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As scientists and researchers continue their ongoing work into the impact of the COVID-19 crisis, it has become blatantly clear that mental health problems are rising in the United States and around the world. This increase is not only in people with pre-existing mental illness or some of those who already survived the virus, but the psychological distress has also impacted a number of people who had never before been diagnosed with a psychiatric condition. This news is almost enough to make anyone anxious or depressed! Since the start of the pandemic, The National Center for Health Statistics is one of the institutions that has been tracking this information using the Household Pulse Survey. As of April 2021, results from their data collection show that 35% of U.S. adults have reported having symptoms of anxiety or depression every day or nearly half the days. From a comparison perspective, from January to June 2019 only 11% of people reported having the same symptoms. Another survey, a poll from the Kaiser Family Foundation, reported that as of March 2021, 47% of people continue to have adverse mental health problems from pandemic-related stress and anxiety. These distressing statistics may have you wondering if this is simply the new normal and if you should just resign yourself to a life filled with angst. The answer is a resounding NO!

Pandemic Causes of Psychological Distress

Just when it seemed like we were starting to get ahead, certain states have cases surging again as more contagious variants proliferate. This, of course, may extend some of the struggles many people have been trying to manage for the past year, such as: It appears that younger adults, particularly women—and especially those with children at home—are struggling more with worry and stress during the pandemic. Aside from the concerns listed above, their normally higher need for social interactions with peers may be making them more vulnerable, because our time spent with others can often help buffer mental health symptoms. Getting together with friends, going to a gym, attending religious services, and community events have all been curbed to some extent in most places. With these normal outlets unavailable to many people right now, it is no wonder that rates of mental illness have been growing. Are you concerned about yourself or a loved one?

Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression

While everyone has a bad day on occasion, when the following symptoms occur regularly, it could be an indication that anxiety or depressive disorder has developed. Common Symptoms of Anxiety Common Symptoms of Depression Not everyone will have all the symptoms for either anxiety and/or depression, but even having a few of them can be a red flag that should not be overlooked. Reaching out to get professional help for treatment is an important first step to take so you can start feeling better. Even having a few symptoms of anxiety and/or depression can be a red flag that should not be overlooked. Reaching out to get professional help for treatment is an important first step to take so you can start feeling better.
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3 Lifestyle Strategies to Manage Stress, Worries, and Depressed Mood

To further support your mental health, the following 3 lifestyle strategies can help improve your symptoms and bring more balance into your brain and body even in the wake of a pandemic:
  1. Pay attention to your automatic negative thoughts (ANTs) because they are likely adding to your distress. Notice if you tend to think in terms of always or never, or if you predict the worst outcome for everything. You can learn to manage these ANTs by doing some reality testing using a simple technique borrowed from Byron Katie:
Start by identifying what the negative or stressful thought is, then ask yourself the following questions about it: Then turn around your thought to its opposite and see if it isn’t actually truer than your original thought. Use a journal to write down each ANT and your answers to the questions. By practicing this, you can reduce the control they have over how you feel each day.
  1. Choose more nutritious foods and eat at regular intervals. This helps to stabilize your blood sugar and properly fuel your brain and body, which in turn can support your mental health.
Include foods like these: And stay away from these:
  1. Exercise regularly in any way you can. Whether it’s walking—even just around the block, hiking, jogging, swimming, biking, yoga, or lifting weights at the gym, exercise is a natural antidepressant and anti-anxiety treatment. It boosts chemicals in the brain that reduce pain and stress and lift your mood.
We must continue navigating the persistent challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic—at least for the foreseeable future. Therefore, by reaching out for help when you need it and incorporating healthy lifestyle strategies like these, you can start to reduce your symptoms and build more resilience as you move forward during these unpredictable times. It’s up to you to create your own version of the new normal. Anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems can’t wait. During this time of uncertainty, your mental well-being is more important than ever. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, remote clinical evaluations, and video therapy for adults, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here. Are your days filled with Zoom meetings for work, video chats with family and friends, web appointments with doctors, online conferences with your kids’ teachers, and more? All that video conferencing is leaving people stressed, anxious, depressed, and exhausted. This new phenomenon has become so prevalent, it’s earned the nickname “Zoom fatigue,” and you’re probably one of the millions of Americans suffering from it.

