

First, you may want to start with a simple deep breathing exercise called the 5-5-5 method. To do this, you breathe in for 5 seconds, hold your breath for 5 seconds, and then breathe out for 5 seconds.

You can continue this process until your thoughts slow down or you notice some relief.

When you can find your breath, try practicing the 5-4-3-2-1 technique. For that, you want to look around and focus on:

The idea is that the 5-4-3-2-1 technique helps you shift your focus to what's currently happening around you instead of what's making you feel anxious.

Focusing on each of your senses is a simple way to distract yourself from those thoughts that may be causing your anxiety.

Consider choosing a couple of exercises for each sense and trying to focus all your attention on the sensations.

Sight

To engage your sense of sight, here are some ideas:

Look at every little detail on a family photo on the wall.

Focus on a small object, such as a pencil or coffee mug, and identify every color and shape.

Look at the sky for clouds, birds, sunrises, or anything else you can spot around.

Focus your attention on a plant or flower and how it moves with the wind.

Observe a pet while they play or rest.

You can pick large or small items to focus on. Once you choose an object, try to notice the color, texture, and patterns.

Touch

Activating your sense of touch can help distract you from anxious thoughts and may help you decrease the physical signs of anxiety.

You might want to try these exercises:

Put your hands under running water, alternating between warm and cold temperatures every 30 seconds.

Focus on how your clothing feels on your body or how your hair feels on your head.

Touch different body parts by pressing down and holding for 30 seconds before moving to a different area.

Touch the furniture in your living area and focus on its texture. For example, take notice of a smooth table.

Hearing

Focusing on external sounds can help ground you in the moment.

Here are some noises to notice:

a barking dog

a stomach rumbling

a clock ticking

traffic outside

a car or subway engine

music

conversation

birds singing

the wind blowing

Smell

To incorporate smell into your grounding techniques, you may want to try these tips:

Walk into your bathroom and sniff a bar of soap or shampoo.

Light a scented candle.

Diffuse a scented oil.

Take in simple smells around you, such as the scent of a pillow on the couch or a pencil.

Walk outside and breathe deeply through your nose. Maybe you will smell fresh cut grass or flowers blooming.

Taste

Try to pick something that you can easily taste, such as:

You don't actually have to taste these items if you don't have them on hand. Instead, try thinking about the distinct flavors as you remember them.

Here are some additional tips to consider that can help when trying to engage your 5 senses to calm down:

Begin grounding yourself in your senses as soon you realize you're experiencing strong emotions or a difficult mood.

Don't make good or bad judgements. For instance, if you're focusing on a brown wall but don't like the color brown, simply tell yourself: "The wall is brown," instead of, "I don't like brown."

Do your best to focus on the present, not the past or future. If your thoughts wander, softly bring them back to your senses.

Notice your mood before and after using a technique to see if it's working for you. You might want to use a scale of 0 to 10 to rate your symptoms. Noticing relief may calm you down even more.

Be flexible. If you notice one method is more successful than another, stick with that without judgement.

Don't give up. It might take a few attempts before grounding methods are successful.

Engaging all your five senses may help reduce symptoms of stress and worry.

You can follow simple grounding exercises that activate your five senses - sight, touch, hearing, smell, and taste. For example, simply listening to birds chirping or smelling fresh cut grass could help you focus less on your anxious thoughts and more on the present moment.

If you're having a difficult time managing your anxiety, you may want to consider reaching out to a mental health expert. They can provide you with additional tools to manage your symptoms and discover the root cause of the anxiety.

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The Best Grounding Techniques for Anxiety Relief

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Everyone feels anxious at one time or another. But did you know that engaging your five senses may help calm your worries? Not everyone experiences anxiety in the same way, and what may offer anxiety relief to you may not work for someone else.

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https://www.healthline.com/health/anxiety-exercises

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Overview

Most people experience anxiety at some point in their lives. These exercises may help you relax and find relief.

Anxiety is a typical human reaction to stress. But too much anxiety can get in the way of living a healthy, happy life. If you feel caught up in your anxiety, try one or a few of the following exercises anytime and anywhere to find relief. The goal is to perform exercises that can quickly help you relax.

Why anxiety exercises work
They address your body's stress responses - such as increased heart rate, rapid breathing, and tense muscles - and help replace them with what your body feels when you're relaxed.

When you're feeling anxious, you might notice that your heart rate and breathing get a bit faster. You may also begin to sweat and feel dizzy or lightheaded. When you're anxious, getting your breathing under control can relax both your body and mind.

To get your breathing under control when you're anxious, follow these steps:

1. Sit in a quiet and comfortable place. Put one of your hands on your chest and the other on your stomach. Your stomach should move more than your chest when you breathe in deeply.

2. Take a slow and regular breath in through your nose. Watch and sense your hands as you breathe in. The hand on your chest should remain still while the hand on your stomach will move slightly.

3. Breathe out through your mouth slowly.

4. Repeat this process at least 10 times or until you begin to feel your anxiety lessen.

Have you ever heard the "finding your happy place" expression? Painting a mental picture of a place that makes you feel relaxed can actually calm your brain and body.

When you start to feel anxious, sit in a quiet and comfortable place. Think of your ideal place to relax. While it can be any place in the world, real or imaginary, it should be an image that you find very calming, happy, peaceful, and safe. Make sure it's easy enough to think about so you can return to it in your mind when you feel anxious in the future.

Think of all the small details you'd find if you were there. Think about how the place would smell, feel, and sound. Envision yourself in that place, enjoying it comfortably.

Once you have a good picture of your "happy place," close your eyes and take slow and regular breaths through your nose and out of your mouth. Be aware of your breathing and continue focusing on the place you've imagined in your mind until you feel your anxiety lifting. Visit this place in your mind whenever you feel anxious.

When you feel anxious, you might notice strain or tension in your muscles. This muscle stress can make your anxiety more difficult to manage in the moment you're experiencing it. By relieving the stress in your muscles, you can usually reduce your anxiety levels.

To quickly relieve your muscle tension during moments of anxiety:

1. Sit in a quiet and comfortable place. Close your eyes and focus on your breathing. Breathe slowly into your nose and out of your mouth.

2. Use your hand to make a tight fist. Squeeze your fist tightly.

3. Hold your squeezed fist for a few seconds. Notice all the tension you feel in your hand.

4. Slowly open your fingers and be aware of how you feel. You may notice a feeling of tension leaving your hand. Eventually, your hand will feel lighter and more relaxed.

5. Continue tensing and then releasing various muscle groups in your body, from your hands, legs, shoulders, or feet. You may want to work your way up and down your body tensing various muscle groups. Avoid tensing the muscles in any area of your body where you're injured or in pain, as that may further aggravate your injury.

Counting is a simple way to ease your anxiety. When you feel anxiety washing over you, find a quiet and comfortable place to sit. Close your eyes and slowly count to 10. If necessary, repeat and count to 20 or an even higher number. Keep counting until you feel your anxiety subsiding.

Sometimes this relief occurs quickly, but other times it might take a while. Stay calm and patient. Counting can relax you because it gives you something to focus on besides your anxiety. It's a great tool to use in a crowded or busy space like a store or train where other anxiety exercises might be more challenging to carry out.

Anxiety exercises take practice
Relaxation is a skill you learn. Much like physical exercise, it takes practice.
Choose an anxiety exercise and try it until you're feeling less anxious.
If one exercise doesn't work, try a different one.

Mindfulness is the practice of being present in your current state and surroundings, gently and without judgment. Staying present can help you create a calm state of mind when you feel your thoughts racing and anxiety building.

To bring yourself outside your thoughts into the present:

1. Find a quiet and comfortable place to sit and close your eyes.

2. Notice how your breathing and body feel.

3. Now shift your awareness to the sensations you observe in your surroundings. Ask yourself What's happening outside of my body? Notice what you hear, smell, and feel in your environment.

4. Change your awareness several times from your body to your environment and back again until your anxiety starts to fade.

It can be hard to think clearly when you feel anxious. Sometimes anxious thinking can make us believe harmful thoughts that are untrue or make us do things that make our anxiety worse. It can be helpful to break or interrupt your anxious thoughts so you can think clearly and react appropriately to your thoughts.

Here's how to break your anxious thought cycle:

Ask yourself whether endless worry is a problem for you. If the answer is yes, it's good to be aware of that.

Try different ways of interrupting your anxious thought process, such as:

Singing a silly song about your anxiety to an upbeat tempo, or speaking your anxieties in a funny voice.

Choose a nice thought to focus on instead of your anxiety. This could be a person you love, your happy place, or even something you look forward to doing later that day, such as eating a nice dinner.

Listen to music or read a book.

Be conscious when you shift your attention from your anxiety to a task at hand and notice how you feel.

Do you feel worse?
Anxiety exercises may not work for everyone and may actually make symptoms worse for people who have a diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). If you have GAD, consult your doctor for more effective treatment options.

Anxiety can intrude on thoughts and activities, and sometimes it's hard to make anxiety go away. But know that it's possible to get relief, even if you feel caught up in it. Next time you're feeling anxious, give one of these anxiety exercises a try.

Also, check out the best apps for anxiety. From nature sounds to acupressure, these apps offer a variety of techniques. However, if your anxiety often interferes with your daily life, happiness, and activities, consider seeing a mental health expert for further help.

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Anxiety Exercises: 6 Exercises for Relief and Relaxation

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Try one or more of these six exercises that you can do anywhere to help relieve your anxiety, relax your mind, and get back to your life.

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https://www.wgsn.com/en/blogs/colours-to-soothe-anxiety-promote-wellness

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During this turbulent and tough time, so many of us have found a new reality for working, socialising and parenting, all without leaving our homes. Getting to grips with a new daily routine, social distancing from loved ones and a lot of extra time on our hands can sometimes make us feel overwhelmed and anxious, but it is key to remember you are not alone and we will all get through this together. Whether it be by getting yourself in a routine that feels like a new normal or daily facetimes with loved ones, there are tips and tricks to help us stay on track and adapt in these confusing times.

Colour is something which impacts us all and often we take it for granted. Colour has the power to directly impact human behaviour, whether that be to activate or calm us down. We wanted to delve further into colour psychology by introducing five colours that can help influence our mental wellbeing, whether that comes from dressing, visualising or surrounding ourselves in the soothing, soft tones explored below.
Soothing Lavender
With the capacity to bring balance and make you feel inner peace, this colour asks us to connect our bodies and our minds, and bring them to the fore. Purple hues are known to signify strength, peace and wisdom. Studies even suggest that the power of meditation is up to 10-times greater when practiced under purple lights.
Pistachio Green
Green is a restful and nurturing tone. We associate it directly with nature and the lush outdoors, and being in nature is proven to improve mood, cognition and health.

Symbolizing health and prosperity, the Egyptians believed it was a sacred colour, representing hope, joy, spring and fertility. The creamier, softer shades are best to soothe and calm.
Lavender Grey
You might be a little surprised to see grey on this list since it is often linked with low moods and cloudy skies, however, the right shade of grey can be very calming and relaxing. Lavender Grey has a subtle hint of lilac to it, uplifting the shade and bringing a sense of balance. As grey is a cool, neutral and balanced colour, it creates both a solid and stable grounding - perfect to evoke a sense of calm and composure, and relief from a chaotic world.
Powdered Pink
Pink promotes tranquillity and peace. In fact, Feng Shui believes it is the perfect tone for soothing energy, filling the heart with love. When choosing the right shade of pink, think soft and light, as brighter shades could leave you feeling overstimulated.

Pinks can stir feelings of compassion, nurture and love, especially in the softer, lighter variations which are linked to tenderness and empathy.

This colour stands true to its name: peaceful, calm and gentle. Blue tones have the tremendous power of managing your stress and offering an escapism, especially in these softer, neutral shades. It was no surprise that Coloro's recent #stayhomewithcoloro campaign on Instagram saw many people picking the summer sky as one of their top five colours that spark joy.

Blue can calm your mind, slow your heart rate and lower your blood pressure, in turn reducing anxiety.

These five colours are rooted in nature and have an optimistic outlook which we hope will soothe your senses and ignite feelings of joy, tranquillity and ease. However, colour is a subjective matter and we would love to hear which five tones spark joy in you. Get involved with #stayhomewithcoloro on Instagram and share with us the colours which soothe you during this time of unease.

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Colours to Soothe Anxiety & Promote Wellness

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During this turbulent and tough time, so many of us have found a new reality for working, socialising and parenting, all without leaving our homes. Getting to grips with a new daily routine, social distancing from loved ones and a lot of extra time on our hands can sometimes make us feel overwhelmed and anxious, but it is key to remember you are not alone and we will all get through this together.

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https://moffitt.org/endeavor/archive/color-your-world-to-relieve-stress/

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By Staff Writer - November 16, 2018

The world is full of color, and like everyone else, you have your own likes and dislikes. You may have noticed that certain colors can alter your mood. What you may not realize, though, is that color can affect you subconsciously as well.

In many cultures, color is used to promote health and wellness. For instance, some practitioners of feng shui and acupuncture incorporate the use of color in the form of gemstones, candles, fabrics and prisms. This practice, which is known as chromotherapy, is a form of alternative medicine that uses color and light to restore imbalances in an individual's physical, mental, emotional or spiritual energy.
How different colors can impact your well-being
Different colors can produce different physical, emotional and psychological effects. While some colors are calming, others are stimulating. Surrounding yourself with appropriate colors can help you harness their unique benefits, such as stress reduction. Consider the potential effects of some common colors:

Red - An exciting and stimulating color, red is often associated with passion and can be used to lift your spirits when you experience an emotional slump.

Pink - A soft and tranquil color, pink can inspire a calming sense of peace and balance.

Orange - Similar to red, orange is an intense and stimulating color that can make you feel invigorated.

Yellow - Softer than red and orange, but still sunny and cheerful, yellow can both improve your mood and counteract stress.

Green - Quiet and restful, green is a soothing color that can invite harmony and diffuse anxiety.

Blue - A highly peaceful color, blue can be especially helpful for stress management because it can encourage a powerful sense of calm.

Purple - In many cultures, shades of violet represent strength, wisdom and peace. Purple can invoke a tranquil feeling that helps reduce stress.

White - Symbolic of purity and freshness, bright white can inspire mental clarity (on the other hand, dull white can cloud your emotions).

Black - An elegant color that can represent power or submission depending on the circumstances, black should be used carefully because it can encourage either extreme.

Learn more about the Arts in Medicine Program.

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By Staff Writer - November 16, 2018 The world is full of color, and like everyone else, you have your own likes and dislikes. You may have noticed that certain colors can alter your mood. What you may not realize, though, is that color can affect you subconsciously as well.

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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/de-stress/7-relaxing-colors-and-how-they-affect-your-mood/articleshow/46946305.cms

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7 relaxing colors and how they affect your mood! - Times of India

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Colors are also connected to your moods. Few colors can make you feel good while others can make you angry. Find the best colors for better mood.

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https://www.countryliving.com/uk/wellbeing/news/a2450/scents-calm-stress/

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Many of us deal with stress, and whether only now and again, or on a more regular basis, it greatly reduces our sense of wellbeing.

Meditation, engaging with nature and ensuring a good night's sleep are some suggested ways to try and beat stress. But there may be something slightly unexpected to add to this list - scent.

Speaking to the Mail Online, perfumer Ben Janousek, has revealed that through the process of aromachology you can see how different scents affect the brain. Ben helped create the new limited edition fragrance, Fenwick Quiescent, using this technique. He says there are certain fragrances that help calm specific stressful situations.

"Aromachology is the study of the influence of odours on human behaviour," he told Mail Online. "Using memory association we can pair certain smells to different emotions.

"For example, if you have felt most relaxed whilst on holiday, the smells you have experienced at that very moment can be replicated at home and help trigger a similar sense of calm."

Find your inner calm with Ben's choice of six fragrances for different stress-inducing situations...
1. Sea breeze
This fragrance is linked to holiday time and relaxation. Because of this association it is great for soothing an overactive and worried mind.
2. Ylang ylang
Perfect for soothing an argument, ylang ylang is known for its relaxing properties. "The pure essential oil of these blossoms has been found to aid issues of palpitations, anxiety, depression, and high blood pressure," Ben says.
3. Lavender
This lovely fragrance can help reduce emotional stress and calm your nerves. The essential oil can also improve tension, depression and headaches. An example of a situation lavender is good for is the school run. Lavender can also help you drift off to sleep so place it in your bedroom too.
4. Lemon
Citrus scents work wonders at calming work stress. Lemon and other citrus fragrances improve concentration and have calming properties.
5. Grassy notes
A lot of people love the smell of freshly cut grass as it reminds them of happy, summer days. This is why scents with grassy notes can have a positive impact on your mental state. A hectic shopping trip can be helped with this specific smell.
6. Rosemary
A stressful supermarket shop can be eased by rosemary. It can improve your memory and reduce feelings of mental and physical tiredness due to its stimulating properties.
Fenwick Quiescent is available exclusively at Fenwick Bracknell while stocks last. For more information about Fenwick Bracknell and Fenwick Quiescent please visit Fenwick.co.uk/Quiescent.

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6 scents that can calm you in any stressful situation

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Many of us deal with stress, and whether only now and again, or on a more regular basis, it greatly reduces our sense of wellbeing. Meditation, engaging with nature and ensuring a good night's sleep are some suggested ways to try and beat stress .

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https://www.healthline.com/health/anxiety/essential-oils-for-anxiety#our-picks

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Aromatherapy is often used as a natural remedy to relieve anxiety and stress. Find out which essential oils you can use for anxiety symptoms.

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https://www.verywellmind.com/aromatherapy-for-panic-disorder-2584281

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Complementary and alternative medicine ( CAM) is a term used to describe a wide range of unconventional practices and products used for wellness and healing purposes. Some common examples of CAM include progressive muscle relaxation, acupuncture, yoga, and therapeutic massage. The use of CAM practices has continued to grow in popularity and are now used to help treat a variety of conditions, including anxiety disorders.

Aromatherapy is another type of CAM that is often practiced to reduce the symptoms of stress and anxiety. Used in conjunction with conventional treatment options, aromatherapy may assist in managing your panic symptoms.﻿﻿ The following offers an overview of aromatherapy for panic disorder, including a description of scents that may help with anxiety symptoms:

What Is Aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils to heal physical and emotional conditions and enhance one's personal wellness. Essential oils are derived from different parts of plants, including the flowers, branches, leaves, or fruits. There are numerous types of essential oils, each with its own unique scent and remedial properties. These oils can also be blended together to create new scents and different medicinal values.

Aromatherapy is being used to treat a variety of physical and mental health conditions, such as depression, skin problems, and fatigue.

To promote health and healing, aromatherapy can be administered in numerous different forms. For instance, essential oils can be used in diffusers to carry a scent throughout a room. These oils can be combined with carrier oils for a relaxing massage experience. Essential oils can be added to bathwater or on a compress to soothe skin. They are also used in many home and beauty products, including body lotions, candles, and incense.

Scents for Panic Disorder and Agoraphobia

There are certain essential oils that may help in reducing feelings of fear and anxiety, decreasing stress, and enhancing mood. The following describes a few common aromatherapy scents that have been used to elicit relaxation and decrease negative emotions:

Lavender: Known for its soothing effects, lavender oil is often used to help one relax and unwind. The smell of lavender is believed to help boost one's mood and reduce feelings of nervousness. This scent can be used at any time of day to facilitate a calming effect. It can be especially beneficial to use before bed to promote restful sleep. Lavender oil has also been found to relieve headaches and migraines, which are common co-occurring conditions for people with panic disorder.﻿﻿

Lemon: This essential oil is thought to reduce feelings of sluggishness, fatigue, and sadness. The scent of lemon oil is believed to help uplift one's mood, improve concentration, reduce fearful thinking, and relieve stress.

Bergamot: The smell of bergamot oil can help one feel refreshed and energized. This essential oil may also help in coping with panic disorder symptoms, as it is believed to help stabilize fearful thinking, lower anxious feelings, and bring about deep relaxation.﻿﻿

Ylang-ylang: This fragrant oil comes from the beautiful flowers of the ylang-ylang tree. This scent may help relieve tension, sadness, and worry. Research has shown that ylang-ylang may boost mood and attitude.﻿﻿

Safety Concerns and Other Precautions

Due to its growth in popularity, aromatherapy oils are more easily available than ever. Many specialty shops, health food stores, and large chain grocery stores carry a wide variety of essential oils. However, there are some potential issues with having essential oils so readily available.

First, there is insufficient research and little scientific proof demonstrating the effectiveness of aromatherapy.

Using aromatherapy oils to treat medical or mental health conditions has not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Essential oils are also not standardized by the FDA, causing the potential for diluted oils to be sold through retailers.

Second, it is possible to have an adverse reaction to essential oils. These strong scents may cause headaches, dizziness, and nausea.﻿﻿ It is also possible to have an allergic reaction, which can lead to difficulty in breathing and skin irritation. Essential oils should not be ingested, as they have the potential for toxicity.

Last, even though essential oils are easy to find, they should not be used without the guidance of a certified aromatherapist and clearance from your doctor. When discussing this option with your doctor, make certain that he or she is aware of any prescription and over-the-counter drugs you are taking. Additionally, some aromatherapy oils may not be recommended to those with certain medical conditions or for those who are pregnant or nursing.

Unlike aromatherapy, conventional treatment options, such as psychotherapy and medication, have been thoroughly researched and evaluated for safety and effectiveness. However, aromatherapy may be a helpful addition to your more standard treatment plan. You may find that some essential oils help you feel more peaceful and calm, alleviating some of your panic and anxiety symptoms.

Additional Reading

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Using Essential Oils to Ease Anxiety When You Have Panic Disorder

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Complementary and alternative medicine ( CAM) is a term used to describe a wide range of unconventional practices and products used for wellness and healing purposes. Some common examples of CAM include progressive muscle relaxation, acupuncture, yoga, and therapeutic massage.

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https://baijiahao.baidu.com/s?id=1753356250227399809&wfr=spider&for=pc

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多感官训练可改善抑郁、压力和焦虑

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巴斯大学的研究人员发表的一项新研究表明，学习演奏乐器对大脑处理图像和声音的能力有积极影响，并表明它还有助于消除情绪化。 该研究小组发表在《科学报告》之上的研究结果显示，初学者每周只上一个小时的钢琴课，持续11周之后，他们在识别环境视听变化方面有了显著的进步，并表示感到抑郁、压力和焦虑减少了。 ...

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https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19289242/

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Abstract

Aims: The purpose of this study was to investigate and assess the effects of musical therapy, painting inanimate-animate object pictures, and orientation to time-place-person interventions on the cognitive state, depression, and anxiety levels of mildly-affected Alzheimer's patients.

