A new type of hallucination has been identified by a team at the University of Derby: an ‘inverted hallucination’ is one where you can’t see something that is really there.
The FDA Is Fast-Tracking a Second Psilocybin (Aka Shrooms) Drug to Treat Depression
If you’ve ever struggled with depression, then you know how difficult it is to find the right medication and the right dosage. People often spend months trying to find the right combination that works for them because no two people are the same, and doctors need to adjust.
Well, there might be some pretty good news on that front coming soon in the form of an unexpected source.
The FDA has given the hallucinogenic compound psilocybin a “Breakthrough Therapy” designation for the second time in just over a year. Psilocybin is the compound that gives “magic mushrooms” their hallucinogenic powers.
The Breakthrough Therapy designation is meant to expedite drugs for development and review by the FDA. Furthermore, the designation is only given to drugs and therapies that have been shown to be effective in treating medical conditions in the preliminary phases.
Last year the FDA granted a Breakthrough Therapy designation to a company called Compass Pathways for using psilocybin to help with treatment-resistant depression. This type of depression has been shown to not improve with two or more traditional therapies. Also, earlier this year, the FDA approved a nasal spray for treatment-resistant depression that is intended to mimic the positive effects of the hallucinogenic drug ketamine. Remarkably, his was the first new antidepressant approved by the FDA in decades.
The difference with the new Breakthrough Therapy designated drug is that this time it is focused on major depressive disorder, which affects at least 17 million adults in America. The new research will go through the Usona Institute in Madison, Wisconsin, where trials will study how depressed patients do after being treated with one dose of psilocybin.
Most likely, it will be several years before any products related to this study would potentially hit the market.
Still, this is good news for the millions of people out there struggling with depression.
Are hallucinogens the wave of the future? Seems like the 60s all over again…
What do you think about potentially using hallucinogenic drugs to treat cases of depression? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
The post The FDA Is Fast-Tracking a Second Psilocybin (Aka Shrooms) Drug to Treat Depression appeared first on UberFacts.
10 Tips for Dealing With Grief Around the Holidays
For many, the holidays are a really hard time. People who have lost loved ones or had other difficult experiences in their lives tend to get depressed around the holiday season, as they reflect on their past and relive old memories.
If you are one of the many people who deals with grief and depression around the holidays, here are 10 tips you should consider to try to alleviate your pain.
1. Time and space.
Give yourself time and space to deal with your emotions. It’s okay to feel pain and loneliness if you’ve experienced loss. Treat yourself well and give yourself a break. You’re only human.
2. Spend time alone.
The holiday season can be very overwhelming for many people, so you need to find time to spend alone so you can work on yourself and get away from it all. Do what you need to do to recharge your batteries: take a walk, sit in a park, and if you want to leave parties or events early, go ahead and do it.
3. Escape route.
Have an escape plan if you attend parties or events that you know might trigger you and make you sad, emotional, or angry. It’s okay if you need to bolt, just be ready and make sure you have all your belongings so you don’t have to make a return appearance.
4. No thanks.
It’s okay to say no to parties, events, or any other kinds of invitations that you think might make you feel uncomfortable or might cause you to lose control. Remember, it’s up to you.
5. Honor their memory.
Some people choose to celebrate the traditions that their lost loved ones did to honor their memory. This can help people to remember the good times and to be nostalgic.
6. Start new traditions.
Instead of trying to recreate the traditions that you enjoyed with your departed loved ones, try to create some new ones. This practice can help you deal with the grief.
7. Get out of town.
Go somewhere new or take a road trip. Get your mind off of the familiar and the places that are associated with your loved ones who are no longer with you. A new atmosphere may do you some good.
8. Fulfillment.
Focus on some activities that you know will fulfill you and make you feel good. Volunteer. Read. Exercise. Walk your dog. Try to make some new friends. Whatever makes you feel good, do it.
9. Totally random.
Practice random acts of kindness. Help out other people and try to better, not bitter. In other words, live your life to honor the people who are gone and do your best. Part of that can be helping out strangers.
10. Remember the good times.
It might sound easy, but it can be tough. Try to remember the positive memories and happy times you spent with your departed loved ones instead of suppressing all thoughts about them. In the long run, it will help.
And while you’re at it, listen to this short but sweet song by the great Willie Nelson.
Enjoy your holidays, everyone.