5 REASONS WHY YOUR BRAIN HATES ZOOM

In a 2021 study involving 10,591 people, researchers from Sweden and Stanford University confirmed what we’ve all felt—video conferencing is draining. The team of scientists reveals that Zoom fatigue is more pronounced in women than men, and they point to 5 specific brain-related reasons why video calls are so exhausting.

1. Mirror anxiety

Anyone who has used Zoom has come face-to-face (or rather, face-to-screen) with their own image—either in one of those little boxes or full-screen—and it can cause something referred to as “mirror anxiety.” Scientific evidence shows that self-focused attention can heighten vulnerability to negative affect and has been associated with increased anxiety and depression.

2. Feeling physically trapped

When you’re in an in-person meeting, you’re free to move about—lean in, stand up, stretch, and more. On Zoom, however, you’re basically locked into one position, so your head and shoulders fit within the eye of your webcam. Physical restriction diminishes creative thinking and cognitive performance. For some people, this may feel like a virtual form of claustrophobia.

3. Hyper gaze

In the 2021 study, the researchers suggest that hyper gaze—having all those virtual eyeballs constantly staring at you—is anxiety-provoking. During in-person meetings, people may glance at you from time to time, but in video conferencing the direct eye gaze never stops. And when it’s a one-on-one meeting, the person’s head can take up the whole screen as if they’re standing less than 2 feet away. In real life, getting up close like this might seem confrontational or too intimate. Either way, it’s a stress inducer.

4. Cognitive load of interpreting nonverbal cues

When all you’re seeing on screen are people’s heads and shoulders, you miss out on critical nonverbal cues that your brain typically processes. In a real-life meeting setting, you would notice people’s body language, such as emphasizing a point with hand gestures, crossing their arms, tapping their toes nervously, and so on. Without these clues, your brain has to work overtime to grasp the underlying intent and meaning of what is being said.

5. Cognitive load of producing nonverbal cues

On the flip side, you may feel the need to overemphasize your own nonverbal cues in response to others or while you’re speaking. You may consciously think about making exaggerated hand gestures so others can see them. This places a greater demand on brainpower. As anyone who has been on Zoom knows, these aren’t the only reasons why video conferencing can be so exhausting. Add in tech glitches, having to deal with distracting background noise, and getting no feedback or delayed feedback while talking, and it’s easy to see why it’s so stressful.

6 WAYS TO REDUCE ZOOM STRESS AND ANXIETY

In the wake of the pandemic and the shift to remote working, it looks like Zoom and other video conferencing platforms are here to stay. Understanding the possibility of Zoom fatigue and making a few adjustments in your daily usage could be helpful for you.

1. Hide self-view.

If you have trouble with mirror anxiety, some video conferencing platforms offer an option to hide yourself, which allows others to see but prevents you from seeing yourself. If you’re really struggling with anxiety about video conferencing, it may be time to seek professional help.

2. Go wireless.

To minimize the size of your own face on the screen, use a wireless keyboard, which allows you to sit farther away from your webcam. This may help reduce self-consciousness.

3. Take mini-breaks.

Looking away from your computer screen for several seconds or briefly opening a document or your calendar to block all those faces for a brief moment can give your brain a short respite.

4. Get up…or down.

Consider a standing desk that you could move up or down during calls so you can have some ability to alternate from sitting to standing to alleviate feelings of being trapped.

5. Change your view.

If all those eyeballs staring back at you creeps you out, try “speaker view” instead of “gallery view.” By contrast, if seeing one person’s face full-screen in speaker view is alarming to you, switch to the gallery view. Or you may find that switching back and forth from speaker to gallery view may give your brain a break.