Methods: The study using a quasi-experimental design was conducted with 27 mildly-affected Alzheimer's patients. The effects of the multisensory stimulation were evaluated with the "Mini Mental State Examination," the "Geriatric Depression Scale," and the "Beck Anxiety Scale." All of these were administered one day prior to beginning the study, immediately after its completion, and three weeks thereafter.

Results: A significant negative correlation was determined to exist between the MMSE-depression scores and MMSE-anxiety scores; the correlation between the depression-anxiety scores, on the other hand, had a positive significance. The shifts over time in the MMSE, depression and anxiety scores were significant.

Conclusion: The primary conclusion of the study is that the multisensory stimulation method applied to mildly-affected Alzheimer's patients had a positive effect on their cognitive state, depression, and anxiety, and that this effect continued for three weeks following completion of the study intervention, with a tendency to decline progressively.

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Phytochemical Compounds and Nanoparticles as Phytochemical Delivery Systems for Alzheimer's Disease Management.

Bakrim S, Aboulaghras S, El Menyiy N, El Omari N, Assaggaf H, Lee LH, Montesano D, Gallo M, Zengin G, AlDhaheri Y, Bouyahya A. Bakrim S, et al. Molecules. 2022 Dec 19;27(24):9043. doi: 10.3390/molecules27249043. Molecules. 2022. PMID: 36558176 Free PMC article. Review.

Creativity and art therapies to promote healthy aging: A scoping review.

Galassi F, Merizzi A, D'Amen B, Santini S. Galassi F, et al. Front Psychol. 2022 Sep 26;13:906191. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.906191. eCollection 2022. Front Psychol. 2022. PMID: 36225688 Free PMC article. Review.

The promise of music therapy for Alzheimer's disease: A review.

Matziorinis AM, Koelsch S. Matziorinis AM, et al. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2022 Oct;1516(1):11-17. doi: 10.1111/nyas.14864. Epub 2022 Jul 18. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2022. PMID: 35851957 Free PMC article. Review.

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national center for biotechnology information

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Effects of multisensory stimulation on cognition, depression and anxiety levels of mildly-affected Alzheimer's patients - PubMed

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The primary conclusion of the study is that the multisensory stimulation method applied to mildly-affected Alzheimer's patients had a positive effect on their cognitive state, depression, and anxiety, and that this effect continued for three weeks following completion of the study intervention, with ...

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https://www.safesleepspace.com.au/blogs/news/white-noise-for-babies-is-it-safe

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In the last few years, white noise has become another option in the already overcrowded baby space. White noise machine manufacturers claim they improve baby sleep, calm fractious crying and help to establish awake/sleep cycles.

White noise is also becoming popular for parents who are keen for their baby not to be disturbed by other noises.

But how true are the facts and can white noise actually cause more harm than good?

Read on to find out the facts and see what's important to understand when it comes to white noise.

What exactly is white noise?

White noise is a sound which masks other sounds happening in an environment. White noise is produced by combining all the different frequencies of sound at once, so no one sound is clear and distinct from the others. It sounds fuzzy with no specific pitch. Some examples of white noise are a fan whirring in the background, a television with the sound down low or an air-conditioner humming away. White noise often sounds like a low, steady whirring, buzzing, humming or shushing and helps to block out other noises by its sound masking capabilities. There are also lots of white noise apps which can be downloaded onto a phone or tablet. Most are free and play continuously until they're turned off.

What are the proposed benefits of white noise?

One early study (1990) found that white noise could be helpful in assisting babies to go to sleep. Since then, there have been other studies which are less positive about the effects of white noise.

It's important for parents to check current evidence before deciding what's right for them and their baby.

White noise can be useful to block out other household noise. Children playing, environmental noise, dogs barking, loud music and traffic can all disturb a sleeping baby.

Some parents say their baby soon learned to how to associate sleep with white noise and that it works as a cue for sleep time.

White noise is under parental control, when so much isn't. It can be turned on or off, turned up or turned down - and be individualized according to the parent's and baby's wishes.

It's another 'thing to try' in the process of encouraging little people to go to sleep.

Baby specific white noise machines often have a range of sounds to choose from. Background 'shh-ing' noises can have an overlay of music, lullabies or even a heartbeat to mimic sounds the baby was exposed to in utero.

Some parents find that listening to white noise helps them to focus their attention elsewhere whilst they are settling their baby. For parents struggling with anxiety relating to their baby's sleep/settling, white noise can be a calming influence.

Some babies become so accustomed to noise that when their environment is completely quiet, they are more wakeful. Having consistent background white noise is less unsettling than complete silence.

What are the Disadvantages of White Noise?

White noise machines can increase the risk of noise-related hearing loss as they work on the principle of accumulated noise. When they're played at a high volume, for a long period of time, the baby is exposed to noise which their developing ears are not designed for. The anatomy of their ear is very different to adults and long term hearing loss, as well as audio processing disorders is a possibility.

Babies can become so accustomed to hearing white noise that when it's absent, they can't sleep. This means it can be very inconvenient to go away for a few days or, be in a situation where it's just not possible to use white noise.

Buying a white noise machine can be costly. Though some are available for around $30, they can creep up in price to $100 or more.

Many parents are big believers in minimising the assistance they give their child to go off to sleep. Boosting self settling skills in infancy can be a good thing, adopting the mantra 'start as you mean to go on'.

Not every baby likes white noise. Don't assume your baby will respond positively to hearing it playing in their sleep space. Parents similarly, can become more than mildly irritated hearing a persistent 'shh shh shh' or sound of water running, especially mothers who are struggling with incontinence issues!

There have been concerns raised by researchers into potential problems with white noise contributing to auditory processing issues in children.

White Noise - is it Safe?

The big issue with white noise machines is that we don't know yet what the long term effects of using them may be. They haven't been around for long enough to give any definitive answers about harm. But we do know that a baby's ear is different to an adult. One study attended in 2014 by researchers from The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto found that many of the white noise machines they tested, exceeded what could be considered a safe decibel range - at that time 50 decibels.

A range of sounds, emitting from a number of white noise machines were tested when placed at three distances from the baby's head. All of those tested exceeded the recommendation of noise limits for babies in hospital nurseries (at that time). Even though this study was conducted a few years ago - there's no proof that white noise machines currently available aren't exceeding safe noise levels.

Perhaps the recommendation at the time of this study still has relevance - to keep white noise machines at least 200cms away from the baby's cot, as far away from the baby as possible and importantly, set to the minimum or lowest possible volume.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), safe listening depends on the intensity (loudness), duration and frequency of exposure to sounds. All three of these factors combine to the sound energy level the ears are exposed to. The highest safe exposure level for adults is 85 decibels over eight hours.

Some researchers claim that white noise can lead to children developing auditory processing disorders. This is because the brain quickly adapts to the sound and stops acknowledging it as something worth listening to. The long term effects of this can lead to issues with learning, speech and language.

Audio processing disorders can contribute to a range of developmental and learning problems. In addition, it's felt that exposure to white noise machines may put babies at risk of developing noise induced hearing loss or, as noted above, maldevelopment of the auditory (hearing) system.

How to Safely Use White Noise

First, think about other ways to soothe and settle your baby. Ideally, try not to use white noise but other ways to support your baby to go to sleep.

Always read the manufacturer's directions and safety warnings.

Never put a white noise device, phone or tablet inside your baby's cot.

Make sure the volume is set to low or the minimum sound level and never louder than this.

Use white noise only as a background sound, never in the foreground.

Be mindful of the intrusive nature of high volume sounds, especially when your baby is trying to sleep.

Aim for white noise level not to exceed a quiet conversation or a shower running.

Turn the white noise off once your baby is asleep.

Never place a white noise machine near your baby's head or ears.

Place the white noise machine as far away as possible from your baby's cot.

Turn the volume down or alternately, don't turn it up to maximum.

Only use for settling periods, no longer than an hour and turn off white noise once your baby is asleep.

Try not to use a white noise machine for every sleep.

Speak with your Child Health Nurse, GP and/or baby's paediatrician about current research around white noise and the risks of using it.

References

Written for Safe Sleep Space by Jane Barry, Midwife and Child Health Nurse.

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In the last few years, white noise has become another option in the already overcrowded baby space. White noise machine manufacturers claim they improve baby sleep, calm fractious crying and help to establish awake/sleep cycles. White noise is also becoming popular for parents who are keen for their baby not to be disturbed by other noises.

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https://open.spotify.com/track/39VuGM4yBR86s31PAKkhqe

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lxC2X2QqYJc

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LIFE IN THE WOMB BEFORE BIRTH  senses hearing and touch part 8

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https://auditoryneuroscience.com/learning-and-plasticity/sounds-heard-unborn-babies-utero

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This extract of a You Tube video entitled " Life in the Womb" describes the types of sound that the human fetus is likely to be exposed to in utero. Human fetuses are known to become sensitive to sound well before birth, but to think that they hear just as grown ups do would be very naive. While experience of the sounds that reach the ears of the fetus, which can originate from inside as well as outside the mother's body, may well influence the development of the auditory pathways, the brain of unborn babies, and even neonates, is very immature in many respects. Consequently, developmental changes are observed in most auditory perceptual abilities, with adult function sometimes taking several years to be attained.

Your browser does not support the video tag.

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This extract of a You Tube video entitled " Life in the Womb" describes the types of sound that the human fetus is likely to be exposed to in utero. Human fetuses are known to become sensitive to sound well before birth, but to think that they hear just as grown ups do would be very naive.

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https://lozierinstitute.org/dive-deeper/hearing-in-the-womb/

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Some researchers have found that the fetus pays attention when the mother speaks. When mothers stroked their bellies or read a book out loud, fetuses from 19 to 31 weeks after conception changed their behaviors. Specifically, when the fetuses had been stroked, they moved their arms, heads, and mouths more. When their mother read aloud, they moved less than when she had been still and silent. In another interesting study of fetuses at 23 weeks after conception, the fetuses opened their mouths more often when the mother sang a nursery rhyme than when she made other mouth noises, such as chewing and yawning. This is one of the first examples of the fetus imitating the mother's vocal behaviors, and surprisingly, this occurs without any visual information.

Research shows that when premature infants born between 23 and 30 weeks post- conception listen to recordings of their mother's voice and heartbeat in the neonatal intensive care unit, they have larger auditory processing areas in their brains than if they do not listen to these maternal sounds. This suggests that the fetus needs these sounds for proper hearing development.

Exposure to extremely loud noises (>80 dB)with low frequency sound from 30-40 weeks gestational age will delay the tuning of the cells in the cochlea and can even damage the infant's hearing. It is important to never put headphones directly on the abdomen because the sounds from each earphone combine in the womb and can damage the fetal cochlear hair cells.

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Hearing in the Womb - Charlotte Lozier Institute

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Some researchers have found that the fetus pays attention when the mother speaks. When mothers stroked their bellies or read a book out loud, fetuses from 19 to 31 weeks after conception changed their behaviors. Specifically, when the fetuses had been stroked, they moved their arms, heads, and mouths more.

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https://utswmed.org/medblog/sensory-development-utero/

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From a very early gestational age, babies can sense the world around them.

A lot more than just physical development happens during the 40 weeks a baby spends growing in his or her mother's womb. Not only are babies busy developing physical adaptations to function after birth, they are also eagerly sensing the world around them, starting from a very early gestational age.

Recent research has focused on the amazing sensory development that occurs long before a baby exits its mother's womb. Much of this forms the basis of the infant's early attachment to the mom and begins the long process of its learning about the postnatal world.

Touch

This is the very first sense to form, with development starting at around 8 weeks. The sense of touch initially begins with sensory receptor development in the face, mostly on the lips and nose. Over the next several months, touch receptors begin to develop on other parts of the body: the palms and soles by 12 weeks and the abdomen by 17 weeks.

However, brain scans on unborn infants suggest fetuses do not sense pain until after 30 weeks, when the somatosensory neural pathways finish developing. By the mid-third trimester, however, the baby is able to appreciate a full range of sensations, including heat, cold, pressure, and pain in every part of the body.

Sight

Although it is dark inside the womb, human skin does allow light to pass through and provide some illumination for the developing fetus. According to psychologist Vincent Reid from the University of Lancaster who has studied this issue, the uterus can be a surprisingly luminous place, "analogous to being in a room where the lights are switched off and the curtains are drawn."

Based on this premise, Reid and his colleagues have studied the reaction of third-trimester fetuses to patterns of red dots shone into the womb. The babies' reactions to different light patterns were monitored using high-definition ultrasound. Researchers found fetuses were about twice as likely to track the movement of dot patterns that resembled a human face, the same pattern and preference that has been demonstrated in babies after birth.

This suggests that our preference for human faces may be innate and not simply a result of experiences that occur after birth. Furthermore, it makes clear that the fetus actively responds to the external world long before he or she ever enters it.

Sound

It was first recognized in the 1980s that babies likely hear while in utero and are able to distinguish and identify voice patterns starting in the womb.

Starting in 1980, researchers demonstrated babies prefer their mother's voice shortly after birth. By attaching a nonnutritive nipple to a tape recorder, the study showed newborns would suck more to hear their mother's voice compared to a tape of stranger's voice.

In a follow-up experiment, researchers asked pregnant women to read The Cat in the Hat to their unborn fetuses repetitively for the final seven weeks of their pregnancies for a total of 5 hours of exposure. After birth, researchers allowed infants to choose between two recordings using the same nipple-recorder device, one of their mothers reading The Cat in the Hat and the other of their mothers reading a different children's book. The babies showed a consistent preference for the recording of The Cat in the Hat, presumably based on their prenatal exposure.

Since these initial studies, more research has been published suggesting fetuses are able to hear and even learn in the womb.

Taste/Smell

Taste and smell are innately intertwined because our sense of taste is actually 90 percent smell. Some flavors, such as vanilla, carrot, garlic, anise and mint, have been shown to be transmitted into amniotic fluid, which babies live in and routinely drink several ounces of each day.

To determine this, researchers gave pregnant women both garlic and sugar capsules before taking a routine sample of their amniotic fluid. The samples were smelled by blindfolded panel members who could easily determine which samples came from women who ate garlic, providing indirect evidence that babies are experiencing these smells and tastes in utero.

To further test this theory, one group of pregnant women was instructed to drink carrot juice every day during pregnancy while another group was told to avoid it completely. Once the children began eating solid food, researchers fed them cereal made with either water or carrot juice. They found babies exposed to carrot in amniotic fluid ate more of the carrot flavored cereal!

Sensory development after birth

Evidence of early in-utero sensory development means we may be able to start influencing a baby's postnatal development based on the mother's external sensory environment during pregnancy. We would do this by modifying factors such as maternal food intake or ambient music selection. However, the majority of an infant's sensory development will still occur after birth. So while we can begin molding development early, the most impactful sensory stimulation will still occur once the baby exits the mother's womb!

For more information about pregnancy, labor, and delivery, sign up to receive Your Pregnancy Matters email alerts when we publish new stories. You can also make an appointment to see one of our specialists by calling 214-645-8300.

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Womb with a view: Sensory development in utero | Your Pregnancy Matters | UT Southwestern Medical Center

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A lot more than just physical development happens during the 40 weeks a baby spends growing in his or her mother's womb. Not only are babies busy developing physical adaptations to function after birth, they are also eagerly sensing the world around them, starting from a very early gestational age.

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https://www.reuters.com/article/us-maternal-singing-premature-infants-idUSKBN0GE29P20140814

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NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - For preemies, the combination of hearing mother's voice softly singing while being held against her skin can have a number of health benefits - and it helps moms, too, a new study suggests.

When mothers in a neonatal intensive care unit sang while holding their preterm infants in a skin-to-skin "kangaroo care" position, the babies' heart rate improved compared to when they were held without singing. Mothers' anxiety levels dropped as well.

"We noticed that many mothers want to speak or sing during kangaroo care as a natural feeling of love and care for their child," said lead author Shmuel Arnon, a physician at the Meir Medical Center in Kfar Saba, Israel.

"I thought that singing in public will cause mothers who are not very musically talented to be embarrassed, but on the contrary they felt much more united with their child," Arnon told Reuters Health.

"Holding a premature baby for the first time can cause a mother anxiety for a variety of reasons. The baby has tubes and lines that a mother might worry about messing up, and the baby is fragile, sometimes weighing less than a pound," said Larry Gray, a pediatrician at Comer Children's Hospital at the University of Chicago who was not involved in the new study.

Nevertheless, Gray said, skin-to-skin contact can be life-saving. The baby and mother become "in sync," and in some cases the baby no longer has to work as hard to keep warm.

Every year, nearly 500,000 babies in the U. S are born prematurely, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Beyond their tiny size, preemies are vulnerable to a number of health problems because their organs and nervous systems are not fully developed.

Past research has found that preemies' breathing, heart function and feeding all improve when they hear mother's voice, which is familiar from their time in the womb, Arnon and his coauthors write in Acta Paediatrica.

Other studies have found that kangaroo care can aid brain development, provide pain relief and help a preemie stay warm. The researchers write that both interventions are easy to implement and, at no extra cost, can be combined as a helpful distraction for anxious mothers.

To see whether adding singing to kangaroo care benefited babies or mothers, the study team recruited 86 pairs of mothers and infants between October 2011 and March 2012.

All the babies were born between four and eight weeks early, but were stable enough to participate and able to hear.

Over the course of two days, mother-infant pairs had kangaroo-care sessions with and without singing. Each therapy session started 30 minutes after the babies were fed. Mothers sat in chairs reclined at a 40-degree angle, holding their baby, who was clad only in a diaper, against their skin. A blanket was placed over the baby's back and then the mother's hospital gown was wrapped around the infant.

The sessions took place in a quiet room, and the babies' heart rate, breathing and temperature were monitored.

On the day mothers were asked to sing, they were instructed to stick with a simple and repetitive lullaby in their native language, ideally one they had sung to the baby during pregnancy.

For the first and last ten minutes of each session, every baby received kangaroo care alone, but for 20 minutes in between, mothers assigned to the singing group were told to sing softly. The mothers could see a sound analyzer while they sang and were told to keep the volume of their singing between 60 and 70 decibels.

"We provided each mother a place for her to feel comfortable. Many mothers felt that it was easier to sing than to sit in KC (kangaroo care) position and do nothing," Arnon said.

Before and after each session, mothers answered a standard questionnaire to measure their anxiety on a scale from 20 to 80, with 80 being the worst. Mothers were compared to themselves on days when they sang or didn't sing, and the researchers found singing made a significant difference in their anxiety levels.

On average, mothers who didn't sing during kangaroo care dropped from about a 56 on the anxiety scale before the session to a 43 afterward. Mothers who sang dropped from a score of about 51 beforehand to a 26 after.

For the babies, researchers were interested in changes to the infant's heart rate variability, a measure of nervous system strength and health that's based on the number of heart beats during breathing in and out.

They found the infants' heart rate measurements were significantly better during kangaroo care with singing compared to kangaroo care alone, and they were also much better during and after the singing sessions compared to the period before the mother started singing.

"Even preterm infants recognize their mother's voice from the womb. By using kangaroo care to deliver music, the baby enjoys other stimuli such as vibrations, smell, tactile, auditory and warmth," Arnon said.

Gray called the study "fabulous" and said it shows that skin-to skin contact can help both the mother and the baby. It also "shows that babies do best when mothers are allowed to be mothers," he noted.

"We live in a wonderful world where we have high powered technology that saves lives. Babies need their mothers just as much as they need this medical technology and this study shows that they can get both," Gray said.

SOURCE: bit.ly/1uqxbgN Acta Paediatrica, online August 11, 2014.

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Maternal singing calms preemies and their mothers: study

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NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - For preemies, the combination of hearing mother's voice softly singing while being held against her skin can have a number of health benefits - and it helps moms, too, a new study suggests.

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https://www.ifwip.org/music-pregnancy-fetal-hearing-relaxation-stress-wellbeing/

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International Forum for Wellbeing in Pregnancy

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Since ancient times, music is believed to have healing powers and has been used as a form of therapy. Singing song to the babies is known across different cultures and societies all across the world from time immemorial. Many renowned music composers including Mozart, Brahms and Schubert, composed memorable lullabies. Many How does music help in alleviating health symptoms? researchers in recent times have recommended daily listening to music during pregnancy as an effective way of relaxation during pregnancy. Stress reduction
The exact mechanism of how music helps therapeutically is unknown.
Pain control
The following may be possibilities:
Music may help improving pain symptoms in the following ways:
Music is known to reduce stress symptoms and anxiety by reducing the catecholamine and stress hormone levels. This, in turn, improves general health and wellbeing.

The use of music to help in pain control is called 'music-induced analgesia' (MIA) or 'audio-analgesia'.

1. Increase endorphin secretion. Endorphins reduce pain and create a sense of wellbeing in the brain.

2. The distraction of mind and a 'sense of control' to do something for pain relief at any time during the pain.
Why music therapy could be a unique approach?
3. Better tolerance and coping with pain due to less anxiety and increased relaxation.
Non-pharmacological therapy
4. A direct or indirect inhibitory effect on the Descending Pain Modulatory System (DPMS). This is situated at the brain stem and thought to be responsible for controlling pain perception.

Music therapy during pregnancy could have the following advantages:

Treatment of insomnia and mental health conditions (such as anxiety and depression) with medicine during pregnancy is always challenging.
Cost-effective
This is due to limited data and possible risk of harm of these medications to the fetus.
Suitability
As a result, many pregnant women are extremely concerned about taking antidepressants and other medications.

Music therapy has advantages for being cheap, socially accepted and an enjoyable non-pharmacological option of treatment.

Several individual interventions (such as cognitive-behavioural and interpersonal psychotherapy and hypnotherapy), or group interventions (such as parenthood-based antenatal education) during the third trimester have been shown to reduce postnatal depression.
Music therapy could be a cheap, effective, home-based suitable alternative solution for the pregnant woman. She can listen and enjoy the music at the comfort of her home. What are the musical interventions?
Attending in-person or group appointments could be challenging towards the end of pregnancy due to increased tiredness, pain and discomfort.

It could be even more difficult if the pregnant woman is working or have other commitments.

Musical interventions are of two broad types: Music Medicine and Music Therapy.

Music medicine involves passive listening of (usually pre-recorded) music.

Music therapy, on the other hand, involves assessment, treatment and evaluation by a therapist who uses either pre-recorded or live music.
How music therapy can be beneficial during pregnancy? Many benefits of music therapy to treat various physical and mental health conditions during pregnancy have emerged in recent years. However, more research is required to establish standardised robust therapy protocols for the perinatal period. This would describe a recommended type of music, time and duration of therapy.
The American National Association for Music Therapy (1997) defined music therapy as the use of music to improve physical and psychological health and wellbeing.
1. Sleep
Listening to music (either therapist-guided intervention or a routine day-to-day listening) has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety and depression and promote wellbeing.
2. Stress and anxiety during pregnancy
Music has been shown to help pregnant women in the following ways:
3. Preeclampsia treatment
Studies have shown that music therapy can improve sleep quality.
4. Stress and anxiety during labour
Music therapy can be beneficial in improving prenatal anxiety.
5. Prenatal depression
Music can help in lowering blood pressure in pregnant women with pregnancy-induced hypertension/ preeclampsia. Therefore, can be a useful adjunct to the conventional preeclampsia treatment.
6. Labour pain
Research suggests the benefits of music interventions are effective in reducing anxiety during labour.
7. Planned Caesarean Section
Music can help in reducing depression during pregnancy along with stress and anxiety.

