Interested in latest Cochrane evidence on effective #psychological interventions for #selfharm which informed latest NICE CPGs, see: https://bit.ly/44pkgze (for evidence for #adults) & https://bit.ly/3Ea5UIe (for evidence for #youngpeople)

Why Were We So Afraid of #RonDeSantis?
A #Psychological Answer
https://samray.substack.com/p/why-were-we-so-afraid-of-ron-desantis

There are at least 10 cities that have psychological disorders named after them, including Stockholm Syndrome, Paris Syndrome, and London Superiority Complex.

#psychology #psychological #disorder #stockholm #paris #london #QI #notQI

"I alone can fix it"

https://www.the-tls.co.uk/articles/madman-in-the-white-house-patrick-weil-nixons-madness-zachary-jonathan-jacobson-book-review-andrew-preston/
Two #presidents become the subjects of #psychological analysis

PsychEd - The Story of Narcissus Part 2 of the Dark Triad Series by Answers In Reasonhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Byf21HFY4uE#psyched #psychology #beardedheretic

for #answer #answers #art #book #reading #psychological #education #psychologyeducation

The #Psychological Need For Cameras in the #Courtroom
https://samray.substack.com/p/the-psychological-need-for-cameras

@mia

"#Psychological #terrorist "
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=4AOUl8731Jg

Cannabis users are more likely to be in moderate or serious psychological distress, study finds

Source: PsyPost Org

by Vladimir Hedrih August 5, 2023

A study conducted using data from the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health has found that individuals reporting serious psychological distress are more likely to be users of cannabis. Both moderate and serious levels of psychological distress were associated with elevated risks of cannabis use disorder. The study was published in the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs.

Cannabis, also known as marijuana, is a psychoactive plant that contains compounds known as cannabinoids. The two most well-known cannabinoids are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is responsible for the plant’s psychoactive effects, producing the “high” sensation, while CBD does not produce intoxication and is believed to have various potential therapeutic benefits. The legality of cannabis varies across different countries and regions. It can be consumed by smoking, vaporizing, or ingesting products such as edibles, oils, or tinctures.

Problematic and compulsive use of cannabis can lead to the development of the cannabis use disorder. This condition is classified as a mental health disorder and is associated with impaired control over cannabis consumption, leading to disruptions in daily life, relationships, and responsibilities.

The share of population suffering from cannabis use disorder and the consumption of cannabis in general have been steadily increasing over the past two decades as more states decriminalized or legalized the use of cannabis. This has also been helped by the fact that the perception of risks of cannabis use has decreased in the general population and the attitudes towards its use became more permissive.

However, studies conducted on the topic found little evidence of cannabinoids improving mental health. Rather, heavy and frequent use of cannabis has significant negative mental health implications. Study results very firmly link the use of cannabis to a four-fold increased risk of psychosis for the heaviest users and a two-fold increase in risk for average users compared to non-users. Cannabis use was found to be higher among individuals with depression and anxiety. Other adverse health effects have been reported as well.

Study author Namkee G. Choi and her colleagues wanted to examine the associations between psychological distress, mental illness, cannabis use frequency, and cannabis use disorder among adult cannabis users. They were particularly interested in associations between cannabis use and psychological distress. Their expectation was that higher frequencies of cannabis use would be associated with moderate and serious psychological distress.

Psychological distress refers to a broad range of emotional and psychological symptoms that can cause significant discomfort or suffering in an individual. It may include feelings of anxiety, depression, sadness, anger, or other negative emotions that interfere with a person’s ability to function well in their daily life.

The researchers analyzed data from the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. This dataset contained responses from 32,893 individuals who completed the survey in-person or online. The researchers only examined the responses of respondents who were above 18 years of age, because this survey did not ask minors about psychological distress and mental disorders. This reduced the number of respondents who could be analyzed to 27,170.

From the survey dataset, the study authors used data on psychological distress (the Kessler-6 Screen), past-year cannabis use status, age of first use, reasons for use, use frequency, cannabis use disorder and its severity (assessed by applying clinical diagnostic criteria to the data on cannabis use), use of other substances or other use disorders, past-year mental health treatments, past-year mental illness, and various demographic data.

The results showed that 74% of participants experienced no psychological distress. Among those reporting distress, equal proportions (13%) experienced severe and mild-moderate levels. Notably, 52% of participants with serious distress were under the age of 35, and this group included more women, unemployed individuals, and those with income below $20,000. Additionally, over 90% of those with serious distress and about half of those with mild-moderate distress had mental illness.