6. Create a routine.

To reduce the stress and anxiety associated with video conferencing, stretch or practice deep breathing before and after video conference calls. This can help calm your mind and body. Feelings of stress and anxiety can’t wait. During these uncertain times, your mental well-being is more important than ever, and waiting until life gets back to “normal” is likely to make your symptoms worsen over time. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, remote clinical evaluations, and video therapy for adults, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here. Before her thought processes and behavior changed, Chris was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. Although she was always considered a bit on the eccentric side, she and her family members were very close. As the days of the 2020 lockdown persisted during a year of political vitriol, Chris became obsessed with the TV news and spent countless hours each day watching it. She developed an increasing disdain and fear of the sitting president and began to believe he had brainwashed her daughter into supporting him. In Chris’s mind, there was no other plausible explanation for why her daughter would have changed from one political party to another. Chris’s obsession led her to handwrite a “manifesto” for the incoming president regarding the brainwashing along with other delusional concerns and sent it to the news station. She felt certain her revelations would become a breaking story on the news. Of course, this did not happen. Her odd and increasingly paranoid behavior along with the nonsensical ramblings in the “manifesto” were clear signs to her family that Chris had become psychiatrically impaired in some way, but they did not understand what was happening. Prior to this time, Chris had no reported mental health history and had been sober for 47 years.

What is Brief Psychotic Disorder?

The Dr. Phil Show asked Dr. Daniel Amen, neuropsychiatrist and founder of Amen Clinics, to join Chris and her family to discuss her case. Dr. Amen thinks Chris most likely had a brief psychotic episode which is consistent with a condition called brief psychotic disorder (BrPsy). The pandemic-related increased isolation and anxiety, fixation on the news, and diminished self-care could have contributed to her losing touch with reality. The pandemic-related increased isolation and anxiety, fixation on the news, and diminished self-care could have contributed to losing touch with reality and having a brief psychotic episode.
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Of note, BrPsy is not specific to the pandemic. It is included among the psychotic disorders listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Psychiatric Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5).

Prevalence and Symptoms of Brief Psychotic Disorder

Approximately 9% of first-onset psychosis cases are diagnosed as BrPsy. This condition is twice as common in women as it is in men. It can occur almost anytime throughout a lifespan, although on average, first episodes are more common during the mid-30s. It is quite possible for someone who has had one such episode to have more during their life. The diagnostic criteria for a brief psychotic episode include one or more of the following symptoms: What separates BrPsy from other psychotic disorders is the course of the episode. Usually, there is a quick onset of symptoms that resolve within a month. Nonetheless, the symptoms are very intense and distressing and can cause significant impairment in functioning, as well as an increased risk for suicide. Often, patients will require treatment with antipsychotics and/or other medications to get their symptoms under control. Many may need to be hospitalized for a period of time until they become stable, but once the episode has fully resolved, they return to their normal level of functioning.

COVID-19 and Psychosis: A Growing Concern Around the World

As more case studies are published about the mental health impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is evident that Chris’s case is not an isolated one. Very stressful situations, such as traumatic experiences or loss, are known to be triggers for brief psychotic disorder. This is consistent with what many health care professionals believe is the underlying cause for many of the cases in the past 12 months—chronic emotional and psychological stressors related to the pandemic. The medical journal, Schizophrenia Bulletin, described 6 cases of patients with a first psychotic episode that happened during the lockdown in Italy. Among them was an otherwise healthy 73-year-old man who became delusional and believed he had been infected with COVID-19 by his wife (although he hadn’t) and was the world’s sole survivor. He threatened to commit suicide by jumping out of a window. With appropriate treatment in the hospital, his symptoms were in remission after 25 days.