It can help in reducing pain during labour.
8. Prevention of PND
Studies have shown that listening to music prior to the Caesarean section can provide better coping skills to deal with the stress and anxiety before the surgical procedure.

There is some evidence to suggest that music may increase birth satisfaction and experience of planned caesarean section performed under regional anaesthesia (spinal or epidural).
What type of music is beneficial to the fetus?
Addressing good mental wellbeing is vital during pregnancy (especially during the third trimester) to prevent low mood and mental health problems after the childbirth.

Studies have indicated that listening to music in the third trimester of pregnancy can reduce the risk of postnatal depression (PND).

The physiological and psychological response of listening to music depends on its type and rhythm.
Researchers How long one should listen to music for stress reduction? suggest that perhaps regular and low-rhythm music (lullabies) are most suitable for the fetus and newborn babies.
For example, heart rate and blood pressure can increase while listening to fast-paced music.

Whereas, calming, relaxing and slow-paced music can lower both the heart rate and blood pressure.
How does fetus respond to music?
More research is required to confirm the effective duration of listening to music.

Studies have shown that listening to music as little as 30 minutes can reduce stress hormone level.

Another scientific paper found that listening to recorded music for 20 minutes daily for 12 weeks reduced anxiety and depression symptoms during pregnancy.

Fetal hearing:
Hearing development:
The fetus starts responding to music by the changes in the fetal heart and movement within 30 weeks of gestation.

As the pregnancy advances, the hearing perception matures and the fetus responds to even low-level musical stimulation.

Fetal heart rate increases on mother listening to fast music and decreases in response to slow and relaxing musical piece.

Scientists have discovered that the anatomical structure of the ear is developed by 20 weeks of gestation.

Although fetus has been shown to respond to external sound as early as 16 weeks, the hearing system becomes fully functional later (between 25-29 weeks).
The process of fine-tuning of the cochlea and neurons functions well when the fetus is exposed to simple melody music, the voice of the mother and family and common environmental sounds. The sound level should be less than 50dB (This roughly relates to the sound levels of normal conversation).
During this time, neurological connections between the brain ('auditory cortex') and the cochlear system of the middle ear ('receptor organ') becomes complete.
Fetal memory
The third trimester is very important for future hearing abilities of the child.

From 28 weeks of gestation (and until delivery), the hair cells of the cochlea (a key element of the hearing system) and its delicate neuronal connections with the brain undergoes fine-tuning. This is thought to continue for the first few months after birth.

Exposure to the loud noise of over 80 dB (such as machinery or loud music system) can interfere with this process and can also damage the hair cells. This may cause hearing impairment of the child.

Studies have indicated that the fetus also has the ability to remember the sounds and music heard in the mother's womb. They can recognise the tune after birth. A fetus can remember them from a few days to until 4 weeks.
Are reading and singing to the fetus beneficial?
Researchers think that this memory of the sounds ('auditory learning') starts developing from 27 weeks of pregnancy.

Moreover, a newborn perhaps can distinguish between the different external sounds they have heard in the womb.

They can recognise mother's voice (over a stranger's voice) and mother's native language (over a foreign language).

The sound heard by the fetus is muffled by the amniotic fluid, placenta, uterine muscles and body tissues of the mother. Also, there are a plethora of noises the fetus is exposed to in the mother's womb. Examples include the sounds of the mother's heartbeat and movements of the lungs, bowel and joints.

Still, it is quite clear enough for them to recognise distinctly mother's voice or the music. Therefore, the hearing system significantly matures with the growth of the fetus.

However, perhaps the mother's voice is heard better and clearer by the fetus. It is likely to be less attenuated and muffled than external noise and sounds.

Newborn babies seem to identify and recognise novel rhymes read out by their mothers every day in the third trimester.

The fetus responds to the sounds better when the frequencies are lower than 500 Hz. As the sound frequency of a human female voice is around 225 Hz, the mother's voice is a very useful stimulant for the fetus.
Talking, reading and singing to the fetus by the mother during pregnancy can help in developing better bonding and attachment, good hearing functions and possible speech and language development in the forthcoming years. Is any technical music device beneficial?
Talking or singing to the fetus can lay the foundation of good parent-infant attachment.

Some studies indicated that a mother's voice can be important for speech and language development of the child. (1)
No headphone or sound device should be applied directly to the abdomen during pregnancy. This can result in damage to the fetal hearing system (hair cells in the cochlea) and hearing loss. Is exposure to loud noise harmful during pregnancy?
Research also has indicated that the gentle touch of the mother across the abdomen during pregnancy can also influence fetal behaviour and movement and help in the better attachment.
Can music make my baby smarter and more intelligent?
Studies have recommended that technical devices such as pregnancy music belts have no beneficial effect.

Rather, simple singing by the mother during the pregnancy seems to be a more reasonable approach to improve parent-infant bonding.

Scientists advise that exposure to intense low-frequency noise (>60 dB) should be avoided during pregnancy (especially after 20 weeks).

Following the publication of an article at the renowned Nature journal in 1993, many people believed that 10 minutes listening to Mozart sonata for two pianos (K448) can result in better reasoning skills, IQ and academic achievements.

This was called the Mozart effect.
Key points to remember
This followed a popular theory of extending this concept to pregnant women with an idea of having more 'intelligent' babies.

There is no robust scientific data to support such claim and the so-called Mozart effect exists.

Research on animals has shown that it does not increase growth factors (such as neurotrophin) required for brain development.

1. Exposure of the fetus to music during pregnancy can be beneficial.

2. Loud noise (>80dB) should be avoided during pregnancy, especially recurrent and long exposures. This can result in hearing loss.

3. Talking, singing and reading aloud to the baby (by the mother, partner and family member) during pregnancy (especially during the third trimester) can improve bonding and attachment, ensure good hearing, and speech and language development.

4. There is no scientific evidence to suggest that music therapy/ specific compositions during pregnancy makes the baby more intelligent.
Research on music therapy during pregnancy is still at early stages. More robust scientific data is required before offering music therapy in clinical practice and should not replace existing medical care for pain or mental health conditions.
5. Headphones/music device/ loudspeakers should NOT be placed directly on the abdomen during pregnancy.

6. No robust scientific evidence to support the use of pregnancy music belts or other similar commercial devices.

7. Music such as regular, slow and soft rhythm (such as 'lullabies' and classical music) are thought to be most suitable for the fetus.

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Listening to music during pregnancy: Myths and Facts - International Forum for Wellbeing in Pregnancy

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Since ancient times, music is believed to have healing powers and has been used as a form of therapy. Singing song to the babies is known across different cultures and societies all across the world from time immemorial. Many renowned music composers including Mozart, Brahms and Schubert, composed memorable lullabies.

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https://www.dundee.ac.uk/stories/mums-word-unborn-babies-respond-mothers-voice-and-touch

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Research conducted by the University's Psychology department found that a baby in the womb will make more sucking motions when touched or spoken to, compared with those who are left alone.

The findings, published in the journal Infant Behavior and Development, also showed that babies would respond by opening their mouths when the mother spoke to them directly.

"There has always been a lot of questions about how communicative a baby in the womb can be," said Dr Emese Nagy, an expert in fetal-neonatal psychology at Dundee who led the study.

"Many mothers feel that they can communicate with their babies in the womb by touching or talking to them, and this study has allowed mothers to see this before their very eyes.

"Our research allowed us to analyse frame-by-frame the response of the foetus to the interactions from outside and there is clear evidence to suggest that there was a response, even just small movements, to interactions from their mothers."

Dr Nagy and her team wished to determine whether the ability and motivation to socially engage begins at birth or develops within the womb.

Twelve pregnant women, with foetuses between 25-33 weeks of gestation, attended 4D ultrasound sessions. Mothers carried out five tasks: Interactive Touch, Interactive Talk, Non-Interactive Touch, Non-interactive Talk, and a control, where no contact was made at all.

Interactive tasks required mothers to speak to or touch baby over a two-minute period. For non-interactive tasks, mothers were told that a laminated sheet would be shown for five seconds, and in this time they should talk or touch. The sign was then placed down for a further 10 seconds, where the mothers were to stop. These sequences also took place over a two-minute period.

The study found that the Interactive Talk condition prompted increased levels of face-touching by baby compared to all conditions at almost a minute on average. The lowest level of face-touching, at under 20 seconds, was prompted by the Non-interactive Touch condition.

Mouth opening significantly increased in the Interactive Talk condition at almost five seconds - more than double of all other factors assessed.

The study found that foetuses decreased levels of self-touching in response to the mother touching her bump, as if the foetuses were focusing on the mother's touch instead of self-touch.

Foetuses displayed a longer duration of mouth opening in the Interactive Talk condition compared other conditions. Foetuses also showed a significant increase in sucking behaviours during the interactive touch condition, compared to all other conditions.

"This is the first study to compare interactive versus non-interactive engagement of the foetus," added Dr Nagy.

"Though the numbers involved were small, it certainly indicates that interacting with an unborn baby is not just wishful thinking on the part of the mother. Further studies with a larger number of volunteers could help to establish just how commonplace this behaviour is."

The study was carried out by a team, consisting of lead Emese Nagy, Paula Thompson medical sonographer, and psychology students Lauren Mayer and Heather Doughty.

The full study findings can be viewed online.

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Mum's the word: Unborn babies respond to mother's voice and touch

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Research conducted by the University's Psychology department found that a baby in the womb will make more sucking motions when touched or spoken to, compared with those who are left alone. The findings, published in the journal Infant Behavior and Development, also showed that babies would respond by opening their mouths when the mother spoke to them directly.

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https://youtu.be/L0zS7RLURlw

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Music for unborn baby |  Brain development

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https://youtu.be/qj0aRphE0wc

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How to Calm Your Dog Down Music! Relaxing Music for Dogs to Stop Anxiety and Help Keep them Calm! 🐶

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https://youtu.be/p-aFWl27TCM

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Meditation Music for Anxiety & Panic Attacks: Depression & Stress Healing Music, Relax Mind Body

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Mission statement: relieve the symptoms of anxiety disorder through sense of hearing, touching, sight, smelling.

Target audience: people who suffer from anxiety; who need comforter but lose or damage it; age between 18-25

Applications: website(provide comforter customize service); packaging(comforter); music(relief anxiety);music video

Deliverable:

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设计的意义就是为人民的生活增加便利，特别

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设计的意义就是为人民的生活增加便利，特别是针对弱势群体的设计总是显得至关重要。本次项目从民众心理健康的角度出发，专注在设计出有效缓解焦虑症人群的焦虑症状的产品。心理疾病患者的世界总是充满着常人难以理解的危机，而为了这一类人群而专门产生的设计，则是小到增加幸福度，大到促进社会进步的重要标志之一。
我的身边有许多饱受焦虑症困扰的人群，有人为了缓解症状以不健康的成瘾性行为麻木自己，也有人常年笼罩在惊恐障碍的濒死感之中无法正常社交。患有焦虑症的人的精神，健康，甚至事业与人际交往都会被疾病折磨的体无完肤，无法控制的头脑风暴，窒息的痛苦绝望，以及说不清是生理还是心理上的反胃作呕都严重影响了他们的正常生活，这也是我为什么想要尽我所能的去设计出对焦虑症患者有帮助的产品。
由于亲近的人就一直饱受焦虑症的摧残，我对焦虑症的症状以及疾病周期中的心理需求有了一定的对抗能力。在已被证实的神经科学中，研究员发现特定的感官刺激对情绪有这积极作用，这些信息在神经回路中会以信号的形式被传送到大脑的不同部位，它的影响在许多方面，例如记忆、情绪和情绪。有了以上概念，我产生了以听觉和嗅觉为主，触觉为辅助设计安抚产品的原因。我的想法从两方面开始。一次偶然的机会，我了解到周围很多朋友在儿童时期都有过以特定意义物体的气味安抚自身情绪的经历，比如母亲使用的沐浴露，医院的消毒水，从小到大使用的毛巾被。其中毛巾被这一看起来不同寻常却有十分普及的安抚方式引起了我的注意，通过调查，我了解到这其实是一种安抚巾。在中国，很少有家庭有安抚巾的概念，多数儿童在懵懂之中自己选择了自己的安抚巾，通过气味，触摸，抓握，甚至口咬，全方面满足儿童的安全感需求。我不禁提出猜想：一条安抚巾或许这会对焦虑症的症状有所帮助。这也为我打开了思路，我认为或许焦虑症患者与高需求婴儿有着同样的困扰。对婴儿来说，在母亲子宫内总是能听到血液流动的声音，以及模糊的对话声，或许这一类声音也可以作为一种听觉刺激，对患者产生正面的作用。这两个想法也奠定了我设计的基调——————让焦虑症患者重新体验婴儿时期的平和感。

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https://tbitherapy.com/music-to-calm-anxiety-the-most-relaxing-song-on-earth/

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HERE IS A PLAYLIST OF THE 10 SONGS FOUND TO BE THE BEST MUSIC TO CALM ANXIETY, INCLUDING ONE WHERE SCIENTISTS WITNESSED A 65% REDUCTION IN PARTICIPANTS' OVERALL ANXIETY, AND STRESS.

Each and every one of us have tried at last a few different techniques to combat stress or anxiety in our lives. It's not only helpful with making you feel better overall, but finding ways to manage stress levels is important for your health too.

Thanks to modern research, we now know the harmful effects of stress on the body. Stress causes chemicals like cortisol to be released, and increases serious health risks like heart disease, obesity, depression, digestive problems, asthma, and many others. Additionally, there was a recent paper published out of Harvard and Stanford that discovered something rather troubling- " health issues from job stress alone cause more deaths than diabetes, Alzheimer's, or influenza."

So what's the best way to take some of the pressure off? Dr. David Lewis-Hodgson of Mindlab International says we should listen to music- more specifically, one special song.

A team of neuroscientists, which Dr. Lewis-Hodgson lead, conducted a study on sound therapy. Participants had to attempt to solve puzzles, which induced stress, with sensors attached to their bodies. They then had to listen to different songs while researchers measured and recorded their heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure.

ONE SONG STOOD OUT AMONG THE REST.

Weightless by Marconi Union was found to reduce levels of stress and anxiety by a whopping 65 percent, and produced a greater state of relaxation than any other music tested to date.

"'Weightless' was so effective, many women became drowsy and I would advise against driving while listening to the song because it could be dangerous," said Dr. David Lewis-Hodgson.

What's truly incredible is that Weightless was designed to do exactly that- reduce stress. Marconi Union, the group behind the song, worked together with sound therapists to create carefully arranged harmonies, rhythms, and bass lines, all for one purpose- to slow the listener's " heart rate, reduce blood pressure and lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol."

THE COMPLETE LIST OF THE TOP TEN SONGS TO LISTEN TO WHEN YOU WANT TO REDUCE STRESS AND ANXIETY CAN BE FOUND BELOW, AND WE'VE EVEN INCLUDED A PLAYLIST WITH ALL OF THEM TOGETHER.

10. " We Can Fly," by Rue du Soleil (Café Del Mar)

9. " Canzonetta Sull'aria," by Mozart

8. " Someone Like You," by Adele

7. " Pure Shores," by All Saints

6. " Please Don't Go," by Barcelona

5. " Strawberry Swing," by Coldplay

4. " Watermark," by Enya

3. " Mellomaniac (Chill Out Mix)," by DJ Shah

2. " Electra," by Airstream

1. " Weightless," by Marconi Union

REMEMBER NOT TO LISTEN TO THIS WHILE DRIVING, OR DOING ANYTHING THAT COULD RESULT IN INJURY WITHOUT COMPLETE FOCUS.

Keep in mind, in order for stress to go away, you have to stop giving it so much attention. If you listen to these songs and are constantly thinking "This isn't working," or "I still feel stressed," then they probably aren't going to work as well for you. Take a breath, and just enjoy the music.

By Raven Fon Retrieved from http://unisoultheory.com/index.php/2016/12/30/relaxing-song-reduces-anxiety-stress/

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Music to Calm Anxiety and the Most Relaxing Song On Earth

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Each and every one of us have tried at last a few different techniques to combat stress or anxiety in our lives. It's not only helpful with making you feel better overall, but finding ways to manage stress levels is important for your health too.

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https://www.imperialcharity.org.uk/news-and-stories/news/music-therapy-project-helping-stroke-patients-recover-faster?gclid=CjwKCAiAk--dBhABEiwAchIwkbKjolnk13ter_UQGf_7HWAl7x-kOJmz7isH_WqZQJJ7TgY_vqK9hhoCQx0QAvD_BwE

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An award-winning music therapy project has helped to rehabilitate stroke and neuro-rehab patients at Charing Cross Hospital.

Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust's specialist rehabilitation and arts therapies provider Chroma Therapies have worked together to deliver the project, which was funded by Imperial Health Charity.

The initiative was the first of its kind in an acute stroke unit.

Neurological Music Therapy, or NMT, aims to support a faster recovery for patients with brain injuries through a variety of techniques. Rhythm, melody, and pitch are used as key elements in rehabilitating patients, including helping to improve the patient's gait and control over language.

Karima Collins, Speech and Language Therapist

"Music has the power to influence, and activate different parts of the brain," said Karima Collins, Speech and Language Therapist at Charing Cross Hospital. "The NMT project gave a strong indication that patients who accessed the service were discharged sooner than expected."

95% of patients who were surveyed found music therapy was key in their recovery. One patient, who had difficulty walking, saw a significant increase in steps per minute with musical input.

"The patient went from using a frame to walking unassisted in a single session," said Daniel Thomas, Managing Director of Chroma. "Therapists were able to start referral for early supported discharge."

Music therapy is also instrumental in supporting the mental health and wellbeing of patients.

"The reality regarding the severity of their condition can induce feelings of hopelessness, depression, and low motivation," Daniel said. "Individual successes within the NMT sessions helped to increase motivation for all other aspects of their rehab journey, improving mental health.

"A positive outlook helps the patient achieve their rehab goals - maybe even sooner than anticipated."

Part of the initiative involved encouraging patients to join group therapy. In these sessions, patients would sing and play music together.

"It was a chance for people to support and uplift each other. A lot of patients said that they forgot about the world for a brief time when in a music group," Karima said.

The successful initiative has made a major impression in the healthcare world. In 2020, the project won the Advancing Healthcare Award for Excellence in Neurorehabilitation. At Imperial College Healthcare, 100% of patients who were surveyed said they would recommend music therapy for stroke and neuro-rehab patients.

Prior to NMT, the therapies team often found it challenging to engage stroke patients. They found music brought patients out of themselves - a mechanism to engage with even quite severe patients.

"NMT has enriched the existing therapy programme at Charing Cross Hospital and allowed the therapy team to reach many patients who were previously unable to engage in rehabilitation," Daniel said.
Imperial Health Charity awarded two grants totalling £80,000 to support the project over three years. Video filmed pre Covid-19 pandemic.
Your browser doesn't support the HTML5 video tag.

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Music therapy project helping stroke patients recover faster

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An award-winning music therapy project has helped to rehabilitate stroke and neuro-rehab patients at Charing Cross Hospital. Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust's specialist rehabilitation and arts therapies provider Chroma Therapies have worked together to deliver the project, which was funded by Imperial Health Charity.

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https://www.ascap.com/help/wellness/7-ways-music-reduces-stress-anxiety

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https://www.zhihu.com/question/23955178?sort=created&page=11&utm_id=0

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有哪些疾病的患者经常不被人理解？

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比如抑郁症。这里指的不被理解是说不能获得应有的帮助和体谅，并不是说理解痛苦，没得过那种病永远不能完...

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https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/anxiety/how-to-tell-if-you-have-anxiety-10-signs-and-symptoms/?utm_source=AdWords&utm_medium=Search_PPC_c&utm_term=PerformanceMax&utm_content=&network=x&placement=&target=&matchtype=&utm_campaign=16929735023&ad_type=responsive_pmax&adposition=&kwd_id=&gclid=CjwKCAiAk--dBhABEiwAchIwkT7sDw1d5f1ODEdq_SnZ_Msad2XAbmEYUYNt4b9gnQKtG4wMtihTuBoCNegQAvD_BwE

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Anxiety can manifest itself in numerous ways and for many reasons. Important exams, having to make a speech, or going on a first date with someone can all be sources of nervousness or other feelings commonly associated with anxiety. However, feelings of anxiety can also be chronic and not based on specific scenarios; and that could indicate an anxiety disorder. If you are unsure whether you have an anxiety disorder, there are mental and physical symptoms you can identify that may provide some clues.

The Signs Of Anxiety

People experience anxiety differently. And there are different types of anxiety disorders - some people have generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Others may live with panic disorder or social anxiety disorder. Some people may have difficulty with specific phobias. Despite the differences, here are some of the most common hallmarks of an anxiety disorder:

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, people with anxiety disorders often worry excessively or have a sense of dread, usually lasting six months or longer. These anxious feelings can stem from school, the workplace, social interactions, personal relationships, health, or finances, to name a few causes. For those with anxiety, keeping these feelings under control can be challenging, even if they realize that what they are experiencing is disproportionate to the reality of the circumstances.

It is very common for anxiety to keep people awake at night, especially the night before an event that is contributing to fear and tension. Getting a good night's sleep can feel impossible for some individuals, who find themselves tossing and turning in bed because of anxiety. Sleep is essential for virtually every function in the body, including your mental health. Sleep problems can also be a contributor to anxiety and often make things worse. There are many ways for people to improve their sleeping habits, but those with intense anxiety and insomnia can benefit from consulting with a physician who can recommend a course of treatment.

Even if the individual sleeps well at night, someone who experiences anxiety may experience fatigue throughout the day or become easily tired. Anxiety can be emotionally exhausting and can make getting through the day more difficult. When you are tired, your mood can also fluctuate, possibly leading to depression, a condition that is frequently comorbid with anxiety disorders.

Difficulty concentrating is a common symptom of an anxiety disorder that can also be considered a side effect of worry or sleep problems. If you struggle to complete work or school assignments and find yourself blanking out, anxiety may be to blame. Those who have this symptom might also procrastinate, either knowingly or unknowingly. That is, if they aren't already distracted by anxious thoughts, they might find ways to distract themselves from those feelings and the things that contribute to their stress.