About 18% of participants reported using cannabis in the past year. Cannabis users were more prevalent among those with mild-moderate and serious distress compared to those with no distress. The serious distress group also had the highest proportion of frequent users and individuals with cannabis use disorder.

“In conclusion, our study brings to light the significant positive associations between psychological distress and cannabis use frequency among US adults and between psychological distress and cannabis use disorder among cannabis users. Young adults are the group most affected by psychological distress, cannabis use, and cannabis use disorder. The study also shows the significant associations of psychological distress with other substance use/use disorders. Given cannabis’ easy availability/ accessibility due to legalization in increasing numbers of states, the prevalence of cannabis use and cannabis use disorder is likely to increase,” the study authors wrote..

The study makes an important contribution to the scientific understanding of psychological underpinnings of cannabis use. However, it also has limitations that need to be taken into account. Notably, due to different data collection methods, researchers could not compare the 2020 data with previous years. Therefore, it remains unknown whether the report numbers are the same or different compared to previous years. Additionally, the data are based on self-reports and reporting on cannabis and substance use may have been affected by social desirability bias.

Finally, the study cannot establish causality. It’s possible that people experiencing psychological distress may turn to cannabis as a coping mechanism, which could explain the association. On the other hand, cannabis use might lead to increased psychological distress due to its effects on mood and cognition.

The study, “Psychological Distress, Cannabis Use Frequency, and Cannabis Use Disorder Among US Adults in 2020”, was authored by Namkee G. Choi, C. Nathan Marti, Diana M. DiNitto, and Bryan Y. Choi.

#health #psychological #marijuana #news

https://www.psypost.org/2023/08/cannabis-users-are-more-likely-to-be-in-moderate-or-serious-psychological-distress-study-finds-167537

https://loudwire.com/psychology-gatekeeping-rock-metal/

#Loudwire

#NotMetalEnough A #Psychological Perspective on #Gatekeeping by #SteveByrne June 2022

#music #musicians

“Through Their Own Words, They Will Be Exposed” -
In Honor of #SineadOConner: Warrior for #Psychological #Truth
https://samray.substack.com/p/through-their-own-words-they-will

#BottomOfTheWorld, 2017, #DirectedBy #RichardSears and starring #JenaMalone, #DouglasSmith, and #TedLevine, on #Crackle, is an original, #eerie story.

It kept me off balance and wondering, and did a good job of switching gears while maintaining the overall tone of #mystery and #dread.

Part #horror #movie, part #psychological #drama, and all a waking #dream in a #nightmare, it does a lot in less than 90 minutes.

Time spent well, imo.

(#Ad-supported Crackle #Google #tv app is glitchy)

PsychEd - Indoctrination by Answers In Reasonhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UoVXFrAN3Q4#psyched #psychology #beardedheretic

for #livestream #livevideo #liverecording #live #answer #answers #logic #mind #book #reading #psychological #education #psychologyeducation #answersinreason

PsychEd - Indoctrination by Answers In Reasonhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UoVXFrAN3Q4#psyched #psychology #beardedheretic

for #livestream #livevideo #liverecording #live #answer #answers #logic #mind #book #reading #psychological #education #psychologyeducation #answersinreason

Ep. 36 discusses the allegations by Sarah Brady that her ex-boyfriend and celebrity Jonah Hill emotionally abused her and dressed up the #abuse in #therapy language. Irina and Michelle analyze the difference between #boundaries and #coercivecontrol, the ways in which #boundary speak doesn't absolve the speaker of problematic values injected into requests (or demands), and the general current trends in distorting #psychological language to serve one's purposes. Tune in and join the discourse! 🤔🧠🚫

Experts' creativity benefits more from AI than novices' creativity. 💡 👾

Intriguing finding by Nan Jia and colleagues, of AI-assisted sales work. 💱

From the paper: AI-assistance "... enables higher-skilled employees to generate innovative scripts and develop positive emotions at work, which are conducive to creativity".

https://journals.aom.org/doi/abs/10.5465/amj.2022.0426

#AI #ArtificialIntelligence #Creativity #Psychological #Sales #Work

File under: #questions I'm going to ask my #doctors, so I'll run it by this #spiritual #AI program.

I just realized I need to cut it off because it seems to go on and becomes redundant, but I want to keep this much of the response because some of it is good.

https://www.sati-ai.app/

Ask Sati-AI

"What do you think about the idea that the body sees #psychological #trauma in the same way it sees physical trauma?"