The post 10 Tips for Dealing With Grief Around the Holidays appeared first on UberFacts.
National parks save an estimated…
National parks save an estimated $6 trillion globally in mental health treatment.
People Who Wish for More Self-Control Actually Wind up with Less. Here’s Why.
I have some bad news for people who desperately need more self-control in their lives. Research shows that wishing for more self-control actually has the opposite effect.
In a 2017 study, psychologists measured participants’ desire to increase their self-control. Then the volunteers rated their current level of self-control. Lastly, they had to complete either an easy or a difficult assignment.
The volunteers who performed best on the challenging assignment were the least likely to say that they wanted to have more self-control. Those who did the worst were the most likely to wish for more self-control.
The desire for self-control had no effect on the volunteers’ performance on the easy assignment.
Photo Credit: iStock
These results could simply demonstrate that people with a lot of self-control perform better on hard tasks — they don’t wish for more self-control because they already have it.
But in a follow-up experiment, the psychologists managed to manipulate people’s desire for more self-control by asking them to write an essay about why self-control was a good thing OR how it could cause problems. This time, those who were prompted to see self-control as desirable performed worse on the difficult task. Those who were prompted to see self-control as problematic performed much better.
Consciously wishing for more self-control may seem like a positive thing — how are you supposed to become more disciplined unless you try? But in reality, this desire makes you focus on what you don’t already have, psyching you out in the process.
Photo Credit: iStock
So instead of just passively wishing for more self-control, try taking concrete steps to accomplish the specific things that you want to accomplish. For example, don’t just think to yourself, “I wish I had the self-control not to check Instagram every day” – actually install an app on your phone to limit your social media use.
The researchers also recommend reframing your thinking. Self-control isn’t something that people simply have or don’t have. It’s an unlimited resource, and you can tap into it at any time, regardless of what you’ve done before.
The post People Who Wish for More Self-Control Actually Wind up with Less. Here’s Why. appeared first on UberFacts.
The world’s first mental health…
The world’s first mental health hospital was built in Baghdad, Iraq in 705 AD. While mental health patients were being condemned, punished, and even burned in Europe, 8th and 9th century mental health patients in Iraq, Egypt, and Syria were given more proper hospitalization and treatment.
A New Viral Selfie Challenge Has People Sharing Mental Health Advice for Their Younger Selves
There is some really good information in these tweets.
Though the #5YearOldSelfie challenge isn’t the first one to encourage people to give advice to their younger selves (in an attempt to help those still struggling), it is the most recent one to go viral.
UK-based mental health organization Young Minds initiated the challenge and hashtag. Their mission statement is to “make sure all young people get the best possible mental health support and have the resilience to overcome life’s challenges.”
To participate, Twitter users tweeted pictures of their younger self along with 3 pieces of advice you’d have for that girl or boy, then tag three friends who you hope will add their own advice.
Take part in #5YearOldSelfie!
1) Find a photo of your younger self
2) Write 3 things you’d tell that child
3) Use #5YearOldSelfie
4) Tag 3 friends to help spread the love
Next time you feel down about yourself, remember your message to your #5YearOldSelfie
pic.twitter.com/0QolVqKpdv
— YoungMinds (@YoungMindsUK) August 8, 2019
The advice runs the gamut, but none of it is bad – below are 12 tweets that are bound to make you feel great about how far you’ve come (or to know that you’re going to be okay, and that it gets better).
12. Keep smiling.
#5YearOldSelfie
1) Your smile lights up any room
2) If you pursue what you think others would want you to do, you’re wasting your own time and happiness… stick to what you think is best for YOU
3) Never stop being a goofballpic.twitter.com/9VeKpxy5Kj
— kiarra mora (@KiarraaKiarra) August 9, 2019
11. Things are about to change.
Things are about to change drastically, brace yourself, but you’ll get through it.
Be brave, and be alert.
Don’t let those bullies closest to you steal your shine: be you!
— AlternativeHues (@AlternativeHues) August 9, 2019
10. Don’t give away your toys.
1.) Be, unapologetically, YOU. Do what makes you happy. Create!
2.) Hang on to your cool toys so you don't have to re-buy them (for way more) on eBay as an adult
3.) Sorry to break it to ya, but your hairstyle is going to be the same, even in your mid-30s.