Anxiety can cause people to feel on edge frequently. Sometimes, those who are lost in thought about something worrisome might feel caught off-guard, or they might become easily angered and lash out at others. Individuals living with anxiety might also find that they lose their patience much easier than in the past. This common symptom can be detrimental to a person's social life and personal relationships. Tension may also manifest in the body, leading to tense muscles and various aches and pains.

Some of the most prevalent physical symptoms of anxiety involve the heart. When faced with a situation that induces stress, a person may notice that their heart rate goes up or begins to feel irregular. These feelings are very common during panic attacks and are also often experienced by those with social anxiety disorder. Panic attacks are typically short-lived, but those with panic disorder may experience them regularly.

An increase in body temperature often comes when one's heart rate and blood pressure increase. Therefore, those who have higher heart rates while experiencing anxious feelings may also find that they are feeling more body heat and sweating excessively.

The stress associated with anxiety can cause a person's limbs to shake uncontrollably, especially the hands. There are different types of tremors (such as those associated with Parkinson's Disease); however, those associated with anxiety are often caused by adrenaline and the fight-or-flight response. Although this feeling is temporary, it is still uncomfortable and can create more fear and anxiety.

Someone with an anxiety disorder may experience chest pain or shortness of breath, particularly during a panic attack. They may feel like they cannot get enough oxygen in their lungs and experience a sensation of tightness or pain in their chest. This is known as dyspnea and is a symptom of many different medical conditions.

These symptoms can be quite severe and paralyzing. A feeling that something bad is about to happen, or is in the process of happening, can sometimes appear spontaneously. These symptoms typically pass within a few minutes, and although they are scary, they aren't inherently dangerous and are sometimes disproportional to the actual events that cause anxiety and panic.

Coping With Anxiety

Anxiety doesn't usually have one single cause, but there is some common ground between the disorders, so treatment plans can be quite similar between patients. Treatment for an anxiety disorder typically includes a combination of psychotherapy and medication.

Medication Options

Different types of medication (such as anti-anxiety medications, beta-blockers, and antidepressants) may be used to reduce anxiety symptoms. Medication must be provided by your primary doctor or psychiatrist, who can diagnose you if you believe that you may be struggling with an anxiety disorder. Keep in mind that there isn't a one-size-fits-all approach to medication for treating anxiety; dosages can vary as well as the type of drug used.

Counseling & Therapy

One of the most effective methods for managing an anxiety disorder is therapy. Therapy is a helpful resource for treating anxiety because it uncovers why you may feel anxious in the first place, and from there, you can find solutions. A therapist trained in helping individuals with anxiety can give you the skills to manage and cope with anxiety. Many patients who attend therapy find ways to overcome it entirely.

Finding a therapist that works for you is easier than ever, and if you feel hesitant about attending an in-person counseling session, online therapy might be right for you.

Developing Healthy Coping Strategies

In addition to seeking professional treatment, the Anxiety and Depression Association of America suggest various strategies that can help an individual cope when they are feeling anxious:

Eat regular, nutritious meals

Aim to get daily physical activity

Prioritize getting enough sleep

Engage in calming activities (like journaling or listening to music)

Practice deep breathing or meditation techniques

Limit caffeine (which can worsen anxiety)

Talk about how you are feeling with others (whether a family, friend, or support group)

Takeaway

Anxiety affects millions of people around the world. Although everyone has different reasons for feeling worried and stressed out, you are not alone, and support is always available in the form of therapy.

Some of the symptoms of anxiety can make it difficult to obtain help, however. Even leaving the house can be difficult, which is why online therapy is so popular among people with anxiety disorders. Online therapy allows you to speak to a licensed, accredited mental health professional on your schedule from the comfort of your home.

If you are experiencing symptoms of an anxiety disorder, reaching out to a therapist online with experience helping people struggling with symptoms of anxiety is an essential part of recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Can you self-diagnose anxiety?
While many people attempt to self-diagnose. if you believe that you may be exhibiting signs of Generalized Anxiety Disorder GAD, it is important to reach out to a professional who can provide an official diagnosis and help you to explore treatment options. Treatment for GAD may include psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of both.
What causes anxiety?
Researchers believe that anxiety disorders occur due to a combination of genetic, psychological, and environmental factors. There are different risk factors for various types of anxiety disorders. However, common factors that may increase one's likelihood of developing an anxiety disorder include a family history of anxiety disorders or other types of mental illness, certain personality traits, experiencing stressful life events, and/or a traumatic event.
Is anxiety a mental illness?
Common anxiety is a normal part of the human experience and doesn't necessarily indicate a mental illness. However, chronic anxiety that persists and negatively impacts daily life may be indicative of an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders are mental health conditions characterized by persistent worry that is difficult to control, avoidance of feared situations, and physical symptoms. However, there are different types of anxiety disorders that have their own set of signs and symptoms.
What Are The First Signs Of Anxiety?
Although each case of generalized anxiety disorder is unique, there are basic signs and symptoms that a person may exhibit. Intense fear, heart palpitations, restlessness, muscle tension, and worry may be the first signs of anxiety in persons dealing with anxiety. When any of these happen, it may be a good idea to seek professional help, anxiety medications, support groups, and other treatment options.
How Do You Feel When You Have Anxiety?
Most individuals react in a similar way to generalized anxiety disorder, even if the signs and symptoms of each case may vary. When you experience anxiety, you may feel restless, overwhelmed with fear concerning an object or situation, weak or lethargic, excessive sweating, tense muscles, rapid breathing or shortness of breath, difficulty concentrating, and trouble sleeping.
What Happens If Anxiety Is Left Untreated?
Unchecked, generalized anxiety disorder can have devastating effects on one's daily life - work, school, and relationships. It can result in mental illnesses (such as depression), panic attacks, substance abuse, relationship problems, self-isolation, health conditions such as diabetes and heart failure, and more.
Does Ignoring Anxiety Make It Go Away?
Ignoring symptoms of anxiety does not make them go away. Instead, it can worsen the symptoms of anxiety and result in adverse mental health conditions like panic disorder. Treatment of anxiety disorders is necessary to help people living with anxiety lead normal lives.
How Long Does Anxiety Last?
Anxiety and panic attacks usually span 5-30 minutes and can occur frequently and unexpectedly. The period may vary depending on the types of anxiety, the situation surrounding the attack (social situations), the severity, and the individual.

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How to Tell if you have Anxiety: 10 Signs and Symptoms | BetterHelp

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Anxiety is one of the most common mental health conditions, and it's also one of the most diagnosable. If you experience symptoms but aren't sure if you have an anxiety disorder, speaking to a therapist is essential for getting a diagnosis and treatment.

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Life in London, small studio
Go to work by underground
Accounting in HSBC
Always get coffee when having lunch, eat lunch in pret
They go straight home
After they go home, the first thing is lie on the bed and do nothing, always feel emotional when they think about the stress in work

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https://www.bbc.co.uk/tiny-happy-people/separation-anxiety-in-babies/zjdsn9q?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=separation-anxiety

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1. Practise short separations from your little one. Over time they'll learn that if you leave them, they'll be OK and that you will come back.

Leave them with someone they know well, so they feel comfortable and safe.

As they get older, gradually work towards longer separations and leaving them in less familiar places like nursery.

Get more advice leaving your baby with family or friends in this article .

2. Be positive as you say goodbye.

Smile and wave confidently as you leave them. You might be feeling worried, but don't show it - if your child picks up on it, they might become worried too.

3. Talk about what you'll do together later

If your toddler is feeling anxious, talk to them about what you're going to do when you see them again so they have something to look forward to with you.

4. Make saying goodbye a positive time

If you're leaving your baby for the first time (or the first time in a while), try to smile and wave confidently and happily, even if you're feeling worried and sad.

Babies and toddlers can pick up on how you're feeling.

5. Play peekaboo

Peekaboo is great for helping develop your baby's sense of 'object permanence'.

This is the understanding that you don't just disappear from the world when they can no longer see you.

Find out more about the science of peekaboo here .

6. Leave at a good moment.

Can you time leaving them for after a nap or meal? This might help them to feel less tired and restless.
Created with help from child psychologist Dr Claire Halsey and child development researcher Dr Michelle Lowe.

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What is separation anxiety and how do I deal with it?

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Leave them with someone they know well, so they feel comfortable and safe. As they get older, gradually work towards longer separations and leaving them in less familiar places like nursery. Get more advice leaving your baby with family or friends in this article . Smile and wave confidently as you leave them.

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https://www.mayoclinic.org/zh-hans/diseases-conditions/separation-anxiety-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20377455

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分离焦虑障碍 - 症状与病因 - 妙佑医疗国际

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强烈或长时间的分离焦虑会干扰学业或其他日常活动，还可能导致惊恐发作。了解治疗相关信息。

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https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=separation-anxiety-disorder-90-P02582

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What is separation anxiety disorder in children?

Separation anxiety disorder (SAD) is a type of mental health problem. A child with SAD worries a lot about being apart from family members or other close people. The child has a fear of being lost from their family or of something bad occurring to a family member if he or she is not with the person.

All children and teens feel some anxiety. It is a normal part of growing up. Separation anxiety is normal in very young children. Nearly all children between the ages of 18 months and 3 years old have separation anxiety and are clingy to some degree. But the symptoms of SAD are more severe. A child must have symptoms of SAD for at least 4 weeks for the problem to be diagnosed as SAD. A child with SAD has worries and fears about being apart from home or family that are not right for his or her age.

What causes separation anxiety disorder in a child?

Experts believe SAD is caused by both biological and environmental factors. A child may inherit a tendency to be anxious. An imbalance of 2 chemicals in the brain (norepinephrine and serotonin) most likely plays a part.

A child can also learn anxiety and fear from family members and others. A traumatic event may also cause SAD.

Which children are at risk for separation anxiety disorder?

SAD happens equally in males and females. But children who have parents with an anxiety disorder are more likely to have SAD.

What are the symptoms of separation anxiety disorder in a child?

The first symptoms of SAD often appear around the third or fourth grade. They may start after a break from school, such as during holidays or summer, or after a long-term sickness. Each child may have different symptoms. But the most common signs of SAD are:

Refusing to sleep alone

Repeated nightmares with a theme of separation

Lots of worry when parted from home or family

Too much worry about the safety of a family member

Too much worry about getting lost from family

Refusing to go to school

Fearful and reluctant to be alone

Frequent stomachaches, headaches, or other physical complaints

Muscle aches or tension

Too much worry about safety of self

Too much worry about or when sleeping away from home

Being very clingy, even when at home

Panic or temper tantrums at times of separation from parents or caregivers

The symptoms of SAD may look like other health problems. Make sure your child sees his or her healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

How is separation anxiety disorder diagnosed in a child?

A child psychiatrist or other mental health expert can diagnose SAD. He or she will do a mental health evaluation of your child. For your child to be diagnosed with SAD, his or her worry or fear about being away from family members must last for at least 4 weeks.

If your child has physical complaints, your primary healthcare provider may assess your child to rule out other causes for these symptoms.

How is separation anxiety disorder treated in a child?

Treatment will depend on your child's symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on how severe the condition is.

Treatment for SAD often involves a mix of the following:

Cognitive behavioral therapy. This treatment helps a child learn how to better handle his or her anxiety. The goal is also to help a child master the situations that may lead to the anxiety.

Medicines. Antidepressant or antianxiety medicine may help some children feel calmer.

Family therapy. Parents play a vital role in any treatment.

School input. A child's school may also be involved in care.

How can I help prevent separation anxiety disorder in my child?

Experts don't know how to prevent SAD in children and teens. But if you notice signs of SAD in your child, you can help by seeking an evaluation as soon as possible. Early treatment can lessen symptoms and enhance your child's normal development. It can also improve your child's quality of life.

How can I help my child live with separation anxiety disorder?

As a parent, you play a key role in your child's treatment. Here are things you can do to help:

Keep all appointments with your child's healthcare provider.

Show your child reassurance and support. Encourage age-appropriate independence.

Recognize situations that may stress your child. Knowing what stresses your child and planning ahead can help you prepare your child so he or she is successful.

Tell others about your child's SAD. Work with your child's healthcare provider and school to develop a treatment plan. Remind teachers that your child will need extra reassurance and support in certain situations.

Reach out for support from local community services. Being in touch with other parents who have a child with SAD may be helpful.

Key points about separation anxiety disorder in children

SAD is a type of mental health problem. A child with SAD worries a lot about being apart from family members or other close people.

The cause of SAD is both biological and environmental.

Symptoms of SAD are more severe than the normal separation anxiety that nearly every child has to some degree between the ages of 18 months and 3 years of age.

A child must have symptoms that last at least 4 weeks to be considered SAD.

A mental health evaluation is needed to diagnose SAD.

Treatment includes therapy and medicines.

Next steps

Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your child's healthcare provider:

Know the reason for the visit and what you want to happen.

Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.

At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any new instructions your provider gives you for your child.

Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed and how it will help your child. Also know what the side effects are.

Ask if your child's condition can be treated in other ways.

Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean.

Know what to expect if your child does not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.

If your child has a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit.

Know how you can contact your child's provider after office hours. This is important if your child becomes ill and you have questions or need advice.

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default - Stanford Medicine Children's Health

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A child with SAD worries a lot about being apart from family members or other close people. The child has a fear of being lost from their family or of something bad occurring to a family member if he or she is not with the person.

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https://www.baptisthealth.com/services/behavioral-health/conditions/separation-anxiety-disorder

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What Is Separation Anxiety Disorder?

Separation anxiety disorder (SAD) is a developmentally inappropriate and excessive fear or anxiety concerning separation from those to whom the individual is attached. Simply put, it is an intense fear of separation from loved ones, including people and pets.

Separation anxiety is a normal part of childhood development and commonly occurs in infants and toddlers. Three to four percent of children are diagnosed with the disorder. SAD symptoms typically disappear around age 3; however, some children may exhibit symptoms of separation anxiety well into their grade school and teenage years.

Although separation anxiety is more common in children, it can also occur in adults. Additionally, SAD can be indicative of general or mood-related mental health issues, and about one-third of children with SAD will have a mental health diagnosis as an adult.

Left untreated, separation anxiety may result in ongoing mental health-related issues. Baptist Health medical providers and mental health professionals can help with diagnosis and treatment options.

What Are the Symptoms of Separation Anxiety Disorder?

Separation anxiety disorder is diagnosed when symptoms are excessive for a child's developmental age and cause significant distress in daily functioning. Additionally, the fear, anxiety, or avoidance is persistent and can last at least four weeks in children and adolescents, and six months or more in adults. Symptoms may include the following:

Recurrent and excessive distress about anticipating or being away from home or loved ones

Constant, excessive worry about losing a parent or other loved one to an illness or a disaster

Constant worry that something bad will happen, such as being lost or kidnapped, or causing separation from parents or other loved ones

Refusing to be away from home because of fear of separation

Not wanting to be home alone or without a parent or other loved one in the house

Reluctance or refusal to sleep away from home without a parent or other loved one close by

Repeated nightmares about separation

Frequent complaints of headaches, stomachaches or other symptoms when separation from a parent or other loved one is anticipated

SAD may be associated with panic disorder and panic attacks, which are repeated episodes of sudden feelings of severe anxiety and fear or terror that reach a climax within minutes.

What Causes Separation Anxiety Disorder?

Separation anxiety disorder can develop from various issues. Stress triggered by separation from a loved one may be a cause of SAD. Genetics may also play a part in developing the disorder. Additionally, underlying mental health conditions may contribute to the causes of SAD. These may include delusions from psychotic disorders or fear of change related to an autism spectrum disorder.

What Are the Risk Factors?

Separation anxiety disorder most often occurs in childhood, but may also occur in teenage years, and sometimes in adulthood.

SAD is more likely to occur in children with:

a family history of anxiety or depression

shy, timid personalities or temperaments

low socioeconomic status

overprotective parents

a lack of appropriate interaction from parent or caregiver, insecure attachments

problems dealing with kids their own age

SAD can also occur after a stressful life event such as:

moving to a new home

changing schools

divorce

the death of a close family member, friend or caregiver

How Is Separation Anxiety Diagnosed?

Diagnosis for separation anxiety disorder is contingent upon determining whether the child is simply in a normal stage of development, or if the child meets criteria for a clinical diagnosis. Additionally, it is important to rule out any medical conditions that may be correlated to the child's symptoms, before referring to a mental health professional for further diagnostic assessment. Separation anxiety may occur with other mental health problems.

Once referred to a mental health professional, the child and parent(s) may be taken through a psychological evaluation, assessing for symptoms that meet criteria for clinical diagnosis. In addition, there may be assessments given to measure levels of distress experienced by the child.

The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM-5), describes separation anxiety disorder as a developmentally inappropriate and excessive fear or anxiety concerning separation from those to whom the individual is attached. This is evidenced by at least 3 of the following:

Recurrent excessive distress surrounding separation or anticipated separation from a major attachment figure (i.e., parent, caregiver, close friend or family member).

Persistent and excessive worry about losing major attachment figures, or about possible harm to them (i.e., illness, injuries, natural disasters or death).

Persistent and excessive worry about experiencing an unwanted event that would cause separation from a major attachment figure (i.e., getting lost, being kidnapped, an accident or illness).

Persistent reluctance or refusal to go out or being away from home out of fear of separation (i.e., going to work, school or elsewhere).

Persistent and excessive fear of or reluctance about being alone or without major attachment figures at home or in other settings.

Persistent reluctance or refusal to sleep away from home or to go to sleep without being near a major attachment figure.

Repeated nightmares involving the theme of separation.

Repeated complaints of physical symptoms when separation from major attachment figures occurs or is anticipated.

Additionally, to meet criteria for diagnosis, the fear, anxiety, or avoidance must be persistent and last at least four weeks in children and adolescence, and typically six months or more in adults. The disturbance must also cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, academic, or occupational settings. Finally, the disturbance must not be better explained by another mental disorder or medical condition.

How Is Separation Anxiety Treated?

Treatment

There are multiple treatment approaches for separation anxiety disorder. The treatments discussed below are evidenced-based treatments, but are not the only effective treatments or therapeutic modalities a mental health professional may offer.

A commonly effective therapy in the treatment of SAD is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). With CBT, children and adults are taught coping skills to help reduce anxiety. Common techniques are thought stopping, challenging distorted thinking, and relaxation skills.

Another effective treatment approach for SAD is parent-child interaction therapy. It is a combination of play therapy and behavioral therapy for children and their parents or caregivers. The three main treatment phases include:

Child-directed interaction (CDI) focuses on improving the quality of the parent-child relationship. It involves using warmth, attention, and praise. The specific interactions help to strengthen a child's felt sense of safety.

Bravery-directed interaction (BDI) educates parents about their child's anxiety. A mental health professional will help the child build a bravery ladder, which explores situations that can trigger anxious feelings. A reward system is used to reinforce positive reactions.

Parent-directed interaction (PDI) teaches parents to communicate clearly with their child, which can help to manage and reduce anxiety.

A child's school experience, including interactions with students and teachers, can have a significant effect regarding symptom onset and severity. If there are concerns about the child's school environment or experience, reaching out to the child's teacher, guidance counselor, or principal may provide helpful supports and resources. A community or integrated approach to treatment and management of SAD is most effective.

Medications

There is not a specific medication for the treatment of SAD. However, antidepressants are sometimes used in older children with this condition, if other treatment approaches have proven ineffective. It is important to talk to a medical and mental health professional in the decision-making process, if a medication option is desired.

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Separation Anxiety Disorder Causes & Risks | Baptist Health

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Separation anxiety disorder (SAD) is a developmentally inappropriate and excessive fear or anxiety concerning separation from those to whom the individual is attached. Simply put, it is an intense fear of separation from loved ones, including people and pets. Separation anxiety is a normal part of childhood development and commonly occurs in infants and toddlers.

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https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/toddler/Pages/Soothing-Your-Childs-Separation-Anxiety.aspx

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Separation anxiety varies WIDELY between children. Some babies become hysterical when mom is out of sight for a very short time, while other children seem to demonstrate ongoing anxiety at separations during infancy, toddlerhood, and preschool.

To all you working parents

The trick for surviving separation anxiety demands preparation, brisk transitions, and the evolution of time. I would suggest we parents suffer as much as our children do when we leave. Even though we are often reminded that our children stop crying within minutes of our leave-taking, how many of you have felt like you're "doing it all wrong" when your child clings to your legs, sobs for you to stay, and mourns the parting?

As a working parent, separation anxiety creates questions for me. Although it is an entirely normal behavior and a beautiful sign of a meaningful attachment, separation anxiety can be exquisitely unsettling for us all.

Here are facts about separation anxiety and tips to improve the transitions I've learned the hard way (I've made about every mistake):

Facts about separation anxiety

Infants: Separation anxiety develops after a child gains an understanding of object permanence. Once your infant realizes you're really gone (when you are), it may leave them unsettled. Although some babies display object permanence and separation anxiety as early as 4 to 5 months of age, most develop more robust separation anxiety at around 9 months. The leave- taking can be worse if your infant is hungry, tired, or not feeling well. Keep transitions short and routine if it's a tough day.

Toddlers: Many toddlers skip separation anxiety in infancy and start demonstrating challenges at 15 or 18 months of age. Separations are more difficult when children are hungry, tired, or sick-which is most of toddlerhood! As children develop independence during toddlerhood, they may become even more aware of separations. Their behaviors at separations will be loud, tearful, and difficult to stop.

Preschoolers: By the time children are 3 years of age, most clearly understand the effect their anxiety or pleas at separation have on us. It doesn't mean they aren't stressed, but they certainly are vying for a change. Be consistent; don't return to the room based on a child's plea, and certainly don't cancel plans based on separation anxiety. Your ongoing consistency, explanations, and diligence to return when you say you will are key.

How to survive separation anxiety

Create quick good-bye rituals. Even if you have to do major-league- baseball-style hand movements, give triple kisses at the cubby, or provide a special blanket or toy as you leave, keep the good-bye short and sweet. If you linger, the transition time does too. So will the anxiety.

Be consistent. Try to do the same drop-off with the same ritual at the same time each day you separate to avoid unexpected factors whenever you can. A routine can diminish the heartache and will allow your child to simultaneously build trust in her independence and in you.

Attention: When separating, give your child full attention, be loving, and provide affection. Then say good-bye quickly despite their antics or cries for you to stay.

Keep your promise. You'll build trust and independence as your child becomes confident in her ability to be without you when you stick to your promise of return. The biggest mistake I ever made in this regard was returning to class to "visit" my son about an hour after a terrible transition. I was missing him, and although the return was well intended, I not only extended the separation anxiety, we started all over again in the process. When I left the second time (and subsequent days) it was near nuclear.

Be specific, child style. When you discuss your return, provide specifics that your child understands. If you know you'll be back by 3:00 pm, tell it to your child on their terms; for example, say,"I'll be back after nap time and before afternoon snack." Define time they can understand. Talk about your return from a business trip in terms of " sleeps." Instead of saying, " I'll be home in 3 days," say, " I'll be home after 3 sleeps."