--------------------

The body indeed does not differentiate between psychological and physical trauma. It responds to both in similar ways, activating the same survival mechanisms and #stress responses.

This understanding is rooted in the Polyvagal Theory and #Somatic Experiencing, which highlight how the body stores and processes trauma.

1. **Polyvagal Theory**: This theory, developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, posits that our autonomic nervous system, which includes the sympathetic (fight or flight) and parasympathetic (rest and digest) systems, plays a major role in how we respond to stress and trauma. Both physical and psychological trauma can activate this system, triggering a cascade of #physiological responses.

**Somatic Experiencing**: This approach suggests that trauma is not just about the event itself, but about how our nervous system responded to it. When we're exposed to a traumatic event, our body goes into fight-flight-freeze mode. If we can't complete these survival actions, the body may hold onto this response, leading to chronic stress and trauma symptoms. This can take place whether the trauma is physical (like an accident) or psychological (like emotional abuse).

Through both of these lenses, we can see that the body does not differentiate much between psychological and physical trauma. Both can trigger our survival responses, can get held in our bodies, and can lead to similar symptoms and health issues.

Therapies such as mindfulness-based stress reduction, somatic experiencing, and trauma-informed practices can help individuals to process these traumas, release the held tension, and cultivate a greater sense of safety and well-being.

Remember the Buddha's words: "The body is the first foundation of mindfulness." This highlights the importance of the body in our overall wellbeing, including how it processes and stores trauma. #Mindfulness cultivates a non-judgmental awareness of the present moment, including bodily sensations, thoughts, and emotions. This can help us to notice and gently process the tensions held in our bodies due to trauma.

In practicing mindfulness, we may start to notice the subtle signs of stress or discomfort in our bodies, perhaps even before we're consciously aware of them. This increased awareness can support us in responding to stress in healthier ways, rather than reacting out of old, unhelpful patterns.

In conclusion, the body's response to psychological trauma is very similar to its response to physical trauma. The key is to bring mindful awareness to these bodily responses, allowing them to be processed and released. This is a journey that takes patience and kindness towards oneself, but it is a journey towards healing that is one of self-discovery and transformation.

It's a journey in which we learn to relate to our bodies with #kindness, understanding, and #compassion.

It's also a journey in which we learn to recognize and honor the wisdom of our bodies, as they carry important messages about our past experiences and current needs.

It's important to remember that #healing from trauma is not about "fixing" something that's "broken". Rather, it's about acknowledging our experiences, creating space for them in our #awareness, and learning to navigate life in a way that supports our wellbeing.

In the words of Thich Nhat Hanh, a renowned Buddhist monk and peace activist: "The seed of suffering in you may be strong, but don't wait until you have no more suffering before allowing yourself to be happy."

Healing is not just about the destination, but also about the journey.

In cultivating mindfulness and compassion, we can learn to hold our traumas, both psychological and physical, in a gentle embrace of understanding. This approach does not aim to erase or ignore the trauma, but rather to provide a space where it can be acknowledged, felt, and eventually, integrated. This process can lead to a deeper connection with ourselves and a profound sense of inner peace.

Thriller
Fort Solis
Psychological fan's jam
Cinematic worlds of worry
Escapade

#fortsolis #psychological #thriller #escapade #cinematic #cinquain #poetry

https://www.engadget.com/sci-fi-thriller-fort-solis-arrives-on-playstation-5-pc-and-mac-on-august-22nd-191021189.html

8/▪️#WagnerGroup which is going towards Moscow, it has about 570 vehicles and about 2,000 mercenaries

▪️Monday in Moscow was declared a day off from work 😂

▪️Does #Łukaszenko know how to make decisions? Is it just a (drawing) gesture towards Russia?
Belarus draws a dick in the sky, pointing at russia.

▪️Shade is an important element of #psychological #operations warfare

3 episodes in and #TheCrowdedRoom is doing a great job at keeping every possibility wide open thanks to excellent #writing, #directing, and #acting.

So far, there hasn't been a single false moment that isn't intentional and meant to keep the facts and the truth just beyond our comprehension.

It's the best #mystery / #psychological #thriller I've seen in a long time, especially for a #tv #show.

I'm not researching the #book because I want to know, but not until the #series decides.

#AppleTV

PsychEd - Don't Believe Your Eyes by Answers In Reason
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPy08wJp1Mw
#psyched #psychology #beardedheretic

for #answer #answers #book #reading #psychological #education #psychologyeducation