#5YearOldSelfie pic.twitter.com/BpbWEyB938
— Kaci | TheHomicidalHomemaker.com (@HomicidalKaci) August 9, 2019
9. You might be right.
Remember that.
1, You are right the system is wrong.
2, You are right no one else knows religion correctly.
3, You are wrong, everyone else is as equally lost.I was right all along.
— Ben Rawlings (@BenRawlings16) August 9, 2019
8. Be brave.
The guy holding you will never let go.
This feeling does pass and things do get better.
You might change someone's life by being brave enough to talk about your feelings. @markns91 @PaulSweeneyIRL @paddyoc88 pic.twitter.com/4xIkVQiUyr
— Doug Leddin (@dougleddin) August 10, 2019
7. You are loved.
#5YearOldSelfie
3 Things I would say to my 5 year old self.
1) Tell somebody.
2) It’s not your fault.
3) You are loved beyond measure.I tag @EffBeeEyeIC @nursegalmom @TheMuleFactor to post their own selfie and advice to their 5 year old self. pic.twitter.com/7piOdbrTlT
— Tracie (@TracieSeattle) August 8, 2019
6. Start drumming.
1.) Start drumming don't wait till you're 9 and choose more instruments to learn. 2.)Go to college before the Marines. 3.) Invest in that one stock we now know about! #5YearOldSelfie #Producer pic.twitter.com/yUrZpr8dNr
— CourtHouse Productions (@CourtHouseProd1) August 8, 2019
5. Life is waiting.
1. Don’t let all the bullies get you down
2. Be yourself and don’t care what anyone else thinks
3. Don’t be sad about not having friends, you’ll make all your friends in college and the real world.#5YearOldSelfie pic.twitter.com/fRwGNHkj40— Chuck Bucknus (@PecosMcCleod) August 8, 2019
4. You matter.
1. Other people's opinions of you don't matter. YOU matter.
2. Stay weird.
3. Depression is NOT a death sentence. #5YearOldSelfie @AwkwardDragon52 pic.twitter.com/2zHbZtyfHE—
Clumsy Unicorn
3. Don’t fight with your mom.
1. Don't care too much what people think. Live for yourself.
2. Tell others how you feel, don't keep it all inside because it won't help.
3. Don't fight with your mom, love her because you'll need those moments to look back on. pic.twitter.com/94V6o3KLzK
—
2. Stay weird.
This is brilliant
1) Never EVER let bullies win; they turn into sociopaths.
2) Keep your humour & wits about you.
3) Stay weird & follow your dreams.#5YearOldSelfie pic.twitter.com/wm2fbyjDlv— Joanne Ocean Esq.
#PeoplesVote (@JoanneOcean) August 9, 2019
1. It gets better.
1) I’m sorry you’re so sad.
2) Life gets better.
3) You’re gonna be fine.
BONUS) See a therapist. It’s cool. pic.twitter.com/BQNfyn82ga— AE Stueve (@AEStueve) August 8, 2019
Play along! Post yours in the comments!
The post A New Viral Selfie Challenge Has People Sharing Mental Health Advice for Their Younger Selves appeared first on UberFacts.
Patients Share Jaw-Dropping Confessions About Their Stay in Mental Hospitals
There’s no shame in seeking help when your mental health is suffering. And sometimes that means you have to end up in a psychiatric ward for help.
If you believe the media and movies, these places are strange, scary, dangerous places… but is that the reality? At least the reality THESE days? Only people who have been inside know for sure.
These 20 confessions are from patients who’ve been institutionalized, and their stories will surprise you…
20. That’s a long time to feel like you’re not part of the world.
Photo Credit: Whisper
19. Hmmm, you probably didn’t have to lie about that…
Photo Credit: Whisper
18. I bet that’s a common feeling.
Photo Credit: Whisper
17. Damn.
Photo Credit: Whisper
16. So that happened!
Photo Credit: Whisper
15. That sounds exhausting…
Photo Credit: Whisper
14. Everybody deserves a chance to get well.
Photo Credit: Whisper
13. Haha… well, hope that didn’t fuck with people too much.
Photo Credit: Whisper
12. It gets better with treatment…
Photo Credit: Whisper
11. The world could use less judgement and shame. For real.
Photo Credit: Whisper
10. Good to know!
Photo Credit: Whisper
9. Hope it works out!
Photo Credit: Whisper
8. I can imagine that working in those places take their toll…
Photo Credit: Whisper
7. Make friends however you can…
Photo Credit: Whisper
6. Sorry it didn’t work out.
Photo Credit: Whisper
5. Glad you got better!
Photo Credit: Whisper
4. BFFs!
Photo Credit: Whisper
3. Join us…
Photo Credit: Whisper
2. Well, that’s probably true. But can you really live like that forever? Probably not.
Photo Credit: Whisper
1. Bummer. Sorry to see this.
Photo Credit: Whisper
Sounds like some serious shenanigans can happen in mental hospitals!