Practice being apart. Ship the children off to grandma's home, schedule playdates, allow friends and family to provide child care for you (even for an hour) on the weekend. Before starting child care or preschool, practice going to school and your good-bye ritual before you even have to part ways. Give your child a chance to prepare, experience, and thrive in your absence!

It's rare that separation anxiety persists on a daily basis after the preschool years. If you're concerned that your child isn't adapting to being without you, chat with the pediatrician. Your pediatrician has certainly helped support families in the same situation and can help calm your unease and determine a plan to support both of you!

More information

About Dr. Swanson

Wendy Sue Swanson, MD, MBE, FAAP, who serves on the American Academy of Pediatrics Council on Communications and Media, is author of Mama Doc Medicine: Finding Calm and Confidence in Child Health, Parenting, and World-Life Balance.

Mama Doc Medicine: Finding Calm and Confidence in Parenting, Child Health, and Work-Life Balance (Copyright © 2014 Wendy Sue Swanson)

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How to Ease Your Child's Separation Anxiety

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Separation anxiety varies WIDELY between children. Some babies become hysterical when mom is out of sight for a very short time, while other children seem to demonstrate ongoing anxiety at separations during infancy, toddlerhood, and preschool.

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https://3g.163.com/dy/article/H289CS4I0514ADB4.html?referFrom=google&spss=adap_dy

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*仅供医学专业人士阅读参考

保持沟通、积极解释。

图片来源于网络

孩子在上幼儿园的家长可能会很熟悉这个场景：每天早上在幼儿园门口的分别可以说是一场精神和体力的拉锯战--孩子在大哭大闹，想用一切办法不被送去幼儿园，家长既心疼又恼火。然而在孩子撕心裂肺的哭喊背后，有一个问题可能被忽略掉了，那就是孩子因为不安全依恋关系所产生的分离焦虑。
什么是分离焦虑？
分离焦虑是指婴幼儿因与亲人分离而引起的焦虑、不安、或不愉快的情绪反应。对于小一点的孩子来说，在幼儿园门口和爸爸妈妈分离可能意味着永远地失去他们。孩子可能会害怕自己被遗忘在这里，而没人会来接他/她。

分离焦虑最早可以开始于婴孩时期，并甚至可能伴随有些人一生。随着人逐渐长大，未被解决的分离焦虑可能会衍生出其他的个人特质，比如害怕不被赏识、渴望被需要、担心失去伴侣、高度敏感等等。在亲密关系中，一些成年人可能会无法接受伴侣不在身边，需要反复确认对方是否还爱自己。他们会因此拒绝进入亲密关系，甚至避免和任何人产生联结，因为害怕不可避免的分离。

图片来源于网络
分离焦虑与依恋关系
美国心理学家玛丽·爱因斯沃斯（ Mary Ainsworth ）在1969年设计了一个著名的陌生情景实验（ Strange Situation ）来研究婴儿和母亲的依恋关系与分离焦虑的关系。在实验中，婴孩会在一个完全陌生的环境中经历母亲离开和与陌生人独处等情景。在观察婴儿在与母亲分离和重聚的过程中，心理学家将依恋关系分类为了三种。

1. 安全型依恋（secure attachment ）： 孩子在妈妈离开时表现出焦虑，试图避开陌生人，和妈妈重聚后表示开心并很容易被安抚。在安全型依恋关系中，家长普遍会给予孩子关心并会对ta的需求进行回应。在感受到家长温暖的情感支持后，孩子会将他们当作"避风港"并拥有较高的安全感，因而不会产生分离焦虑。

2. 矛盾型依恋（ambivalent attachment ）： 孩子在妈妈离开时表现出非常强烈的焦虑感受，极度害怕陌生人，在妈妈回来后会试图接近她但抗拒接触。在矛盾型依恋关系中，家长和孩子的相处方式经常是"阴晴不定"的，有可能上一秒还在跟孩子开玩笑，下一秒就暴怒了。久而久之，孩子对于家长会产生想要亲近但是害怕的感情，会担心自己被抛弃但同时害怕和家长的接触。同时因为安全感的缺失，孩子会产生分离焦虑。

3. 回避型依恋（avoidant attachment ）：孩子在妈妈离开时心情不会受到影响，与陌生人开心地一起玩，不会感到焦虑，在妈妈回到房间后几乎不会注意到她已经回来了。在 回避型 依恋关系中，家长对于孩子通常缺乏耐心并对孩子的需求不敏感，也就是常说的"放养孩子"。这种相处模式下，孩子看似非常独立，在父母离开时可以镇定自若，但背后隐藏了孩子对于亲密关系的回避和不安全感。

从上面的描述我们不难看出，拥有安全型依恋关系的孩子会体验到更多安全感和更少的分离焦虑，但拥有不安全依恋关系（ 矛盾型和回避型 ）的孩子对于亲子关系会有更多不安全感，可能会表现为矛盾的行为和压抑的情感。

1. 不要偷偷溜走： 在每次分别时，家长可以明确地和孩子进行告别，清楚地说明要去哪里、什么时候可以再次相见（当然一定要履行约定）。在孩子产生情绪反应时不要显示出不耐烦或埋怨，更不要趁孩子不注意时偷偷溜走。

2. 不要回避冲突或激化矛盾： 家长不要惧怕孩子产生的焦虑情绪。在孩子哭闹时，家长首先要控制好自己的情绪，不要过度焦躁或一味退让。不要过度责怪孩子产生的焦虑情绪，请和孩子站在一边，去了解造成他/她分离焦虑和不安全感的背后的原因

3. 观察孩子是否缺乏社交技能： 无法适应陌生环境或与陌生人互动也会造成孩子不愿意离开家长。家长可以试着在家中进行角色扮演游戏来帮助孩子锻炼社交技巧。家长可以扮演孩子的同龄人或陌生人，和孩子模拟在社会上可能遇到的难题，比如请别人帮忙、拒绝别人的请求以及其他沟通技巧。
参考文献：
Ainsworth, M. D. S., Blehar, M. C., Waters,E., & Wall, S. N. (2015). Patterns of attachment: A psychological study ofthe strange situation. Psychology Press.

本文来源：上海交大医学院附属精神卫生中心

本文作者：王佳妮

责任编辑：六六

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不能离家的孩子--分离焦虑和依恋关系_手机网易网

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仅供医学专业人士阅读参考 保持沟通、积极解释。 图片来源于网络 孩子在上幼儿园的家长可能会很熟悉这个场景：每天早上在幼儿园门口的分别可以说是一场精神和体力的拉锯战--孩子在大哭大闹，想用一切办法不被送去幼儿园，家长既心疼又恼火。然而在孩子撕心裂肺的哭喊背后，有一个问题可能被忽略掉了，那就是孩子因为不安全依恋关系所产生的分离焦虑。 什么是分离焦虑？ ...

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Characteristics of attachment in patients with anxiety disorders

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Characteristics of attachment in patients with anxiety disorders

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来源：北京安定医院杨蕴萍

焦虑障碍是指在没有脑器质性疾病或其他精神疾患的情况下，以精神和躯体的焦虑症状为主要的、突出的异常状态[1]。在美国精神障碍诊断与统计手册第4版（DSM-IV）中，焦虑障碍包括惊恐障碍（PD）、广场恐怖症、特定恐怖症、社交焦虑障碍（SAD）、广泛性焦虑障碍（GAD）、强迫症（OCD）、急性应激障碍（ASD）及创伤后应激障碍（PTSD）。

焦虑障碍是最常见的精神障碍之一，据2009年发表于国际权威医学杂志《柳叶刀》上的一项调查结果显示：我国四省（山东、浙江、青海和宁夏）焦虑障碍的现患病率为5.6%（5.0%-6.3%）。由于焦虑障碍与多种其它精神障碍共病，所造成的疾病负担相当沉重，被称为最昂贵的精神障碍[3]。

迄今为止，有关焦虑障碍的病因学及病理心理学机制一直是精神病学家和临床心理学家研究的热点问题之一。约翰．鲍尔比（Bowlby J）于20世纪60年代创立的依恋理论及其后继者们在临床中的应用，是理解焦虑障碍病理心理学机制的一个独特视角。

所谓依恋，是指个体与某一特定客体之间的情感联系，这种联系是持久稳固的，并且具有显著的情感需求性，渴望与该客体保持亲密关系，在与该客体分离或丧失该客体时，会感到悲伤，甚至出现心理紊乱状态[4]。良好的依恋关系是个体从幼年至成年完成心理成长的"安全基地"，使得个体能够进行外部探索以及最终发展出独立应对环境的能力(Ainsworth,Blehar,Waters,&Wall,1978)[5]。Bowlby认为,个体在婴幼儿期与主要照料者的依恋关系中逐渐形成对自我、他人及相互间关系的一种稳定认知和内部工作模式，这种稳定的认知和内部工作模式会影响其成年后人际交往的情感、情绪、认知和应对环境的行为[6]。

1978年美国心理学家Mary Ainsworth用"陌生情景法"将婴儿的依恋类型区分为安全型、回避型和焦虑-矛盾型三种类型。安全型的婴儿把母亲(或照料者)作为安全基地；回避型的婴儿倾向于压抑和减少消极情绪的表达；矛盾型的婴儿在母亲离开时表现出过分悲伤、生气和阻抗，但当母亲回来时又显出矛盾行为，

既想亲近又要拒绝母亲[7]。1991年Batholomew在前人研究的基础上将成人依恋区分为四种类型，即安全型、专注型、回避型和恐惧型。其中安全型的个体在人际关系中的能够自如放松，感受自己值得被爱，他人也是值得信赖的；专注型的个体总是努力去赢得他人的接纳，并以此支持消极的自我形象，认为自己不值得被爱，但他人是值得信赖的；拒绝型的个体会以避免与他人发生亲密联系来免受伤害，认为自己值得被爱，而他人是不可靠的；恐惧型的个体常常处于害怕他人的拒绝而避免亲密联系，认为自己不值得被爱，他人也是不可靠的[7]。

Bowlby认为孩子的焦虑水平与照料者的可获得性密切相关，也有学者认为焦虑源于婴儿对照料者的不确定感。有研究表明早期的依恋关系特点或质量对童年期的焦虑与恐惧有预测作用。一项由Ollendick TH（2002）等人发布的研究报告显示，婴儿期有不安全依恋关系(焦虑-矛盾型)的青少年较对照组有2倍的可能发展出焦虑障碍[8]。Carl等人(2002)报告，在青少年和成年早期的具有不安全型依恋类型(尤指专注和恐惧型)的个体，其焦虑敏感性得分显著高于安全型的个体[9]。Bar等人(2007)在一项追踪研究中发现，早期表现为焦虑-矛盾型依恋特点的儿童更易患学校恐怖症[10]。

Laura等人(2004)对依恋类型与焦虑水平的关系研究表明,专注型和恐惧型的大学生在焦虑得分上显著高于安全型和拒绝型的大学生[11]。吴薇莉等（2005）对82名社交焦虑障碍（SAD）患者的研究发现，SAD的成人依恋类型以不安全型（恐惧型30.5%与专注型34.1%）为主，因此提出不安全依恋关系特征是SAD发生的重要病理心理学基础[12]。魏征新等（2009）对99名患SAD的大学生的研究结果发现，恐惧型依恋类型对SAD发生的影响作用最大，与吴薇莉（2006）的研究结果一致[13，14]。

婴幼儿期对母亲或主要照料者的依恋关系是人类个体最早体验的一种社会关系，也是建立和发展对他人及环境的安全感与信任感的至关重要的基础。如果个体在生命早期遭遇到了不安全的依恋关系及养育环境且得不到及时的干预和治疗，则所形成不安全性的内部工作模式会导致个体的焦虑特质及/或抑郁特质，并会延续到青春期和成年期，甚至会贯穿一生[15]。

Manassis,K等（2001）提出，焦虑-矛盾型依恋的婴儿易于在日后的生活中产生慢性焦虑的原因与照料者的不可预测的、不规律的反应相关联。这种依恋类型的婴儿生活在不断担心被遗弃和孤单的感觉之中。这种持续性的对分离的恐惧使之产生慢性警觉的应对策略，即由于孩子缺乏对照料者的信任，他们的依恋系统便处于慢性的激活状态下，甚至即使是在一些安全的情境下也缺少对环境的探索。这种回避和过度的谨慎行为被认为是孩子各种焦虑情绪或障碍的核心症状，可持续整个儿童青少年期，如果未加有效干预的话，可能会持续至成年后，甚至罹患焦虑障碍[16]。

在成人依恋类型中，恐惧型的个体对自我和他人的评价都是消极的；专注型的个体虽然对他人的评价是积极的，但对自我的评价是消极的。这两种类型的个体都容易产生负性的自我评价和情绪，也容易曲解别人的意图、产生戒备心理、害怕被他人否定和拒绝等，因此更容易出现焦虑症状。

近期的研究表明，遗传基因、气质特征、父母及家庭养育环境、早期精神创伤、个体的认知特点等诸多因素都对焦虑障碍的发生有重要影响，而且多个因素之间的交互作用日渐得到研究者们的重视。吴薇莉等（2006）报告，SAD患者的认知特点、防御机制及父母教育方式等因素在发病中并非直接或单独起作用,而是通过不同成人依恋类型的特点整合,形成的不同的心理表征模型,进而促成发病[17]。

国外的一些研究也证实，如果家庭成员之间缺少相互承诺、帮助和支持,易使儿童产生不安全感和孤独恐惧感[18]；若父母经常采取过度控制、拒绝及过度保护等不良教养方式，会促使焦虑障碍的产生[10-20]。因此,焦虑障碍的形成与依恋类型有关，不安全依恋类型及特征可能是焦虑障碍患者在认知、情感和行为等方面发生病理心理学改变的基础，但不安全依恋类型与其它发病因素的交互作用机制，尚需要更多的研究来证实。

参考文献(略)

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发表于：2011-11-14 16:16

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焦虑障碍患者的依恋关系特点 刘华清

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焦虑障碍患者的依恋关系特点

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来源：北京安定医院杨蕴萍 焦虑障碍是指在没有脑器质性疾病或其他精神疾患的情况下，以精神和躯体的焦虑症状为主要的、突出的异常状态[1]。在美国精神障碍诊断与统计手册第4版（DSM-IV）中，焦虑障碍包括惊恐障碍（PD）、广场恐怖症、特定恐怖症、社交焦虑障碍（SAD）、广泛性焦虑障碍（GAD）、强迫症（OCD）、急性应激障碍（ASD）及创伤后应激障碍（PTSD）。 ...

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https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9536-anxiety-disorders

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What is an anxiety disorder?

An anxiety disorder is a type of mental health condition. If you have an anxiety disorder, you may respond to certain things and situations with fear and dread. You may also experience physical signs of anxiety, such as a pounding heart and sweating.

It's normal to have some anxiety. You may feel anxious or nervous if you have to tackle a problem at work, go to an interview, take a test or make an important decision. And anxiety can even be beneficial. For example, anxiety helps us notice dangerous situations and focuses our attention, so we stay safe.

But an anxiety disorder goes beyond the regular nervousness and slight fear you may feel from time to time. An anxiety disorder happens when:

Anxiety interferes with your ability to function.

You often overreact when something triggers your emotions.

You can't control your responses to situations.

Anxiety disorders can make it difficult to get through the day. Fortunately, there are several effective treatments for anxiety disorders.

Who is at risk for anxiety disorders?

A mix of genetic and environmental factors can raise a person's risk for developing anxiety disorders. You may be at higher risk if you have or had:

Certain personality traits, such as shyness or behavioral inhibition - feeling uncomfortable with, and avoiding, unfamiliar people, situations or environments.

Stressful or traumatic events in early childhood or adulthood.

Family history of anxiety or other mental health conditions.

Certain physical conditions, including thyroid problems and heart arrhythmias (unusual heart rhythms).

Anxiety disorders occur more often in women. Researchers are still studying why that happens. It may come from women's hormones, especially those that fluctuate throughout the month. The hormone testosterone may play a role, too - men have more, and it may ease anxiety. It's also possible that women are less likely to seek treatment, so the anxiety worsens.

What are the types of anxiety disorders?

There are several types of anxiety disorders, including:

Other mental health conditions share features with anxiety disorders. These include post-traumatic stress disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

What is generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?

With GAD, you may feel extreme and unrealistic worry and tension - even if there's nothing to trigger these feelings. Most days, you may worry a lot about various topics, including health, work, school and relationships. You may feel that the worry continues from one thing to the next.

Physical symptoms of GAD can include restlessness, difficulty concentrating and sleeping problems.

What is a panic disorder?

If you have a panic disorder, you get intense, sudden panic attacks. These attacks often feature stronger, more intense feelings than other types of anxiety disorders.

The feelings of terror may start suddenly and unexpectedly or they may come from a trigger, like facing a situation you dread. Panic attacks can resemble heart attacks. If there's any chance you're experiencing a heart attack, go to the emergency room. It's better to err on the side of caution and have a healthcare professional check you.

During a panic attack, you may experience:

Sweating.

Heart palpitations (feeling like your heart is pounding).

Feeling of choking, which can make you think you're having a heart attack or "going crazy."

Panic attacks are very upsetting. People with panic disorder often spend a lot of time worrying about the next panic attack. They also try to avoid situations that might trigger an attack.

What are phobias?

Phobias are an intense fear of certain situations or objects. Some of these fears may make sense, such as a fear of snakes. But often, the level of fear doesn't match the situation.

Like with other anxiety disorders, you may spend a lot of time trying to avoid situations that may trigger the phobia.

A specific phobia, or a simple phobia, is an intense fear of a particular object or situation. It may cause you to avoid everyday situations. Some specific phobias include fear of:

Animals, such as spiders, dogs or snakes.

Blood.

Flying.

Heights.

Injections (shots).

Social anxiety disorder

Healthcare providers used to call this condition social phobia. You may have overwhelming worry and self-consciousness with daily social situations. You may worry about others judging you or you may be anxious that you'll embarrass yourself or open yourself up to ridicule. People with social anxiety disorder may avoid social situations entirely.

Agoraphobia

If you have agoraphobia, you may have an intense fear of being overwhelmed or unable to get help. Usually, you have a fear of two or more of these environments:

Enclosed spaces.

Lines or crowds.

Open spaces.

Places outside your house.

Public transportation.

In severe situations, a person with agoraphobia may not leave the house at all. They're so terrified of having a panic attack in public that they prefer to stay inside.

What is separation anxiety disorder?

This condition mostly happens to children or teens, who may worry about being away from their parents. Children with separation anxiety disorder may fear that their parents will be hurt in some way or not come back as promised. It happens a lot in preschoolers. But older children and adults who experience a stressful event may have separation anxiety disorder as well.

How common are anxiety disorders?

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health conditions in the U.S. They affect about 40 million Americans. They happen to nearly 30% of adults at some point. Anxiety disorders most often begin in childhood, adolescence or early adulthood.

How do anxiety disorders affect children?

It's normal for children to feel some amount of anxiety, worry or fear at certain points. For example, a child may feel scared of a thunderstorm or barking dog. A teenager might get anxious about an upcoming test or school dance.

But sometimes, children approach these situations with overwhelming dread or they can't stop thinking about all the fears tied to one of these events. It may seem that none of your comforts help. These children often get "stuck" on their worries. They have a hard time doing their daily activities, like going to school, playing and falling asleep. They're extremely reluctant to try something new.

When thinking about your child's anxiety levels, "getting stuck" is key. It separates the regular worries of childhood from an anxiety disorder that needs professional help. If the anxiety or worry interferes with your child's ability to function, it may be time to seek help

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Anxiety Disorders: Types, Causes, Symptoms & Treatments

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An anxiety disorder is a type of mental health condition. Anxiety disorders interfere with your ability to function. Treatments include medications and psychotherapy.

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https://www.behance.net/gallery/27391211/Anxiety-Disorder-Project?tracking_source=search_projects%7Canxiety+disorder

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Artist Statement: For this project, I photographed both found objects and set up scenes that represent the symptoms of my lifelong anxiety disorder. When I first contemplated how to express my complicated anxiety in a visual form, I thought about things...

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https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/249347#types

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A phobia is a type of anxiety disorder that causes an individual to experience extreme, irrational fear about a situation, living creature, place, or object.

When a person has a phobia, they will often shape their lives to avoid what they consider to be dangerous. The imagined threat is greater than any actual threat posed by the cause of terror.

Phobias are diagnosable mental disorders.

The person will experience intense distress when faced with the source of their phobia. This can prevent them from functioning normally and sometimes leads to panic attacks.

In the United States, approximately 19 million people have phobias.

A phobia is an exaggerated and irrational fear.

The term 'phobia' is often used to refer to a fear of one particular trigger. However, there are three types of phobia recognized by the American Psychiatric Association (APA). These include:

Specific phobia: This is an intense, irrational fear of a specific trigger.

Social phobia, or social anxiety: This is a profound fear of public humiliation and being singled out or judged by others in a social situation. The idea of large social gatherings is terrifying for someone with social anxiety. It is not the same as shyness.

Agoraphobia: This is a fear of situations from which it would be difficult to escape if a person were to experience extreme panic, such being in a lift or being outside of the home. It is commonly misunderstood as a fear of open spaces but could also apply to being confined in a small space, such as an elevator, or being on public transport. People with agoraphobia have an increased risk of panic disorder.

Specific phobias are known as simple phobias as they can be linked to an identifiable cause that may not frequently occur in the everyday life of an individual, such as snakes. These are therefore not likely to affect day-to-day living in a significant way.

Social anxiety and agoraphobia are known as complex phobias, as their triggers are less easily recognized. People with complex phobias can also find it harder to avoid triggers, such as leaving the house or being in a large crowd.

A phobia becomes diagnosable when a person begins organizing their lives around avoiding the cause of their fear. It is more severe than a normal fear reaction. People with a phobia have an overpowering need to avoid anything that triggers their anxiety.

A person with a phobia will experience the following symptoms. They are common across the majority of phobias:

a sensation of uncontrollable anxiety when exposed to the source of fear

a feeling that the source of that fear must be avoided at all costs

not being able to function properly when exposed to the trigger

acknowledgment that the fear is irrational, unreasonable, and exaggerated, combined with an inability to control the feelings

A person is likely to experience feelings of panic and intense anxiety when exposed to the object of their phobia. The physical effects of these sensations can include:

abnormal breathing

accelerated heartbeat

trembling

hot flushes or chills

a choking sensation

chest pains or tightness

butterflies in the stomach

pins and needles

confusion and disorientation

nausea

dizziness

A feeling of anxiety can be produced simply by thinking about the object of the phobia. In younger children, parents may observe that they cry, become very clingy, or attempt to hide behind the legs of a parent or an object. They may also throw tantrums to show their distress.