Vulnerability to Brief Psychotic Episodes

Certainly, most people who have been under a lot of duress since the start of the pandemic will not have a psychotic break; however, there are some who are more vulnerable, including those who have these disorders or traits: Even though there have been adjustments made to the initial social distancing restrictions, it is more important than ever to maintain good practices of self-care, including stress and anxiety management. Be sure you are doing these 3 basic things to take care of yourself: Incorporating simple brain-healthy strategies like these to improve your daily habits can help reduce your risk of developing mental and physical health problems now and in the foreseeable future. Psychotic disorders and other mental health issues can’t wait. During these uncertain times, your mental well-being is more important than ever and waiting until life gets back to “normal” is likely to make your symptoms worsen over time. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, remote clinical evaluations, and video therapy for adults, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here. “It has been said, ‘time heals all wounds.’ I do not agree. The wounds remain. In time, the mind, protecting its sanity, covers them with scar tissue and the pain lessens. But it is never gone.” —Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Everyone comes face to face with grief at some point in their lifetime. Grief and loss can be overwhelming, leaving you with a range of emotions—sorrow, loneliness, helplessness, anger, guilt, numbness, emptiness, or all of the above. Suffering a loss can also cause physical symptoms, such as nausea or digestive issues, sleeplessness, headaches, fatigue, muscle tension, and chest pain. It’s also associated with anxiety, depression, and memory loss. In most cases after a loss, feelings of grief eventually subside, but for some people, they linger and make it difficult to get on with your life. Mental health professionals call this “complicated grief” or “prolonged grief,” and it can prevent you from getting back to work, taking care of your home, or maintaining healthy relationships with family and friends. In most cases after a loss, feelings of grief eventually subside, but for some people they linger and make it difficult to get on with your life. Mental health professionals call this “complicated grief” or “prolonged grief.”
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In cases of complicated grief, you may be following everyday advice in an effort to cope with your feelings. What you may not realize is that many commonly held beliefs about the grieving process could actually be intensifying your pain and making it last longer than necessary. It can leave you wondering if the grieving will ever end.

IS THERE A GRIEF TIMELINE?

There are no hard and fast rules regarding a grief timeline, and everybody grieves at their own pace. Some people feel like they’re drowning in sorrow and pain for months, years, or even decades after a loss. Others cope more quickly. Anything that reminds you of the loss—a place, a song, a routine (making coffee in the morning)—can dredge up painful feelings. Special occasions, such as birthdays, Mother’s Day, or Father’s Day, can be especially trying. We asked Amen Clinics patients to describe what grief feels like and how long the process took. You may relate to what they said. I was married for 35 years and my wife died in a bicycle accident. Six months later, I was able to work and take care of the dogs, but the hole in my heart hurt the most when I went to bed alone at night. I would wake up crying in the mornings. One of my friends told me to ‘just move on.’ (This is an example of one of the worst things to say to a grieving person.) I lost my teenage daughter almost 20 years ago, and the grief is still palpable. At first, it felt like a tsunami that would smother me, but as the years went by, it became more like a rhythmic wave. Every once in a while, though, a rogue wave comes out of nowhere, and I’m completely overwhelmed again. My dad died 5 years ago, and I keep thinking it’s supposed to get easier as time goes by. But that’s not the case. As my two young sons grow up, I miss him even more because I wish he were here as a role model for my boys. I thought I was coping pretty well after losing my best friend (we had been friends since we were in junior high) to cancer a year ago. But I heard a song she loved the other day on the radio, and the wounds opened up and felt raw again. I had to pull the car over and cry on the side of the road. I was a wreck the rest of the day. I feel embarrassed to tell people this, but I’m still grieving the loss of my dog. I had to put him down 2 years ago, and my heart is still shattered. He was my constant companion, and he provided unconditional love. I was so bonded to my furbaby. When I try to explain it to people, they say, “Oh, you can just get another dog.” No, I can’t just replace him. He was special to me. My wife died by suicide, and I have been wracked by guilt ever since, thinking there must have been something I could have done to prevent it. 

7 COMMON MYTHS THAT PROLONG GRIEF

In working with our patients at Amen Clinics, we have found that there are several commonly held beliefs about grief that actually prolong the process and make it more painful.

