Understanding pain that doesn’t come from injury Many people experience ongoing aches, soreness, or “flu-like” body pain even when scans, labs, or exams look normal. This kind of pain is real, but it often reflects how the nervous system processes and amplifies signals rather than clear tissue damage (Clauw, 2015; Woolf, 2011). One key player …
Continue reading Why Low Norepinephrine Can Show Up as Body Aches
When people talk about pain, we usually picture damaged tissue: a pulled muscle, an inflamed joint, something “wrong” in the body. But much of the pain that shows up in everyday life—diffuse aches, flu-like soreness, that heavy, leaden feeling—is not primarily about tissue damage. Instead, it reflects how the nervous system is calibrating threat and …
Continue reading Norepinephrine, Pain, and the Overprotective Nervous System
Patience, my master.Suffering, my muse.Obsession, my dominant disposition.Vigilance, my protector. An opening arises,where I can finally rest my reins.But the moment of stillness never arrives,For legions of ghosts lurk beneath my skin,Unleashed from the archives of the past,Wearing the masks of who I used to be,Returning the burden which almost escaped me. If only I …
Every day, we make countless decisions. For most people, these choices follow a predictable pattern: consider options, weigh outcomes, choose, and move forward. But for minds with ADHD, decision-making operates as a fundamentally different process that deserves understanding rather than impatience. What appears as hesitation or procrastination frequently represents something far more complex—a recursive engagement …
Continue reading The Hidden Depth of ADHD Decision-Making: When Every Choice Carries Infinite Weight
Weather and climate significantly influence our daily lives, affecting everything from our physical activities to our mental health. For individuals with Bipolar Disorder (BD), the impact of these environmental factors can be particularly profound. This writing surveys the intricate relationship between weather, climate, and BD, exploring how these elements can influence mood, cognitive functions, and …
Continue reading The Intersection of Weather and Mental Health: Bipolar Disorder and Climate
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a transformative, evidence-based treatment designed for individuals at high risk and in need of intensive care. Rooted in the philosophical principles of dialectics, DBT balances acceptance and change, offering skills and strategies to navigate life's challenges. This blog post explores the core concepts, skills, and modules of DBT, providing a …
Continue reading Facing Life’s Challenges with DBT: Acceptance, Change, and Radical Openness
Intrusive thoughts can be disruptive and distressing, often sticking in our minds and growing stronger with our attempts to control them. Understanding the nature of these thoughts and employing effective strategies can help in managing and reducing their impact. Understanding Intrusive Thoughts 1. Sticky Minds: Definition: Thoughts that linger and steal attention, becoming more persistent …
Continue reading When Thoughts Stick: Overcoming Intrusive Patterns with Practical Strategies
Circadian rhythms regulate numerous physiological processes, including sleep-wake cycles, hormone release, and metabolism. The regularity of eating patterns plays a crucial role in maintaining robust circadian rhythms, which are essential for overall health and well-being. Impact on Circadian Rhythms Regular eating times help synchronize peripheral clocks in organs like the liver and pancreas with the …
Continue reading Feeding Your Clock: The Role of Regular Eating in Circadian Rhythm and Wellness
The article “The Challenge of Translation in Social Neuroscience: A Review of Oxytocin, Vasopressin, and Affiliative Behavior,” published in 2011 in the journal Neuron, explores the roles of the neuropeptides oxytocin and vasopressin in modulating social behaviors and their implications for translational research. This review highlights the complexities and challenges in translating findings from animal …
Continue reading From Trust to Territory: Oxytocin, Vasopressin, and Translational Neuroscience
A Two Sided Truth 