Paul Norg

 

  Definition of stress and its impact on physical and mental health.  From “Stress | CAMH" (n.d.) a “normal response” to any situation or event that causes fear or uncomfortable feelings or responses on a biological level in response to danger, threats, and other issues that arise. These can give rise to changes in physiology such as galvanic skin response, heart rate elevation, adrenaline, and other bodily responses (para. 1.)    - Brief overview of various coping mechanisms.  As we grow up, we learn to cope with stress by watching our parents and family, and how they deal with it. And later on, we also learned from our friends and acquaintances. When I attended school as a child, and up through middle school, I did not have a good impression of myself as a destructive person. I was very cautious all the time and avoided danger. I became a very massive person with respect to body weight as I became an adult. And before having a few health issues, I reached ...

     Numerous studies have highlighted the role physical activity plays in mental health. For those living with depression, incorporating regular exercise can offer significant relief from symptoms. Let’s delve into the relationship between physical activity and depression, understanding its benefits and how to harness them effectively. 1. Biochemical Boost: - What Happens: Physical activity triggers the release of endorphins—natural mood lifters. It also stimulates the release of neurotransmitters, like serotonin, that can reduce depression and anxiety. For years now, I've been told and have read from multiple sources that physical activity limits and reduces depression and stress through biological changes in hormone and metabolic functions. I do feel better when I work out. Lately, however, it's been difficult because I can't use my legs for working out. - Benefit for Depression: These biochemical changes improve mood, reduce feelings of stress, and create a sens...

Mindfulness refers to the practice of focusing your attention on the present moment and accepting it without judgment. It has been shown to have significant benefits for mental health, including the reduction of depression symptoms. Here are some mindfulness techniques that can help alleviate these symptoms: 1. Mindful Breathing:    - What It Is: This simple yet effective mindfulness technique involves focusing your attention on your breath as it flows in and out. The other day I was practicing breathing and lowering my pain at the chiropractor. I'm usually textbook with my BP unless I have a lot of pain that day. They were doing a check on my progress, and BP was one of those checks. It came back 90/77 vs 120/80 ish. Mindfulness can sometimes be that dramatically effective.      From  What are the Benefits of Cold Therapy? | Wim Hof Method  (n.d.) details on how to use cold therapy are outlined and it suggests that handling more than just mental stres...

Despite advancements in mental health awareness, the stigma surrounding depression still exists. This stigma can deter individuals from seeking help, reduce self-esteem, and increase feelings of loneliness and isolation. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to overcome the stigma associated with depression: I am dedicating the thoughts and reason I am writing this post to many of my friends and family who were beside me even when I didn't realize it and sometimes when it made such a miraculous difference, but I don't even think they understood. To: Carol, Rachel, Jon, Katrina, Josh, Aurora, Kylie, Liam, Connor, Marie, Art, Carrie, Andrea, Tom, Stephanie, Michael, Bill, Dad, Debbie, Ken, Genna, Katie, Denise, George, Stephenie, Shari, Mike, Anette, Bryon, Megan, Jae, Chris(so many Chris' actually), Luke, Chris, Erin, Emily, Peggy, Josh, Ryan, Jamie, another Rachel, Christina, Secant, Aunalytics. I even had support from clients who visited me in the hospital.  I needed to have...

     I'm as human as anyone else, prone to lapses in judgment. I even felt judged once, by someone from whom I sought help during my mother's passing. It was a pastor from the church I attended. The support I needed was lacking, fueling my depression and undermining my faith in the church.        Yet, despite that episode, I kept praying, kept asking God for signs. And He came through, repeatedly. He also made me a pillar of strength for my friends and family. While I could weather vast amounts of stress and loss, there came a time when even I needed help.        One sign from God took the form of a black Cadillac that collided head-on with my Saturn SL1 one morning as I was driving home. At the wheel was a priest, identifiable by the little white square in his collar - was he Catholic? It was a seven-thousand-dollar message from God. A wake-up call that I'd been heading down the wrong path in the months leading up to that incident....

     The support I received helped me fight off AML cancer a few years ago. And the time with family and friends helped me get through a terrible depression and fatigue from about 3 years of fighting the cancer. Some time ago, recently I lost more family. And as I spent time with family I knew and met more family that have connected and met for saying goodbye to the family member we had just lost, I felt the energy of all of the family I had lost, and all of the family I still have.        Supporting loved ones during times of stress, funerals, viewings, and times of sickness is what makes us human. Makes us bond together to ensure that the loved ones we have that aren’t able to handle sickness and stress on their own have the support we can give.        I have lost over three dozen family members, I’ve stopped counting. Because just keeping track only serves to keep me in depression. I had deep and severe depression for a few years...

     Going through cancer is not just a physical struggle. It's also a profound emotional journey. The demands it places on a person’s mental strength are truly significant, and having a supportive network of family and friends can make all the difference. They offer a much-needed pillar of strength, understanding, and compassion in times that may otherwise feel dark and solitary.      The battle with cancer is not one anyone should fight alone. It's a path fraught with moments of uncertainty, worry, and pain, but these moments can be made bearable by the loving presence of family. Each conversation shared meal, quiet moment of companionship, or simple reassuring touch has the power to bring comfort and even joy amidst adversity.      A cancer diagnosis often brings with it a loss of control. Medical appointments, treatments, and procedures can begin to take over, making it feel as though personal autonomy is being eroded away. Family support...