1. Wait to start the healing process.

People often say you should wait to heal from grief, but this prolongs the process. If you fell and broke your arm, when would you want to start healing? Immediately! This doesn’t mean healing will be quick—it rarely is—but it’s important to start the process.

2. Accepting the loss is the final stage of grief.

Dr. Elizabeth Kübler-Ross wrote about the 5 stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Waiting to go through these stages to arrive at acceptance will extend your grief. It is better to turn the 5 stages upside down—admit your loss, find peace, stop bargaining for something that will not change, reengage with others to avoid depression, and refuse to accept prolonged pain as a given.

3. It’s normal that you can’t sleep, so don’t try to fix it.

Grief often steals sleep. Insomnia decreases blood flow to the prefrontal cortex (PFC) in the front part of the brain. The PFC sends signals to quiet or calm your emotional brain; when it is weak, your emotions can get the best of you, and it is harder to make good decisions throughout the day. A healthier approach is to try a combination of melatonin (1 mg), vitamin B6 (10 mg), magnesium (100 mg), GABA (300 mg), 5-HTP (50 mg), and theanine (100 mg) to help promote grief-related sleep.

4. Avoid thinking about what happened.

In one study, bereaved people who had lost someone to accidental death or homicide wrote for 15 minutes a day for 4 days. One group wrote about the loss; the other was asked to write about something trivial. Afterward, those who had written about the loss reported less anxiety and depression and greater grief recovery than those who had written about trivialities. Spend 15 minutes a day for 4 days getting the story out, making sure to list both the positives (“He is no longer suffering”) and the negatives (“I miss him so much it hurts”) of the situation to promote healthy grieving.

5. Focus only on the good things.

Too often, when people had a complicated relationship with someone who passes, they try to remember only the good times and completely ignore the bad ones. Remembering an unbalanced situation prolongs grief. Instead, remember the positive and make peace with the rest.

6. Keep your chin up and stifle your tears.

Holding back from crying in an effort to appear resilient isn’t helpful. When we bottle our feelings and refuse to cry, our emotional brain becomes inflamed. After someone has died, it is healthy to let the tears flow freely.

7. Expect to get over the loss quickly.

If you believe the grieving process should be quick and painless, you’ll be setting yourself up for disappointment, frustration, and unresolved issues. Be patient. Grief is a journey, not a destination. Be patient with yourself as you work through the hard times and be patient with others too. Prolonged or complicated grief, depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues can’t wait. During these uncertain times, your mental well-being is more important than ever and waiting until life gets back to “normal” is likely to make your symptoms worsen over time. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, remote clinical evaluations, and video therapy for adults, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here. Although Damion is almost 21, he isn’t interested in staying long at a regular job. He finds them either boring or unmotivating. Instead, he aspires to be a star on YouTube with his singing and dancing. Ironically, even though he believes he has the talent to become successful on social media, he makes minimal effort to even work on his pipedream. He blames his failure to launch on his mother and stepfather for not understanding and supporting his dreams and their refusal to buy him the equipment he wants to make music. Instead, Damion stays up all night watching YouTube, sleeps until 1:00 pm, and then plays video games and vapes all day long—which is definitely not helping him. Brain images have shown that vaping lowers activity in the part of the brain involved with focus, attention, and other important aspects of executive function. Damion’s mother, Carrie, loves him very much and felt sorry for him because when he was younger, his father was in jail and wasn’t able to be in his life very much. She also felt guilty for frequently needing to move for new jobs she got trying to make ends meet. Because of this, Damion had to change schools regularly and there was limited stability in his life. He also had a terrible anger problem and often fought with other kids, resulting in suspensions from school. When Damion was mad, he would punch walls and throw chairs if he didn’t get his own way—and is still prone to anger when his demands aren’t met. Because of her guilt about Damion’s unstable childhood, whenever he would act out, Carrie would bribe him into good behavior by giving or buying him whatever he wanted. She continues to do this, and even still buys his vape cartridges for him.