Complex phobias

A complex phobia is much more likely to affect a person's wellbeing than a specific phobia.

For example, those who experience agoraphobia may also have a number of other phobias that are connected. These can include monophobia, or a fear of being left alone, and claustrophobia, a fear of feeling trapped in closed spaces.

In severe cases, a person with agoraphobia will rarely leave their home.

The most common specific phobias in the U.S. include:

Claustrophobia: Fear of being in constricted, confined spaces

Aerophobia: Fear of flying

Arachnophobia: Fear of spiders

Driving phobia: Fear of driving a car

Emetophobia: Fear of vomiting

Erythrophobia: Fear of blushing

Hypochondria: Fear of becoming ill

Zoophobia: Fear of animals

Aquaphobia: Fear of water

Acrophobia: Fear of heights

Blood, injury, and injection (BII) phobia: Fear of injuries involving blood

Escalaphobia: Fear of escalators

Tunnel phobia: Fear of tunnels

These are far from the only specific phobias. People can develop a phobia of almost anything. Also, as society changes, the list of potential phobias changes. For instance, nomophobia is the fear of being without a cell phone or computer.

As described in one paper, it is "the pathologic fear of remaining out of touch with technology."

It is unusual for a phobia to start after the age of 30 years, and most begin during early childhood, the teenage years, or early adulthood.

They can be caused by a stressful experience, a frightening event, or a parent or household member with a phobia that a child can 'learn.'

Specific phobias

These usually develop before the age of 4 to 8 years. In some cases, it may be the result of a traumatic early experience. One example would be claustrophobia developing over time after a younger child has an unpleasant experience in a confined space.

Phobias that start during childhood can also be caused by witnessing the phobia of a family member. A child whose mother has arachnophobia, for example, is much more likely to develop the same phobia.

Complex phobias

More research is needed to confirm exactly why a person develops agoraphobia or social anxiety. Researchers currently believe complex phobias are caused by a combination of life experiences, brain chemistry, and genetics.

They may also be an echo of the habits of early humans, leftover from a time in which open spaces and unknown people generally posed a far greater threat to personal safety than in today's world.

How the brain works during a phobia

Some areas of the brain store and recall dangerous or potentially deadly events.

If a person faces a similar event later on in life, those areas of the brain retrieve the stressful memory, sometimes more than once. This causes the body to experience the same reaction.

In a phobia, the areas of the brain that deal with fear and stress keep retrieving the frightening event inappropriately.

Researchers have found that phobias are often linked to the amygdala, which lies behind the pituitary gland in the brain. The amygdala can trigger the release of "fight-or-flight" hormones. These put the body and mind in a highly alert and stressed state.

Phobias are highly treatable, and people who have them are nearly always aware of their disorder. This helps diagnosis a great deal.

Speaking to a psychologist or psychiatrist is a useful first step in treating a phobia that has already been identified.

If the phobia does not cause severe problems, most people find that simply avoiding the source of their fear helps them stay in control. Many people with specific phobias will not seek treatment as these fears are often manageable.

It is not possible to avoid the triggers of some phobias, as is often the case with complex phobias. In these cases, speaking to a mental health professional can be the first step to recovery.

Most phobias can be cured with appropriate treatment. There is no single treatment that works for every person with a phobia. Treatment needs to be tailored to the individual for it to work.

The doctor, psychiatrist, or psychologist may recommend behavioral therapy, medications, or a combination of both. Therapy is aimed at reducing fear and anxiety symptoms and helping people manage their reactions to the object of their phobia.

Medications

The following medications are effective for the treatment of phobias.
Beta blockers
These can help reduce the physical signs of anxiety that can accompany a phobia.

Side effects may include an upset stomach, fatigue, insomnia, and cold fingers.
Antidepressants
Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly prescribed for people with phobias. They affect serotonin levels in the brain, and this can result in better moods.

SSRIs may initially cause nausea, sleeping problems, and headaches.

If the SSRI does not work, the doctor may prescribe a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) for social phobia. Individuals on an MAOI may have to avoid certain types of food. Side effects may initially include dizziness, an upset stomach, restlessness, headaches, and insomnia.

Taking a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA), such as clomipramine, or Anafranil, has also been found to help phobia symptoms. Initial side effects can include sleepiness, blurred vision, constipation, urination difficulties, irregular heartbeat, dry mouth, and tremors.
Tranquilizers
Benzodiazepines are an example of a tranquilizer that might be prescribed for a phobia. These may help reduce anxiety symptoms. People with a history of alcohol dependence should not be given sedatives.

In 2020, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) strengthened their warning about benzodiazepines. Using these drugs can lead to physical dependence, and withdrawal can be life threatening. Combining them with alcohol, opioids, and other substances can result in death. It is essential to follow the doctor's instructions when using these drugs.

Behavioral therapy

There are a number of therapeutic options for treating a phobia.
Desensitization, or exposure therapy
This can help people with a phobia alter their response to the source of fear. They are gradually exposed to the cause of their phobia over a series of escalating steps. For example, a person with aerophobia, or a fear of flying on a plane, may take the following steps under guidance:

1. They will first think about flying.

2. The therapist will have them look at pictures of planes.

3. The person will go to an airport.

4. They will escalate further by sitting in a practice simulated airplane cabin.

5. Finally, they will board a plane.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
The doctor, therapist, or counselor helps the person with a phobia learn different ways of understanding and reacting to the source of their phobia. This can make coping easier. Most importantly, CBT can teach a person experiencing phobia to control their own feelings and thoughts.

Phobias can be a source of genuine and ongoing distress for an individual. However, they are treatable in most cases, and very often the source of fear is avoidable.

If you have a phobia, the one thing you should never be afraid of is seeking help. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) offer a useful resource for locating a therapist. They also offer a range of talks on how to overcome specific phobias.

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Phobias: Symptoms, types, causes, and treatment

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A phobia is a type of anxiety disorder that causes an individual to experience extreme, irrational fear about a situation, living creature, place, or object. When a person has a phobia, they will often shape their lives to avoid what they consider to be dangerous.

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http://www.arttherapyblog.com/what-is-art-therapy/#.Y1FpyYHVafA

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What's on this page:
- Definitions
- Who can use art therapy?
- What does an art therapist do?
- Why use art therapy?
- Do you need to be talented?
- Why Art is a Wonderful Form of Therapy

Definition

Definition: Art therapy is a form of expressive therapy that uses the creative process of making art to improve a person's physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Skip to: What Does an Art Therapist Do?

The creative process involved in expressing one's self artistically can help people to resolve issues as well as develop and manage their behaviors and feelings, reduce stress, and improve self-esteem and awareness.

You don't need to be talented or an artist to receive the benefits, and there are professionals that can work with you to dive into the underlying messages communicated through your art, which will aid in the healing process.

Art therapy can achieve different things for different people. It can be used for counseling by therapists, healing, treatment, rehabilitation, psychotherapy, and in the broad sense of the term, it can be used to massage one's inner-self in a way that may provide the individual with a deeper understanding of him or herself.

Additional Definitions of Art Therapy

Art therapy, sometimes called creative arts therapy or expressive arts therapy, encourages people to express and understand emotions through artistic expression and through the creative process. From The Free Dictionary

Art therapy is a form of expressive therapy that uses art materials, such as paints, chalk and markers. Art therapy combines traditional psychotherapeutic theories and techniques with an understanding of the psychological aspects of the creative process, especially the affective properties of the different art materials. From Wikipedia

Art therapy involves the creation of art in order to increase awareness of self and others. This in turn may promote personal development, increase coping skills, and enhance cognitive function. It is based on personality theories, human development, psychology, family systems, and art education. Art therapists are trained in both art and psychological therapy. From The New Medicine

And from the AATA, the definition of the profession:
Art therapy is the therapeutic use of art making, within a professional relationship, by people who experience illness, trauma or challenges in living, and by people who seek personal development. Through creating art and reflecting on the art products and processes, people can increase awareness of self and others, cope with symptoms, stress and traumatic experiences; enhance cognitive abilities; and enjoy the life-affirming pleasures of making art.

Art therapists are professionals trained in both art and therapy. They are knowledgeable about human development, psychological theories, clinical practice, spiritual, multicultural and artistic traditions, and the healing potential of art. They use art in treatment, assessment and research, and provide consultations to allied professionals. Art therapists work with people of all ages: individuals, couples, families, groups and communities. They provide services, individually and as part of clinical teams, in settings that include mental health, rehabilitation, medical and forensic institutions; community outreach programs; wellness centers; schools; nursing homes; corporate structures; open studios and independent practices.

Who Can Use Art Therapy?

For the most part, anyone can use art therapy. In a world where there is a multitude of ways to communicate and express one's self, expressive arts therapy is yet another. One of the major differences between art therapy and other forms of communication is that most other forms of communication elicit the use of words or language as a means of communication. Often times, humans are incapable of expressing themselves within this limited range.

One of the beauties of art as therapy is the ability for a person to express his/her feelings through any form of art. Though there are other types of expressive therapies (such as the performing arts), expressive art therapy as discussed here typically utilizes more traditional forms of art...such as painting, drawing, photography, sculpture, or a variety of other types of visual art expression.

What Does an Art Therapist Do?

Art therapists are trained in both therapy and art, and have studied and mastered both psychology and human development, having received a Master's Degree. There are various requirements for becoming an art therapist as well as certifications which means they are masters when it comes to using art as a springboard for everything from a general assessment of another person's state to treatment for aiding serious illness. Art therapists can work with people of all ages, sex, creed, et al. They can help an individual, a couple, a family, or groups of people and depending on the situation, there may be numerous therapists working together as a clinical team.

Art therapists are trained to pick up on nonverbal symbols and metaphors that are often expressed through art and the creative process, concepts that are usually difficult to express with words. It is through this process that the individual really begins to see the effects of art therapy and the discoveries that can be made.

Why Would I Use Art Therapy?

As with most any therapy, art as therapy is generally used as a treatment for something - usually as a way to improve one's emotional state or mental well-being. Expressive arts therapy doesn't have to be used only as a treatment though. It can be used to relieve stress or tension, or it can be used as a mode of self-discovery. Many people can stand to use some sort of creative outlet.

Do You Need to be Talented?

Absolutely not. And you need not be "afraid" of expressing yourself through art. Though it may seem different and unnatural at first, it is typically because the individual is not used to communicating via the arts. The creative process can be one of the most rewarding aspects. Coupled with an art therapist, you should gradually, if not immediately, feel comfortable with this newfound form of expression. After all, the goal is not necessarily to create an art masterpiece.

Art: A Wonderful Form of Therapy

Expressive art therapy is the use of creative arts as a form of therapy and is a fantastic field that has proven to work wonders in many people's lives. It can help someone express themselves, explore their emotions, manage addictions, and improve their self-esteem. It really helps children with developmental disabilities, however; art therapy is awesome because it can help anyone!

Have you ever noticed how much music, or doing an activity like drawing relaxes you after a long day? That is because it is very therapeutic. If you see a professional art therapist, they can help you interpret the feelings that pour into your design, and even help work through and resolve problems. Studies have also proven that colouring, even as an adult, has tremendous benefits. Unfortunately, colouring, drawing, painting, and playing music is very taboo in the adult world. Break away from that social expectation, and see how freeing it is to let your creativity flow.

Music, art, and dance are the main expressions for this variety of therapy. Music therapy can be a mix of playing instruments, listening to music, and singing. Dance therapy utilizes dance and movement. It makes sense that it is so effective-lots of endorphins are released into your body when you shake it! Art therapy can be a mixture of drawing, colouring, painting, sculpting and pretty much everything else you can think of that is artistic. These are all things people love to do as hobbies, so why not use it to better yourself and show yourself some love?

Besides helping someone better their emotional being, art therapy is great for many other things. It can help general illness. Art is a fabulous escape from feeling icky. Art therapy can help someone who has a cancer diagnosis. Battling cancer takes both a very physical and emotional toll, and is even a struggle accepting the diagnosis. Art and dance are powerful expressions of these emotions, and can help relieve a lot of stress, anger, and sadness. Someone in need of therapy to have some relief after a disaster would also be an excellent candidate for artistic therapy.

There are so many uses and benefits to expressive arts therapies, that can help drastically improve people's lives for a plethora of reasons. Even if you don't need serious help, it can be a great way to release stress after a long work week. Art therapy is a growing field that is being more widely accepted, so it is also an opportunity as a career field! Be bold, be creative, and be expressive and give art therapy a try!

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What is Art Therapy? | What Does an Art Therapist Do?

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What's on this page: - Definitions - Who can use art therapy? - What does an art therapist do? - Why use art therapy? - Do you need to be talented? - Why Art is a Wonderful Form of Therapy Definition: Art therapy is a form of expressive therapy that uses the creative process of making art to improve a person's physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

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https://psychcentral.com/anxiety/art-therapy-for-anxiety-relief#expressive-art-therapy

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Specific art therapy exercises can help you cope with anxiety symptoms.

If you believe this creative therapeutic approach is for only "artsy" people, you may be surprised to find out that's not the case. In fact, being rather unskillful in artistic expression may make this experience more fun and cathartic.

According to a systematic of various studies, art therapy could positively affect people with mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and phobias.

The American Art Therapy Association (AATA) defines it as "an integrative mental health and human services profession that enriches the lives of individuals, families, and communities through active art-making, creative process, applied psychological theory, and human experience within a psychotherapeutic relationship."

Art therapy combines psychological therapy with art-making, such as painting, drawing, sculpting, and clay modeling, to help people manage stress and express themselves without verbal communication.

"Different studies and research [show] that when we engage in art-making, it helps the neurological system relax. Brain chemical levels will decrease and bring about relaxation for many people, which also helps the nervous system calm down," says Margaret Carlock Russo, EdD, LCAT, ATR-BC, ATCS, president of the AATA.

"When a significant event happens in someone's life, it's hard to express your feelings. Art therapists have the ability to know what creative suggestion might help someone with a particular issue," she adds.

Art therapists are credentialed mental health professionals who are licensed in some states. They are trained in psychotherapy and ways to use art media and creative processes to help people cope with mental health challenges.

Carlock Russo says art therapy is not only for "creative" or "artsy" people.

"In our society, art-making is understood as something that only certain people are able to do if they have talents. However, when it comes to art therapy, no experience is needed. Anyone can do it," she says.

Engaging in art therapy is not about creating artwork that is aesthetically pleasing, she adds.

"Rather, it's about the message in a piece [of art] and a story the person tells about that piece. We are not interested in helping someone become a better artist. We are interested in helping them express themselves utilizing graphic imagery or creative expression in some way," explains Carlock Russo.

When people experience anxiety, they are overwhelmed with negative thoughts and worry.

The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) defines generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) as the persistent and excessive worry about things that otherwise don't appear to have a reason for concern.

When a person practices art expression during art therapy, the intention is to interrupt and distract them from ruminating thoughts or emotions that are overwhelming them.

"We get people to stop and focus on one thing. People can also do this with deep breathing and other strategies, but art-making can be an easy, accessible way to do this, too," says Carlock Russo. "Art expression also provides sensory input in other ways because you are touching materials, and it also [initiates] the release of stress from the playfulness of it all."

She says art therapy can also help with panic disorder in the same way. Also, in the event of a panic attack, art expression as a tool can serve as a distraction from feelings of panic.

"You can engage in doodling or coloring or collage, which may calm and distract you from the overwhelming focus of the panic attack," Carlock Russo explains.

In fact, a Dutch randomized-controlled trial looked at the effectiveness of art therapy in females ages 18 to 65, diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, or panic disorder, with moderate to severe anxiety symptoms.

The study found that art therapy had these benefits:

reduction in anxiety symptoms

increase in subjective quality of life

improvement in accessibility of emotion regulation strategies

long-term effects that were present during a 3-month follow-up

Carlock Russo says the art therapy that occurs with a qualified art therapist may encourage you to delve deep into emotions. To experience the complete therapeutic effects of art, consider reaching out to a trained and credentialed art therapist.

However, she says the following exercises can provide immediate relief when feeling anxious and can be done on your own.

Embrace coloring books

Because coloring books set the expectation of what to color, Carlock Russo says many people are not intimidated by them.

"There's an outline, and it's controlled, so you don't feel the anxiety of not knowing how to draw. Plus, they're easy to carry around," she says.

Make mandala art

Mandala artwork is made of circular objects and designs. The boundaries of the graphics can give a sense of control and calmness, says Carlock Russo.

"There is also something rhythmic about working in a circle. You can even draw your own circles without mandala art. In fact, I start a lot of sessions by having people draw circles on paper," she says.

Write in a gratitude journal

To take a break from ruminating thoughts, consider writing down things and people you are thankful for.

Carlock Russo suggests writing stream of thoughts, structured ideas, or poetry, if you are inclined.

"Do what feels easy. The quality doesn't matter," she says.

Scribble on paper

The freedom of scribbling can take away the expectation of drawing something well. In a sense, how you scribble can resemble your emotions.

"If your lines are tangled on the paper, that could show nervous energy getting out or lack of focus. If you are pressing hard, maybe you are releasing energy or tensions you are feeling," says Carlock Russo.

Create affirmation cards

Turn an old deck of cards or index cards into intention cards. Start by covering one side with scraps of tissue paper, colored paper, stickers, or stamps. Then print out affirmations or write them at the top of the card with a marker.

"Write something positive to yourself. Even if it's one word like 'breath,' or a short phrase like, 'I am strong.' These are great to leave around your house or carry with you," says Carlock Russo.

Craft a peaceful collage

Making a collage of a place that makes you feel safe and at ease, like the beach or mountains, can help calm you at the moment.

"By creating it, you are bringing yourself to that place in a way and distracting yourself from all the anxiety," explains Carlock Russo.

While expressive arts therapy and art therapy overlap, expressive arts use visual arts and other art forms like music, dance, and drama.

"Therapists trained in expressive arts might have someone create an image with a collage and then write a narrative about that image," Carlock Russo says, "and then maybe use music to write a song about it, so working with the imagery and emotions of expressions of the person, but with a variety of creative ways."

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Why Art Therapy May Help You Manage Anxiety Symptoms

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Specific art therapy exercises can help you cope with anxiety symptoms. If you believe this creative therapeutic approach is for only "artsy" people, you may be surprised to find out that's not the case. In fact, being rather unskillful in artistic expression may make this experience more fun and cathartic.

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https://www.bridgestorecovery.com/blog/does-art-therapy-work-for-anxiety-creativity-and-comprehensive-treatment-programs/

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Does Art Therapy Work for Anxiety? Creativity and Comprehensive Treatment Programs

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Art therapy has been shown to significantly help individuals who struggle with anxiety. Understanding art therapy and the research surrounding the field shows that this supplemental treatment option has been helpful with people of all ages and backgrounds. Art therapy works to heal anxiety through helping us feel a sense of calm, express ourselves, and become more self-aware.

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焦虑症症状：话多，不安，想不开（和抑郁症

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焦虑症症状：话多，不安，想不开（和抑郁症一样）
平时会刻意把压力压下去，只有在精神不好的时候会释放，症状比常人更明显
缓解方法：不停说话
抗焦虑药物：需要维持血液浓度，固定时间固定剂量，不能停一段时间在吃，会加重焦虑程度；原理和抗抑郁药物一样，抑郁症没有精力做事，所以也没有精力去死，但是吃了药就有精力，思维模式依然是想死，抗抑郁药物会增加自杀率-药不能停or停药后造成的抑郁症出现反复不能吃药。

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https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/therapy/art-as-therapy-an-alternative-treatment/?utm_source=AdWords&utm_medium=Search_PPC_t&utm_term=PerformanceMax&utm_content=&network=x&placement=&target=&matchtype=&utm_campaign=16929735023&ad_type=responsive_pmax&adposition=&gclid=Cj0KCQjw48OaBhDWARIsAMd966Bqqck88ATyGIK1lY5cRdXtWJDDM8JYtpnmr1mnutt9WKHgxYpGlMQaAlpxEALw_wcB

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Everyone can benefit from art therapy, and this post explains the approach. Learn more about this therapy.

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Art therapy is an unconventional way to improve your life. It can also be used to treat anxiety disorders. Nowadays, anxiety disorder is a kind of psychological problem that is easily misunderstood and ignored by people. Patients with separation anxiety disorder not only cover all age groups, but even different species.

How does separation anxiety develop? What are the symptoms?

What are the factors that lead to it? How is it different from "anxiety" in the general population?

Is separation anxiety related in different species (humans, dogs)?

What art therapy? How does it work? How does art therapy treat anxiety?

Can other species (e.g. dogs) be used as part of art therapy? How does the public view this treatment?

As a design student, what can I do for art therapy?

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The Surprising Similarities Between Art Therapy And Autism Support Dogs

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The Surprising Similarities Between Art Therapy And Autism Support Dogs

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https://the-art-of-autism.com/the-surprising-similarities-between-art-therapy-and-autism-support-dogs/

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In my first years of teaching in the early 2000s, very few students had been identified as having Autism. Throughout my ten years of teaching, though, that number began to grow rapidly, as Autism diagnoses and awareness began to increase. I felt like I knew so little about how to help my students with special needs. But those first few years of having students with ASD in my class were not as challenging as they might have been under different circumstances, because, the families of these students became my teachers. They were seeking therapies and resources outside of the school walls, and they were the experts in their children's needs. Most of what I did when working with those students with Autism was in support of the therapies they were receiving outside of class. Of course I had the help and expertise of the special educators on staff, but the information the families relayed about their individual children was a source of data I couldn't have done without. I wasn't properly trained in implementing services for a wide variety of individual special needs. So, learning from parents and students about the therapies and social skills classes they took outside of school helped me to integrate meaningful differentiation and experiences on the individual level for my students with ASD.

Two of those therapies are the focus of what I'm sharing today-art therapy and service dogs. See, these seemingly different approaches to working with kids with ASD had some overlap in the results they produced. Of course, as a stressed out teacher, I didn't see those similarities at a time. Instead, what I knew was that when parents would share these skills and findings from therapy with me about their children they were giving me the keys to know and support their children as individuals. Only now, looking back at the experience of teaching children with ASD who had support outside of school, do I understand how what seem like totally different approaches could lead to similar results. So, here's what I know now.

Art therapy and support animals help with sensory regulation.

Art therapy introduces techniques to students to help regulate their emotions. It can help kids figure out ways to work through big feelings that arise. Sometimes this therapy looks like something as simple as squeezing a ball of clay or scribbling with a certain kind of marker. Art therapy also introduces kids to tactile sensations that might be new or uncomfortable for them. They work through those feelings with the support of the therapist and find ways to cope.

Support dogs can help kids with sensory regulation, too. But, instead of squeezing clay or learning to tolerate the feeling of fingerpaint, dogs can help students practice self-soothing behaviors. A child might find pleasure in brushing the dog. Giving commands and having the dog comply gives children with ASD a way to focus on something outside of themselves, rather than getting caught up in the intense emotions they're feeling and not always able to communicate.