Who knew?
The post Patients Share Jaw-Dropping Confessions About Their Stay in Mental Hospitals appeared first on UberFacts.
Take a Look at These Mental Health Tips If You Are Struggling with Depression
There’s no magic formula to get through the days and weeks when you’re battling a mental illness like depression.
Some days you’re the one ready and willing to give tips and other days, you’re in desperate need of some new coping mechanisms.
But whatever sort of day you’re having, #HowIFightDepression is here with some real, tested ways to help, so check it out.
12. Quiet resolve.
#HowIFightDepression I don’t fight it. I accept it. I have even learned to appreciate it. I don’t think I’d be where I am today had I never had depression. I study my depression. I know when it’s coming and what to do when it arrives. We’re strong even at our weakest. Bring it.
— Dan Bell (@thisisdanbell) June 19, 2019
11. Give yourself a break.
It's okay if you don't feel like getting out of bed. It's okay if you can't take a shower. It's okay if you lied & cancelled all plans. Depression is mentally exhausting. It's okay if all you did today was breathe. Mental illness is as real as physical one.#HowIFightDepression
— Komal Shahid (@ArmedWithWords) June 19, 2019
10. Remember that it lies.
#HowIFightDepression – no matter how you do it, fight it. Remember that Depression is a liar – it takes real concerns & blows them out of proportion, obscures ability to see or believe in solutions, tells you ur stupid for even trying. Depression is a liar. Tell it to Fuck off.
— Ed the Sock (@EdtheSock) June 19, 2019
9. Don’t wait until you feel like it.
#HowIFightDepression When you’re depressed, you feel so ugly inside,you don’t want to get out of bed, you don’t want to work out, you don’t wanna do anything. Guess what-DO IT ANYWAY
— Maurice Benard (@MauriceBenard) June 19, 2019
8. Don’t judge yourself by others standards.
#HowIFightDepression By reminding myself that little things ARE accomplishments to be proud of. It is a big deal for me to get some cleaning done, or answer emails, or SING. Just because those things are easy for others, doesn't mean they aren't things for me to celebrate
— Suzannah (@SuzannahCo) June 19, 2019
7. One small task. You’re not alone.
Medication. Therapy. Exercise. Give myself one small task, and complete it; repeat the next day. Remind myself tons of others are fighting it too. #HowIFightDepression
— Jeremy (@cinemasins) June 19, 2019
6. Asking for help is brave.
I felt like a loser at the time going to see a doctor. It saved my life.
Honestly, depression steals joy and makes you believe you are worthless.
You aren’t. I assure you. I’m glad I got adjusted.
I’m glad I found the courage for help. #HowIFightDepression
— Tony Posnanski (@tonyposnanski) June 19, 2019
5. It’s not a win/lose scenario.
#HowIFightDepression? I don’t. You can’t fight it, that implies you can just win and it’s over. Depression isn’t a combat scenario. It’s about developing tools to cope with it, live alongside it and not let it bring you down.
— adam koebel (@skinnyghost) June 19, 2019
4. Don’t stop.
Everytime I break down, I'd wipe my tears. Everytime I feel weak, I'd give myself strength. Everytime I get anxious, I'd fight to be in control. Everytime I give up, I'd remind myself why I shouldn't stop. Everytime I feel lonely, I'd keep myself company. #HowIFightDepression
— Anna Khayalan (@thekhayalan15) June 19, 2019
3. Some days, kids help. Others…
I took a walk around town with my 7 month old daughter. No stroller, I just carried her around cuz she likes to reach for the leaves on trees and bushes.
She started to fight off sleep, then her head dropped to my neck & she was out. I'd never felt happier.#HowIFightDepression
— Chner (@Tadasco42) June 19, 2019
2. You’re worth it.
Everytime I break down, I'd wipe my tears. Everytime I feel weak, I'd give myself strength. Everytime I get anxious, I'd fight to be in control. Everytime I give up, I'd remind myself why I shouldn't stop. Everytime I feel lonely, I'd keep myself company. #HowIFightDepression
— Anna Khayalan (@thekhayalan15) June 19, 2019
1. Any or all.
Get off social media.
Have lunch with another friend who gets it.
Exercise.
Get a good night sleep.
Listen to Funky Kingston by Toots and the Maytals.
Medicine and talk therapy. #HowIFightDepression— John Ross Bowie (@JohnRossBowie) June 19, 2019
If you need to hear it today, you matter to people, so keep going.
Tomorrow might be better.
The post Take a Look at These Mental Health Tips If You Are Struggling with Depression appeared first on UberFacts.
These Therapy Stories Might Make You Feel like You’ve Had a Cathartic Session of Your Own
Free therapy is rare, but it does happen, and it’s great. And that goes double when the advice makes you feel a hundred times better about your day (and maybe life).
And since people shared tidbits from these 15 great sessions online, you don’t even have to pay!
At least, not this time.
15. People can need help while learning to love you the way you need to be loved.
Today my therapist shared this with me: it's okay to make your needs known in friendships. operating in fear of showing your true self will leave you miserable and longing for love you could have from the people who love you now. Give people direction and teach people your needs.
— Jasmine The Great
(@ImTheReasonWhy) June 14, 2018
14. Keep your gaze forward.
Over the weekend, I concluded my "last" session with my Talkspace therapist and I told her that although I'm proud of my progress, I wish I knew all this sooner.
And she said, "Be proud of the woman from the past who decided to stay on the journey."
— Morgan Jerkins (@MorganJerkins) June 17, 2018
13. Pick and choose what works.
12. There’s no right way.
My therapist told me that those of us who suffer from an obsession with perfectionism need to determine who we are outside of what/who other people say we are. Whether it be title, position, stop looking for outside affirmation that you’re doing it “right”
— Mrs. Grotke (@__BHB__) July 17, 2018
11. Stop doing things you don’t want to do.
“If it’s not a definite yes, it’s a no.” — my therapist
— juliana pache (@thecityofjules) July 27, 2018
10. That “what-if” game works both ways – who knew?
My therapist taught me to interrupt my anxious thinking with thoughts like: "What if things work out" and "What if all my hard work pays off?"
So, I'm passing that onto you wherever you are, whatever you're leaving, or whomever you're becoming.
— Sinclair Preston Ceasar III (@Sinclair_Ceasar) April 11, 2018
9. Do the thing.
when my therapist told me this, it blew my mind
you can just tell them "so this is the plan! I hope you can make it!"
and then DO THE THING whether or not they show up
seriously as someone whose prime directive is TAKE CARE OF PEOPLE NO MATTER THE COST TO ME this blew me away
— Sarah Hollowell
(@sarahhollowell) June 17, 2018
8. Blame evolution.
7. Permission to do it your way.
6. Actions speak louder.
I just got some really cool advice from my therapist that I thought I’d share
view your relationships as a silent film. when there are no words to fix problems, what do their actions show? do they align with their words? silence their words and watch
— aubrey casey (@itsonlyaubrey) October 3, 2018
5. Know your value.
4. It could work for you, too.
Not too long ago my therapist asked me what I thought might happen if I stopped judging myself and just did what works for me. That shit is working.
— Ashley C. Ford (@iSmashFizzle) October 6, 2018
3. Coping mechanisms for the win.
This is why I love my therapist pic.twitter.com/1bj0qT9paD
— king rat (@burnbegin) June 26, 2018
2. Be kind.
Me: *saying mean judgmental things about myself*
My therapist: If one of your friends said those things about themselves, what would you say to them?
Me: I'd tell them to be nicer to them-
Me:
Me:
Me: Oh my god you did it again you fantastic bitch— Kendra
(@kendrawcandraw) July 30, 2018
1. You can’t fight who you are.
My therapist said to work with who u are not against it. As it relates to how u learn. What rest u need. Your most productive hours. Just work with how u are (if it’s not toxic), instead of fighting it.
— Stallion•ish (@DeeRene_) October 1, 2018
I know you’re going to have a great day now!
The post These Therapy Stories Might Make You Feel like You’ve Had a Cathartic Session of Your Own appeared first on UberFacts.