Art therapy and support animals act as communication facilitators.

Art communicates more than words ever can, and for children with ASD, that's even more true. Art therapy acts as a way for students to express themselves nonverbally. By creating art and imagery based on how they're feeling or what they're thinking, students communicate in ways that others can understand.

If you've ever had a dog or even spent time with one, you know how easy they are to talk to. Dogs don't talk back. They don't push you for an answer you're not ready to give. They don't judge your communication style. Support dogs are especially patient, loving, and responsive. Children with ASD learn to give dogs commands, but they also learn to whisper and talk to dogs in ways that they don't always feel comfortable doing with humans. In addition, dogs are non-verbal, so children with ASD have to learn to read their cues. Kids learn when the dog wants to go outside or needs some space away from the family. And because dogs are so easy to love, they bring the whole family together. Children with ASD who were once distant from their siblings learn to talk about the dog and the dog's needs as an entry-point to family conversation.

Art therapy and support dogs help children focus on process over product.

Art therapy is focused on the creative process and exploration. The final product is simply a nice bonus to what children with ASD gain through tapping into their emotions, communication skills, and sensory aversions. It is in the process of making art and exploring mediums that children experience the world through movement and sensation. This focus on process also helps children with ASD control stress and anxiety, as well as build self esteem. Board certified art therapist Dr. Laura JJ Dessaur says, " . . . a child with ASD can use the creative process to enhance competency and mastery, allowing for positive development of their self-esteem and relationship skills.

Caring for a support dog is a practice in patience, routine, and daily processes. There is no final "product" when it comes to a dog. The processes associated with service animals can fit easily into the routine-oriented schema of many people with ASD. Feeding, walking, playtime, teaching commands, and grooming are all highly-structured routines. In general, people with Autism are highly motivated by routines that have clear beginnings and endings. Sometimes, people with ASD can become obsessed with these routines. But dogs offer just enough variety that the structure can be more flexible, allowing the child with ASD to focus on what care the dog needs and not whether the task is completed in exactly the same way each time.

Art therapy and support dogs can decrease self-harming behaviors.

Self harm is a nonverbal way of communicating and coping with overwhelming emotions. It provides temporary relief from the feelings and so is often repeated. Art therapy seeks to replace the self-harming behaviors with other processes or rituals. Art can be both creative and destructive. So sometimes art therapy includes ripping, cutting, or crushing, all behaviors that can replace self-harm. Art therapy also teaches distraction and relaxation techniques to help children with ASD move away from self-harm.

Support dogs can be trained to soothe children during depressive and self-harm situations. The dog can learn everything from simply putting a paw on the child's lap to distract them or remind them to use other techniques, to physically jump up and interrupt the self harm. In addition, support dogs can be trained to lie across children during a panic or self-harm episode, the weight of the dogs acting as a calming mechanism.

My former students with ASD were supported by families and non-school based therapies and programs, including art therapy and specially-trained dogs. I had to learn from the results of these supports how to work with my students. But teachers of students with ASD today have a lot more school-based support than ever before. Many special educators and behavior analysts now focus on how to best support the individual needs of students with Autism. You'll even find art therapy and support dogs on some school campuses today.
Amanda Ronan is an Austin-based writer. After many years as a teacher, Amanda transitioned out of the classroom and into educational publishing. She wrote and edited English, language arts, reading, and social studies content for grades K-12. Since then, Amanda has worked with a diverse set of clients, ranging from functional medicine doctors to homeschooling moms, writing blogs, long-form articles, curricula, and educational guides. In addition, she is the author of the YA series, My Brother is a Robot, and an ebook for teachers, A Fresh Look at Formative Assessment.

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The Surprising Similarities Between Art Therapy and Autism Support Dogs

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In my first years of teaching in the early 2000s, very few students had been identified as having Autism. Throughout my ten years of teaching, though, that number began to grow rapidly, as Autism diagnoses and awareness began to increase. I felt like I knew so little about how to help my students with special needs.

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https://interactions.acm.org/archive/view/may-june-2018/co-design-in-health

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Driven by calls for democratizing design and empowering patients, researchers are turning to methods that involve users more directly in the design process. Methods such as participatory design and co-design provide a way of engaging individuals in the hands-on creation of their own health technologies. However, some of the ways in which we practice co-design in health are at odds with what the approach aims to achieve. We focus on our own ideas of success, such as improved health outcomes, treatment, or adherence, when the emergent nature of co-design often takes us in entirely new directions. We expect that participants will tell us their health-related needs and generate ideas alongside us, but health is highly personal, and talking about it with others can be emotionally distressing. For individuals with difficulty verbalizing their own experiences, we ask others, such as proxies, to fill in for them, even though this minimizes the role of those with health conditions, whom we most hope to engage through co-design.

To rethink co-design in health, we turn to a facet of the healthcare ecosystem that is not often studied by human-computer interaction or health-informatics researchers: the clinical practice of art therapy. Art therapy is a profession in which participants, guided by the art therapist, use art materials, the creative process, and the resulting artwork to express feelings, reconcile conflicts, foster self-awareness, and achieve other goals. As others have noted, most research in healthcare focuses on doctors and nurses; examining other perspectives, such as those of therapists, can provide new directions for research [ 1]. Art therapy services are situated within the broader healthcare landscape and alongside biomedical views of health. Yet art therapists approach clinical encounters in ways that are fundamentally different from those of other healthcare practitioners. This departure from mainstream biomedical thinking, while remaining situated within clinical contexts, makes art therapy a compelling site for inquiry.

Approximately five years ago, our research group began a fruitful partnership with an art therapy program in a skilled nursing facility. Through our fieldwork, we began to see the work of art therapists as a situated example of co-design involving people with diverse health experiences. Over the years, our fieldwork involved art therapists who work in varied settings (e.g., hospitals, private practice, residential communities) and with a range of populations, including individuals experiencing addiction, child-welfare recipients, immigrants, and domestic violence victims, as well as those with mental illness, traumatic brain injuries, physical disabilities, dementia, aphasia, and cancer. Based on our empirical work and long-term collaboration with practicing art therapists, we identify four ways in which art therapy has reshaped how we conceive of health-related, co-creative design engagements.

The first way in which art therapy helps us rethink co-design is by changing how we view health conditions. Health-technology design often focuses on improving health status; we design technologies to help people exercise or remember to take medications. Art therapy offers another approach to understanding health. Often the goal of art therapy is to help people accept and live with varied health experiences throughout the course of life. In this way, art therapy is aligned with palliative care and wellness, with a focus on learning to live with symptoms and enhancing quality of life. For individuals in art therapy, this could be accepting a terminal diagnosis or dealing with anxiety or depression. Therapists describe the importance of viewing the patient as the expert in their own experience, though they acknowledge that their interactions occur within a larger context of care in which therapy recipients are positioned as in need of help and therapists as those providing help. Focusing on the individual's lived experience, rather than achieving health outcomes, helps empower the individual as an expert from whom the therapist can learn.

Prior work has identified the ways in which hierarchies and clearly demarcated roles in healthcare contexts (e.g., clinician, patient) affect the design process and reinforce power differentials [ 2]. The case of art therapy provides insights into how researchers can interact alongside participants and shift these power dynamics. Therapists carefully consider the language they use-some entirely eliminating the labels "patient" and "therapist"-in order to foster a collaborative relationship and mutual respect during the creative process. We observed therapists arranging material environments and configuring social interactions in order to position patients as artists and themselves as assistants and helpers. Most central to this analysis is the concept of the "third hand" from the field of art therapy, which describes the role of the therapist as a hand that supports the creative process without being intrusive or imposing their own goals [ 3]. Therapists describe learning to hone their third hand so that they become like machinery, invisible and fluid, and ultimately fade into the background of the creative process. For a woman who had difficulty doing the fine-motor movements required for a piece of needlework, the therapist fluidly came in to do the detail work, turning the piece back to the artist when she was finished. The therapist said, "It was always her process. I was the extra hand."

Art therapy, situated within the arts more broadly, teaches us that there is no one right way of engaging in co-creative practice. Instead, there is a multiplicity of ways of being for participants to explore together. While researchers may feel the need to take the lead during co-design sessions, therapists describe acting as a follower instead of a leader. Rather than imposing goals on the artist, they serve as a witness, as participants understand what their work means for them. As we and others have argued, instead of facilitating participants in responding to known issues or improving existing technology products (e.g., asking participants to design a better medication container), perhaps the role of the researcher is to provide an environment in which participants discover and respond to issues that matter to them [ 4, 5].

The practice of art therapy also informs how we can view individual expressions. Specifically, art therapy offers a critique of the dominant and implicit role of verbalization in co-design. Collaborative design engagements often rely on participants' willingness and ability to verbalize alongside researchers, though this can be difficult for people with speech-language impairments (e.g., those who recently experienced a stroke), memory impairments, or those dealing with sensitive, emotional, or stigmatizing health experiences. Within health-technology design, we often understand patient experiences through validated self-report scales (e.g., measures to assess depression such as the PHQ-9) or employ proxies to understand those who are unable to speak on their own. As we have argued [ 4], the implicit focus on verbalization can constrain involvement and limit what is achieved through co-design, in which the goal is to support participants' creative potential, enable a wide range of conversation topics, and envision new design futures.

Art therapy not only reframes how researchers can support co-creation but also shifts how we view the manifestation of health conditions and symptoms during the process of creation. Instead of viewing repetitive movements or disfluent speech as negative symptoms of disease, art therapists view these as expressions of the self to be engaged with playfully. For example, one therapist gave a paintbrush loaded with paint to an individual experiencing hand tremors and a rhythmic rocking motion. This individual then filled canvases with brushstrokes reflecting her movement. Rather than mitigating these behaviors, the therapist looked for creative ways to channel these movements as expressions that could then be shared with others in her life, such as her adult children.

What a participant does with art materials is more important than verbal self-report.

In art therapy, both the process of creation and the resulting artifacts imbue meaning. What a participant does with art materials is more important than verbal self-report. As one therapist explained, art materials are "the language of art-so they're like the verbs and nouns and things of visual art." Further, therapists observe and interpret the way a participant grips a paintbrush, glances at the color palette, shapes clay, or forms lines on paper. The art that is created gives the therapist insights into the thoughts, needs, and experiences of a participant that they could not or would not verbalize on their own. Relying on verbal language creates a barrier, and therapists use art materials to find a different way in. To be clear, the goal is not to deconstruct artwork to provide insight into symptoms and pathology; instead, the artwork tells us what is important to that person and provides points of connection.

In addition to the goals of empowerment and democratizing design, we engage participants in the design process in the hopes of creating better technologies, products, and services that align with their lived experience. Designing for health, however, raises special considerations for disseminating artifacts and insights that emerge through co-design. Co-creative design engagements within clinical contexts are often subject to information privacy laws (e.g., HIPAA [ 6]). Within art therapy, creative artifacts are part of the personal health record and expressions of the self, which expands our view of what we consider patient-generated data and how we treat resulting artifacts.

As researchers, we can learn from the careful deliberation of art therapists in how they share products that emerge from art therapy sessions. We observed that sharing an individual's creative work involved a complex negotiation among multiple stakeholders, particularly for individuals with limited decisional capacity who have authorized representatives act on their behalf [ 7]. Therapists reflect on the different and sometimes conflicting preferences of individuals and caregivers, whether and how artifacts should be shared, the context in which the work is presented, and the information that is presented alongside the work.

Therapists attend to the intentions of the individual and are careful to present the work in ways that prevent others from taking the artwork out of context or that negatively affect the perception of the artist (e.g., highlighting a diagnosis). As part of this, therapists reflect on how sharing artwork affects the positioning of people with stigmatized conditions more broadly. The history of outsider art-which is art created by people considered "other" or with nonnormative experiences-informs art therapists' contemporary practices [ 4]. In our fieldwork, therapists were well aware of the stigma associated with dementia. They intentionally created an art exhibit within the memory-care facility, explaining that this helped residents from independent living in "seeing the world through [art therapy participants'] eyes." Rather than the art further highlighting differences between individuals with and without cognitive impairment, the exhibit helped foster a sense of connection and empathy. Thus, sharing the products of co-design may be as much about advocacy and repositioning individuals in society as it is about informing the next steps in our own research agendas.

By learning from the practice of art therapy, we can begin to envision design engagements involving people with diverse health experiences in new ways. Viewing health as a range of human experiences, rather than problems that need solving, opens up new avenues for designing over the course of life and helps normalize experiences. Instead of using proxies, tapping into visual and non-verbal modalities can better support individuals with a limited ability or willingness to verbalize their experiences to researchers. We can learn to let participants lead while we follow and witness their unfolding work, rather than imposing our own goals and ideals on design sessions. We also need a renewed ethical sensitivity toward what emerges from co-design sessions. Resulting artifacts can be both protected health information and personal expressions. Our own interpretation, handling, and dissemination of what emerges from co-design can inadvertently reinforce stereotypes and stigma. At the same time, art therapists acknowledge that ongoing self-questioning and activism are inherent aspects of their work-these concerns are also central to our own design engagements. While the viewpoints we share here may initially seem distant from dominant views of health, integrating diverse perspectives not only helps us rethink accepted health concepts such as the value of self-report and what constitutes patient-generated data, but also provides new possibilities for how we design health technologies.

1. Fitzpatrick, G. and Ellingsen, G. A review of 25 years of CSCW research in healthcare: Contributions, challenges and future agendas. Computer Supported Cooperative Work 22, 4-6 (Aug. 2013), 609-665.

2. Donetto, S., Pierri, P., Tsianakas, V., and Robert, G. Experience-based co-design and healthcare improvement: Realizing participatory design in the public sector. Design Journal 18, 2 (2015), 227-248.

3. Lazar, A., Cornejo, R., Edasis, C., and Piper, A.M. Designing for the third hand: Empowering older adults with cognitive impairment through creating and sharing. Proc. of ACM DIS 2016, 1047-1058.

4. Lazar, A., Feuston, J.L., Edasis, C., and Piper, A.M. Making as expression: Informing design with people with complex communication needs through art therapy. Proc. of ACM CHI 2018, in press.

5. Le Dantec, C.A. and DiSalvo, C. Infrastructuring and the formation of publics in participatory design. Social Studies of Science 43, 2 (2013), 241-264.

6. HIPAA, which stands for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, is a U.S. law designed to provide privacy standards to protect patients' medical records and other health information provided to doctors, hospitals, and other healthcare providers.

7. Cornejo, R., Brewer, R., Edasis, C., and Piper, A.M. Vulnerability, sharing, and privacy: Analyzing art therapy for older adults with dementia. Proc. of ACM CSCW 2016, 1572-1583.

Anne Marie Piper is an assistant professor in communication studies at Northwestern University. Her research lies at the intersection of HCI, CSCW, and assistive technology. She designs and evaluates systems to support communication, social interaction, and learning across the lifespan with an emphasis on people with disabilities and older adults. ampiper@northwestern

Amanda Lazar is an assistant professor in the College of Information studies at the University of Maryland, College Park. Her research is in the areas of human-computer interaction and health informatics. She studies how technologies designed for health and well-being position and support marginalized populations. lazar@umd.edu

Copyright held by authors. Publication rights licensed to ACM.

The Digital Library is published by the Association for Computing Machinery. Copyright © 2018 ACM, Inc.

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Driven by calls for democratizing design and empowering patients, researchers are turning to methods that involve users more directly in the design process. Methods such as participatory design and co-design provide a way of engaging individuals in the hands-on creation of their own health technologies.

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https://www.1000museums.com/famous-artists-with-depression/

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6 Famous Artists Who Struggled with Mental Illness

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Artistic talent often comes with a price. Meet six artists who brought us beautiful art while suffering from bouts of mental illness.

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Art therapy, sometimes called creative arts therapy or expressive arts therapy, encourages people to express and understand emotions through artistic expression and through the creative process.

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1.make mind map
2.sculpt some clay
3.finger paint with your inner child
4.design your own color pages
5.do some art journaling
6.make a mandala
7.build paper flowers
8.weave with yarn
9.make plant art
10.build a self care box

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Separation anxiety is often discussed in terms of children, or in some cases, pets. Separation anxiety in children is considered a serious issue as when a child is unable to be separated from parents, the likelihood he or she will miss out on crucial psychosocial development opportunities, and develop further anxiety problems later in life, increases significantly.

Separation anxiety occurs in adults as well, and can be an equally serious problem, so much so that psychologists have considered adding it to the diagnostic manual. Many adults suffer from separation anxiety issues and either may not be aware, or fail to seek treatment. Thus, separation anxiety in adults is likely underreported, and a much more widespread problem than originally believed to be.

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Comforter

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https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strange_situation

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The strange situation is a procedure devised by Mary Ainsworth in the 1970s to observe attachment in children, that is relationships between a caregiver and child. It applies to children between the age of nine and 30 months. Broadly speaking, the attachment styles were (1) secure and (2) insecure (…

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https://www.calmclinic.com/anxiety/types/adult-separation-anxiety

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Separation anxiety is often discussed in terms of children, or in some cases, pets. Separation anxiety in children is considered a serious issue as when a child is unable to be separated from parents, the likelihood he or she will miss out on crucial psychosocial development opportunities, and develop further anxiety problems later in life, increases significantly.

Separation anxiety occurs in adults as well, and can be an equally serious problem, so much so that psychologists have considered adding it to the diagnostic manual. Many adults suffer from separation anxiety issues and either may not be aware, or fail to seek treatment. Thus, separation anxiety in adults is likely underreported, and a much more widespread problem than originally believed to be.
From Childhood to Adulthood
Adult separation anxiety (ASA) may develop during childhood, or as a result of things experienced throughout adolescence and/or early adulthood. Many adults suffering from anxiety (separation and other kinds) suffered some sort abuse or neglect in their past.

How Separation Anxiety Manifests in Adults

Separation anxiety, when extreme, is usually pretty easy to identify. Adults who have serious separation anxiety tend to have an unhealthy attachment to a person with whom they are close to, and experience intense anxiety and panic when having to separate from that person. Yet, in less severe cases of separation anxiety, the signs may not be as obvious. Some less apparent signs of ASA are:

Extreme Jealousy - adults with separation anxiety may demonstrate signs of jealousy in relationships. A fear of abandonment is often what drives those with ASA to experience jealousy. This is especially true if the jealousy is accompanied by anxious thoughts, such as a fear of being alone or irrational concerns about infidelity. Of course, jealousy may be completely unrelated to ASA - for example, control of others is the cause of jealousy, as are trust issues - but some forms of deep jealousy may also be due to separation anxiety.

Over Strict Parenting - there is some evidence that extremely strict and demanding parents may have separation anxiety issues as well. Sometimes referred to as reverse-separation anxiety, the parents may be so concerned that their child will leave them someday that they try to control the child's life as much as possible.

Stuck in Relationships - another way separation anxiety may manifest itself is in the way adults treat their relationships. Whether romantic, familial, or friend relationships, but also friendships and occasionally familial relationships, many with ASA work to maintain the relationship even when extremely unhealthy (emotionally, physically), out of fear of being alone.

Mooching - those that "mooch" off their parents well into adulthood, or those that never seem to leave their friends' homes may be experiencing separation anxiety in some way.

Because there are currently no diagnostic criteria for ASA, the discussion of ways it manifests is purely speculative. Regardless, adult separation anxiety is a genuine problem, and affects the lives of countless adults.

Symptoms of Adult Separation Anxiety

In the discussion of adult separation anxiety, again, due to lack of concrete diagnostic criteria, many look to the symptoms of separation anxiety in children as a way to gain understanding. In children, symptoms of separation anxiety include:

Distress when attached to a specific figure or figures.

Excessive worry about losing these figures.

Anxious, "worst case scenario" thinking about separation.

Trouble sleeping when away from a specific person.

Physical complaints when separation appears imminent.

One might also add the belief that the person cannot live without another person, or that their quality of life will suffer dramatically.

Because adult brains are far more developed than the brains of children, it is likely adult separation anxiety will reveal itself in different ways. Nevertheless, severe distress at the thought of being without someone is very probable to be a central sign of ASA, and some variation of the above list would likely fit into any diagnostic criteria.

How to Stop Adult Separation Anxiety

Because adult separation anxiety is only recently being recognized as a serious mental health problem, approaches to treatment are lacking. Yet there are some treatments that are thought to be potentially beneficial. If you believe you or someone you know has ASA, finding help is important. Once there is an awareness of the problem, identifying treatment is vital.

Countering Other Anxiety Treating your anxiety symptoms can be very helpful. Many people with ASA display obsessive thoughts very similar to OCD, and some experience anxiety attacks when left alone. Recognizing the symptoms of other anxiety disorders can be extremely advantageous. Click here to start my anxiety test and see what you can treat (no hyperlink included.....)

Childhood Separation Procedures The same treatments that help children with separation anxiety may help adults as well. ASA can benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy, as well as systematic desensitization - learning to be alone in a way that is calming and better for mental health. Some medications may also be recommended, and relaxation strategies can be implemented as well.

Support Groups Finding support can also be beneficial. Support groups for ASA may be a big help because it provides the person with additional social support beyond the person they're connected to. Often one of the fears is losing that support so that a solid support group may be of assistance.

Clearly, more research on ASA is needed before solid treatment recommendations can be made. Yet, talking to a medical or mental health professional is always a good place to start.

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Separation anxiety is often discussed in terms of children, or in some cases, pets. Separation anxiety in children is considered a serious issue as when a child is unable to be separated from parents, the likelihood he or she will miss out on crucial psychosocial development opportunities, and develop further anxiety problems later in life, increases significantly.

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Separation anxiety is when someone is afraid of being apart from or losing a person or other attachment figure. While many people associate the condition with children, adults can experience the separation anxiety as well.

A person may develop extreme anxiety due to the separation, or anticipated separation, from a specific attachment figure. This can be a person, place, or even an animal. A person may also manifest physical symptoms of separation anxiety, such as nausea and headaches.

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Collage
Persona
Interview

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What are the symptoms of separation anxiety in adults?

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What are the symptoms of separation anxiety in adults?

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excessive distress before and during separation

excessive worry about losing the attachtment figure

excessive worry about events that may cause separation from the attachment figure

reluctance to leave the separation figure

persistent and excessive fear of being alone

reluctance to sleep away from the attachment figure

repeating nightmares about separation

recurring physical symptoms during real or anticipated separation

These symptoms can cause significant distress
Trusted Source that affects social, occupational, or academic functioning.

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https://www.recoveryformula.com/quiz/start?utm_source=calmclinic&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=article_id_83&utm_term=article_ad&utm_content=ad_id_198&a=

Score on a questionnaire to determine if you have anxiety or symptoms of anxiety, then analyze the data to come up with a recovery plan that works for you. There is a presentation on the introduction page of a former anxiety sufferer
To introduce people to the drug-free treatment they offer, and the adverse consequences of deliberately reducing anxiety, so that the audience can more easily understand what they are doing

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Disclaimer: The information presented in Recovery Formula is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals.

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Offer solutions for young adult who suffered from ASA or suspected has the problem.

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Symptoms?
What cause?
Treatment?
Test?
Attachment?
How to diagnose?
Risk factor?

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https://positivepsychology.com/separation-anxiety/

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Separation anxiety is characterized by excessive anxiety upon being separated from major attachment figures such as parents.

Despite its origins in childhood, separation anxiety can also persist into adolescence and adulthood and is a risk factor for developing more severe anxiety-related symptoms such as panic attacks and agoraphobia (Lewinsohn, Holm-Denoma, Small, Seeley, & Joiner, 2008).

These behaviors can be distressing for parents and caregivers to witness. Therefore, knowing the theory behind this behavior and interventions is essential in helping prevent the anxiety from escalating.

This post will explore the origins of separation anxiety across the lifespan and provide strategies for dealing with separation anxiety in children and adults. We will also provide exercises for therapists to integrate into their sessions with patients experiencing separation anxiety.

Before you continue, we thought you might like to download our three Positive Relationships Exercises for free. These detailed, science-based exercises will help you or your clients build healthy, life-enriching relationships.

Separation Anxiety in Psychology: Bowlby's Theory

Bowlby's (1958) evolutionary theory of attachment states that children are biologically predisposed to form attachments.

Babies are born with the tendency to display certain innate behaviors called social releasers, which help ensure meaningful contact with the attachment figure (McLeod, 2017).

Examples of these behaviors include:

These behaviors, also called proximity seeking behaviors, help to develop a secure attachment with their primary caregivers and lead to attachment behaviors such as seeking the primary caregiver when the child is upset or distressed.

For more reading regarding attachment, this article about Harlow's Monkey Experiments is quite insightful.

If the child cannot engage in proximity seeking behaviors or find the caregiver when they are in distress, then the separation response - crying - is evoked.

The term 'stranger danger' is a common term used to describe the response babies and young children have toward a stranger. To test this theory, Mary Ainsworth developed an exercise called the 'Strange Situation' (Ainsworth, Blehar, Waters, & Wall, 1978), where children between 12 and 18 months were put in a room full of toys with their mother.

A stranger came in, talked to the mother for a few minutes, and then the mother would sneak away while the child interacted with the stranger. The mother then re-entered the room and greeted the child (Ainsworth et al., 1978).

If the child is happy to see the parent upon their return, but still explores, it shows that the child is confident that their parent will eventually come back. However, if the child appears confused or does not show any preference over their parent compared to the stranger, then it may suggest a lack of emotional connection and limited interaction between the child and parent, leading to distress and anxiety.

What Causes It in Babies, Toddlers, and Children?

It is considered normal for babies between the ages of 6 and 18 months t0 display signs of separation anxiety.

Around six or seven months, the concept of object permanence begins to develop.

Object permanence is the understanding that objects - in this case, the primary caregiver - continue to exist, even when they leave the room (Bowlby, 1958). As babies grow into toddlers (around 12-18 months), the anxiety surrounding separation may become more pronounced, as toddlers' speech starts developing and they start being able to express how they are feeling.

A good general rule to determine if a baby's crying is because of separation anxiety is to see if they stop upon being held by the primary caregiver. If the baby stops crying and fussing, ruling out being hungry, tired, or needing a change, it is more than likely that their distress is a result of developing object permanence.

Having a strong relationship with a secondary caregiver and a predictable routine are also important tenets for children experiencing separation anxiety.

It is not abnormal for separation anxiety to continue intermittently until ages four or five, as children may still be hesitant to separate from their caregivers and struggle with transitions (Yeary, 2020).

Therefore, it is important for all the child's caregivers to continue to work together and establish a strong routine to support the child in feeling safe and secure, no matter what environment they are in.

Dealing With Parental Separation Anxiety

When parents are separated from their children, they can often experience negative emotions such as worry and anxiety. A little bit of anxiety surrounding separation is also considered developmentally normal, as it prompts parents to continue the secure attachment bond that has been formed from early infancy.

As children progress into adolescence, they become more independent and naturally spend more time with their peers and away from parents. Adolescents are working toward becoming more independent in their everyday lives, engaging in a process called separation individuation.

Separation individuation is not focused on breaking the bonds with one's parents, but focuses on maintaining a balance between staying connected to one's family and also becoming more of an individual. Parents' feelings of separation anxiety are related to problems in identity development and to lower general wellbeing in adolescents (Kins, Soenens, & Beyers, 2011).

Parents often need support to help work through their emotions when separating from their children. Identifying the root cause of their apprehensions surrounding separating from their children is key in helping to ease the anxiety.

One strategy that might be useful is to start a thought diary. This article on using a thought diary in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy helps break down how a thought diary can be helpful in addressing intrusive thoughts and feelings that cause anxiety.

Coping With Separation Anxiety at School

In early childhood, school is one of the first places where separation anxiety and related anxious behaviors may manifest, as it represents a change in routine for both children and parents.

A key component of separation anxiety is avoidance, where the most common manifestation is refusing to go to school. Behavioral symptoms of separation anxiety typically manifest in the child completely refusing to go to school but can also be characterized by irregular attendance (i.e., arriving late and leaving early) or throwing a tantrum upon arriving at school.

Children can also experience a high degree of distress as the day goes on and even start having physical symptoms of anxiety.

Some specific techniques that may help build structure for a child experiencing separation anxiety about going to school include:

Keeping goodbyes short and sweet

Having a special handshake or goodbye "routine" upon separating

If possible, having gradual exposure to a new school or situation by visiting the school a few weeks prior to starting and rehearsing the drop-off routine (i.e., driving the child to the spot where they will enter their class, meeting the teacher ahead of time)

Having the child "act out" scenarios where they are being dropped off or simulate activities they may do at school using their toys or siblings/family members

Do Teenagers and Adults Experience It?

Since separation anxiety is mainly discussed in the context of childhood, not as much attention has been paid to the prevalence of separation anxiety in adults. However, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders has amended the diagnostic criteria for separation anxiety, stating that the age of onset could be after 18 (Silove & Marnane, 2013).

Teenage and adult separation anxiety are both characterized by fearfulness when exposed to specific situations, such as leaving home. It can also be characterized by an individual's refusal to be drawn into independent activity.

Around the teenage years, separation anxiety can further manifest into panic disorder, often persisting into adulthood. Panic disorder is characterized by episodes of severe anxiety manifesting from a specific situation that the individual is fearful of.

These episodes of severe anxiety are accompanied by various physical symptoms (i.e., shaking, nausea, difficulty breathing) and emotional symptoms (i.e., crying, intense fear or discomfort; Eisen & Schaefer, 2005).

Therefore, it is important to provide strategies and interventions for adults and teenagers who are experiencing separation anxiety or panic disorder. This can be done through early intervention and identification of elevated anxiety in childhood, as the earlier the anxiety is identified, the sooner options can be provided for treatment.

Understanding one's options for treatment is vital in providing early intervention. Here is an article for further reading on how to cope with anxiety.

Treating Separation Anxiety in Therapy

Treatment for separation anxiety revolves around identifying the client's fears by modifying the client's approach toward uncomfortable situations.

The most widely used therapeutic approach for separation anxiety or other anxiety-related disorders is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy ( CBT), specifically focused on exposure therapy.

Exposure therapy focuses on simulating the situation the individual is fearful of or the symptoms they are experiencing (i.e., dizziness) in a safe environment, while giving them specific tools to help them work through, rather than avoid, fearful sensations or feelings.

11 Worksheets & Toys for Your Sessions

Below, we have provided worksheets that can help individuals of all ages combat separation anxiety and help face the worries that lead to feelings of anxiety or avoidance of specific situations.

Children

My Body and My Worries: This worksheet gives children the opportunity to draw the sensations that their body experiences when they face anxiety or worry.

Labeling Your Feelings: This activity gives children the opportunity to write down or draw out their worries about a specific situation that is scaring them.

Best and Worst: This exercise is aimed at giving children a chance to identify the pros and cons of a frightening situation. Drawing, writing, or a combination of both can be used to help them complete this worksheet.

When I'm Scared: A worksheet that children can work through with a grown-up they trust to help explore their fears.

Teenagers and adults

Drawing Your Fears: This activity gives teenagers the opportunity to map out the best, most likely, and worst-case scenarios by drawing out how they visualize each situation.

Cognitive Restructuring Worksheet: An exercise that is central to Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy. This worksheet allows individuals to analyze their thoughts, documenting facts supporting and contradicting their thoughts. It also provides a series of questions to consider regarding the validity and origin of the thought to help individuals debunk it if it is not productive.

Worry Bank: An activity that charts your worries over five days and helps you develop a "worry time," preventing you from spending a lot of time on the little things.

A Mountain of Worries: A worksheet that allows individuals to rate their worries and list them from highest to lowest.

My Worry Journey: A worksheet that allows individuals to map out their worries and anticipate the most likely scenarios.

Gadgets and toys

Certain toys and gadgets are helpful for distracting and refocusing young children who are struggling with separation anxiety.

One of these is Pop-Its, a silicone toy structured like bubble wrap that is designed to reduce anxiety and refocus attention.

This toy gives them a repetitive activity to help reduce the presence of their anxiety and fears. They are available in many colors and shapes so you can personalize them based on your child's preferences. Adults enjoy and can use them too.

Weighted blankets can be helpful tools to help adults and children feel more secure while they are sleeping. In particular, if children are having separation anxiety surrounding sleeping away from their parents, a weighted blanket helps to provide them with more security to help reduce their anxiety. For adults, it provides extra weight, helping to calm their heart rate and breathing so the body can get the rest it needs.

3 Books on the Topic

Several books are available to help increase your understanding of separation anxiety and obtain tips and techniques to cope with it.

1. Helping Your Child Overcome Separation Anxiety or School Refusal (A Step-by-Step Guide for Parents) - Andrew R. Eisen, Linda B. Engler, and Joshua Sparrow

The authors provide an overview of school refusal and the specific challenges that come with separation anxiety surrounding attending school. The book contains real-life examples of children who have experienced school refusal and separation anxiety.

It also has resources to assist parents in establishing a plan to help their children overcome anxiety surrounding attending school and templates for plans to help parents and teachers work together to combat these issues.

Available on Amazon.

2. A Kissing Hand for Chester Raccoon (The Kissing Hand Series) - Audrey Penn and Barbara Gibson

This is a picture book for children and parents facing separation. It is geared toward younger children (toddlers and preschoolers).

The story is about a little raccoon named Chester who does not want to go to school. His mom shares a family secret about 'the kissing hand' where his mother kisses his hand upon leaving him.

This way, every time Chester misses his mother, he can hold his hand to his face and feel the warmth of her kiss whenever he needs a reminder that his mother is always with him.

Kindergarten teachers often read this book on the first day of school to help children cope with the separation. The book comes with a CD of the story being read and a recording of 'Chester's Song,' written by the author.

Available on Amazon.

3. The Anxiety Workbook for Teens: Activities to Help You Deal With Anxiety and Worry - Lisa M. Schab, LCSW

This book is geared toward teenagers who are experiencing anxiety. It is structured like a journal, explaining the sensations that cause a teen to feel anxious. Following each explanation, there is an activity in a journal format, where teenagers are invited to draw or write about their feelings.

One activity that would be good for teenagers specifically experiencing separation anxiety is in Chapter 2: The Chemistry of Anxiety. If teenagers are experiencing separation anxiety about going to school or completing other activities independently (i.e., driving), this may be a good therapeutic exercise for them.

Available on Amazon.

PositivePsychology.com's Helpful Resources

The Emotional Intelligence Masterclass© is a tool for practitioners looking to engage their clients in activities to help develop emotional intelligence and for individuals looking to improve their own emotional intelligence.

The six-module course aims to educate individuals on the six pillars of emotional intelligence and ultimately increase individuals' awareness of their emotional responses to specific situations. Gaining an understanding of one's emotions and the situations that bring on different responses is key in combating difficult emotions such as separation anxiety.

The Realizing Resilience Masterclass© also aims to help individuals develop resilience to cope with difficult situations. This six-module course provides tools for practitioners to educate their clients about resilience with the goal of applying resilient behavior to overcome situations they are afraid of. All the science-based techniques are backed up by research and references.

Developing resilience is an excellent way to help individuals approach situations they are afraid of and can provide an excellent accompaniment to exposure and CBT approaches.

A Take-Home Message

Although separation anxiety may be predominantly known as a condition that young children or infants experience, this article has demonstrated that separation-related anxiety can prevail through adolescence and adulthood.

Coping with separation anxiety in individuals of all ages can be a difficult and trying experience.

However, it is important to exercise patience and persistence when treating this condition, whether you are a parent, practitioner, or individual who is addressing these issues.

As in all anxiety-related conditions, a vital step is understanding the origins of the anxiety in order to deal sufficiently with the symptoms that are causing distress.

Once you understand the origin of the anxiety, putting together a treatment plan and establishing structure surrounding the distressing event will be key in helping ease the anxiety.

We hope you enjoyed reading this article. Don't forget to download our three Positive Relationships Exercises for free.

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What Is Separation Anxiety? 9 Worksheets to Use in Therapy

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Separation anxiety is characterized by excessive anxiety upon being separated from major attachment figures such as parents. Despite its origins in childhood, separation anxiety can also persist into adolescence and adulthood and is a risk factor for developing more severe anxiety-related symptoms such as panic attacks and agoraphobia (Lewinsohn, Holm-Denoma, Small, Seeley, & Joiner, 2008).

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Some red flags that your relationship could be unhealthy are if the other person…

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Some red flags that your relationship could be unhealthy are if the other person…

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Makes you feel bad about yourself

Ridicules you and calls you names

Tells you how to dress, think and feel

Controls who you talk to

Checks your texts, emails and social media

Does not agree to compromise – it must always be their way

Threatens you

Hits or physically hurts you in anyway

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https://books.google.co.uk/books?hl=zh-CN&lr=&id=Lge9DwAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PR3&dq=animals+mental+health&ots=mu2QQePnj5&sig=FIF556bbTKaWwTkgDKnZyAN8Knw&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=animals%20mental%20health&f=false

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Mental Health and Well-being in Animals, 2nd Edition

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This second edition is fully revised, expanded, and comprehensively updated with the most current knowledge about the full array of mental health issues seen in animals.Written by key opinion leaders, internationally-recognized experts and specialists, it is comprehensive covering basic principles to mental wellness, emotional distress, suffering and mental illness, through to measurement and treatment.

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https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ825774.pdf

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Stuck in relationships(couples)

Ask audience “Is your relationship healthy?”

Help people get out of a bad/unhealthy relationship

“Everyone deserves to be in a safe and healthy relationship. Do you know if your relationship is healthy? Answer yes or no to the following questions to find out.‘

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https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0168159196011239?via%3Dihub

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Attachment styles in dogs and their relationship with separation-related disorder - A questionnaire based clustering

2019, Applied Animal Behaviour Science

The owners' caregiving behaviour may similarly contribute to the development of insecure attachment and SRD in dogs. The owners' personality, dog-directed behaviour and attitude to their dog have been shown to contribute to a variety of behavioural problems (Bennett and Rohlf, 2007; Dodman et al., 2018; Hunt et al., 2012; O'Farrell, 1997; Podberscek and Serpell, 1997), including separation-related problems. Recently, the owner's leniency (which entails inconsistency in caregiving behaviour) was found to be associated with dogs' separation behaviour (especially vocal behaviour) (Lenkei et al., 2018).

Separation related disorder (SRD) is a common behavioural problem in dogs, characterised by severe physiological and behavioural signs which occur during the absence of their owner and significantly affects the dogs' welfare. Dogs show similar attachment behaviour toward their owner, as children show toward their parents. While children's separation anxiety is known to be associated with their own and their parents' attachment style, in dogs it is yet to be investigated in a data-driven way, how SRD and attachment styles in dogs are related to owners' attachment and caregiving styles.

We collected data about dogs' behaviour during separation and reunion and their owners' feelings regarding separation using, an online questionnaire. We performed a principal component analysis and a two-step cluster analysis to form distinct groups based on the questionnaire items. We found four different clusters that differed in dogs' behavioural and physiological signs of separation stress, their greeting behaviour, and their owners' concern. These identified clusters accommodated well to the secure, insecure-anxious and insecure-avoidant attachment types, but secure dogs were found in two clusters that differed only in their owners' concern. Dogs with owner reported SRD fit mainly to the insecure-anxious cluster, whose owners were not highly concerned on separation, suggesting a lower responsiveness and avoidant attachment style.

Our study supports the theory that owners' attachment and caregiving style might affect the dogs' attachment style and SRD status. Our results also shed light on those behavioural, physiological signs and greeting behaviours which can diverge and were found to be of unequal importance for owners in the attribution of SRD and in their level of concern. This has important implications for diagnosis of SRD raising serious welfare concerns.

Past research has shown that many factors, including training history, informal experience and genetics, play a role in how certain populations of dogs behave during a problem-solving task. Less understood is how a dog's relationship with an attending human, as well as the actions of the human during the task, may affect a dog's independent problem solving behaviour. In the current study, two experiments were conducted to compare the performance and persistence of pet dogs and working dogs on a puzzle box task under a variety of conditions. In experiment one, search and rescue dogs and pet dogs were compared on the same independent task under three conditions: a neutral-human condition, an alone condition, and a human encouragement condition. No significant differences were found in the persistence of the pet dogs and search and rescue dogs (neutral-human, p = 0.4516; alone, p = 0.3722; encouragement, p = 0.8392); however search and rescue dogs solved the task more than pet dogs when encouraged to do so ( p = 0.038). Pet dogs changed their behaviour depending on the human behaviour; pet dogs touched the object ( p = 0.0098) more during the neutral-human condition compared to the alone condition. In addition, pet dogs gazed at the human ( p =  0.0016) more during the encouragement condition. Search and rescue dogs did not show these differences in their behaviour: no differences were found across any of the conditions. In experiment two, we assessed the potential for testing-order effects by evaluating the problem solving behaviour of experimentally naive pet dogs under one of three conditions: a neutral human phase followed by human encouragement phase, human encouragement phase followed by a neutral human phase, and a neutral human phase followed by a second neutral human phase. No significant differences were found in the persistence of the dogs regardless of order of test, suggesting there were no order effects for this particular test. Our results suggest that factors such as human behaviour and training history may influence canine problem solving performance, however these effects may be limited in certain contexts.

Human-animal interactions have been studied for many years. As the human-animal interaction field continues to grow, the need for measures that adequately assess fundamental human-animal domains (e.g., relationships, interactions, attachments, bonds) also increases. Specifically, attitudes toward dogs is an important construct given that dogs are commonly owned pets and there is a preponderance of human-animal interaction research focusing on dogs. The current study involved the development, refinement, reliability, and validation of a scale measuring attitudes toward dogs (the Coleman Dog Attitude Scale; C-DAS). Items for the scale were developed through a previous unpublished study that assessed individuals' attitudes toward dogs using the tripartite model (i.e., thoughts, feelings, and behaviors) of attitude structure. Experts winnowed down items to develop a 63-item scale for Study 1. An exploratory factor analysis was conducted on data from undergraduate students ( N = 502). A one-factor solution was produced and the measure was refined to a 24-item scale. The C-DAS had an alpha of 0.98. In Study 2 ( N = 219 undergraduates), a 2-week test-retest reliability analysis was conducted ( r = 0.75) and evidence of construct validity was assessed. The C-DAS had an alpha of 0.98 at Time 1 and 0.99 at Time 2. In Study 3 ( N = 125), a community sample was utilized to conduct a confirmatory factor analysis and adduce additional evidence for construct validity. In this sample, the C-DAS had an alpha of 0.98. The C-DAS was deemed to have adequate psychometric support to be used in further research. Scores on the C-DAS predicted behavioral intentions of interacting with dogs, but did not consistently predict donating to a charity related to dogs or volunteering to help children who have a fear of dogs. The C-DAS showed significant, though weak, associations with measures of connections to animals and nature, and a strong association to measures of attitudes toward pets, providing some additional evidence of construct validity. The C-DAS has the potential to allow researchers to control for attitudes toward dogs in future studies examining human-animal interactions.

Dog and owner characteristics affecting the dog-owner relationship

2014, Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research

We cannot however infer causal directionality from our results, and an alternative explanation could be that owners who perceive the relationship to their dogs as very emotionally close influence their dogs in ways that make them react more fearfully/aggressive on the DMA test. In support of the latter interpretation, owner attitudes and behaviors have been shown to influence problematic behaviors in dogs (O'Farrell, 1997), dog and owner scores on the personality dimension neuroticism have been shown to correlate (Turcsán et al., 2012), and owner neuroticism has been linked to the level of attachment to the dog and to the dog staying close to the owner and being more reserved toward others (Kotrschal et al., 2009; Wedl et al., 2010). The owner's perception of the dog having fear-related behavior problems was not however associated with the perceived EC to the dog but rather was associated with increased PC of the dog-owner relationship.

Physiological effects of interactions between female dog owners with neuroticism and their dogs

2014, Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research

Kotrschal et al. (2009) demonstrated that highly neurotic dog owners were more closely attached to their dogs for social support. A dog's behavior can be affected by many factors related to its owner, including the owner's gender, attitude, and personality (Jagoe and Serpell, 1996; O'Farrell, 1997; Bennett and Rohlf, 2007; Kotrschal et al., 2009; Arhant et al., 2010; Hoffman et al., 2012; Kis et al., 2012). The owner's personality in particular influences the dogs' behavior (Aliabadi, 2010; Wedl et al., 2010), salivary cortisol concentrations (Aliabadi, 2010; Wedl et al., 2010), and stress coping ability (Schöberl et al., 2012).

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Owner attitudes and dog behaviour problems

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Attachment styles in dogs and their relationship with separation-related disorder - A questionnaire based clustering 2019, Applied Animal Behaviour Science The owners' caregiving behaviour may similarly contribute to the development of insecure attachment and SRD in dogs.

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We all have relationships - with parents, families, schoolmates, friends, work colleagues. These relationships should help us, support us, make us feel loved, safe and happy.

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We all have relationships - with parents, families, schoolmates, friends, work colleagues. These relationships should help us, support us, make us feel loved, safe and happy. If a relationship often leaves you feeling uncomfortable, sad or afraid then it is likely an unhealthy relationship.

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If a relationship often leaves you feeling uncomfortable, sad or afraid then it is likely an unhealthy relationship.

In an unhealthy relationship there is often one person who seeks to control the other. Controlling behaviour can take the form of physical, verbal or emotional harm.

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