Special, Spoiled, and Entitled Dragons

Damion has what Dr. Daniel Amen refers to as the “Special, Spoiled, or Entitled Dragons.” And this is a big problem for the family. However, Damion’s sense of entitlement didn’t develop in a vacuum. In his newly released book, Your Brain is Always Listening, Dr. Amen teaches us about the dragons that breathe fire onto our emotional brain and steal our joy and contentment while driving unhealthy behaviors. He describes 13 different “Dragons from the Past” that stem from the personal stories we tell ourselves based on our experiences earlier in life. Carrie placated her son’s anger by giving in to him, which taught Damion that he was entitled to whatever it is that he wanted. The Special, Spoiled, or Entitled Dragons cause people to believe they are extra special—even more special than others. People who harbor this type of dragon have a strong need for attention, lack empathy for other people, and tend to blame others for their shortcomings. They respond with tantrums, anger, or rudeness when: Carrie, on the other hand, has her own “untamed” Dragons from the Past that largely led to the development of Damion’s unremitting sense of entitlement. According to Dr. Amen, she is dealing with Responsible Dragons and Should and Shaming Dragons.

Responsible Dragons

Those with the Responsible Dragons feel a sense of responsibility for the pain of others and are easily triggered when they perceive someone is in need of their help. Their inclination to be the fixer, caretaker, or codependent person causes them to do too much for other people, who then become dependent on them. This in turn breeds entitlement for the recipient as well as resentment and long-term stress for the person with Responsible Dragons.

Should and Shaming Dragons

The Should and Shaming Dragons arise when a person grows up in a culture of guilt where they might have been humiliated, belittled, judged, or criticized. This can happen if a person was raised in an environment with strong moral teachings, rules, and laws, as well as in certain religions. In these situations, shaming is often used as a strong motivator to get people to comply. Those with Should and Shaming Dragons tend to be triggered by disapproval from someone important to them, such as a family member or a boss. When that happens, it can cause feelings of guilt, distress, and a need to be submissive—among other problems.

The Clashing of Untamed Dragons

Responsible Dragons plus Should and Shaming Dragons tend to spawn Special, Spoiled, and Entitled Dragons. Therefore, it is no surprise that Damion has an inflated sense of entitlement but has very little self-efficacy, yet Carrie is wracked with guilt and worry for wanting him to change. Even though she now sees him as extremely lazy and unprepared for real life because of how she raised him, she can’t seem to stop her ongoing enabling and overprotective behaviors with him. Responsible Dragons and Should and Shaming Dragons tend to spawn Special, Spoiled, and Entitled Dragons, so it’s not unusual for a child to develop an inflated sense of entitlement, but have very little self-efficacy.
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There is hope though! Once Carrie learns how to “tame” her own Dragons from the Past using the strategies Dr. Amen specifies in the book, she can teach Damion how to tame his too. With the support of her husband, it is possible to make positive changes in their lives and help Damion become more comfortable with acting his age and taking greater responsibility for himself. Your Brain Is Always Listening is written by psychiatrist, neuroscientist, and New York Times bestselling author Daniel G. Amen, MD. In this book, Dr. Amen equips you with powerful weapons to battle the inner dragons that are breathing fire on your brain, driving unhealthy behaviors, and robbing you of your joy and contentment. Order your copy here. If you want to join the tens of thousands of Amen Clinics patients who have already tamed their dragons and overcome their behavior problems, symptoms of addiction, anxiety, depression, trauma, and more, speak to a specialist today at 888-609-4318 or visit our contact page here. Do you or your child have trouble focusing, staying organized, or completing tasks? It could be attention-deficit disorder (ADD), also known as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). If you (or a loved one) have ADD/ADHD, you may think stimulant medication, such as Ritalin or Adderall, is the only answer. Wrong! Many natural ADD/ADHD solutions are backed by science. If you (or a loved one) have ADD/ADHD, you may think stimulant medication, such as Ritalin or Adderall, is the only answer. Wrong! Many natural ADD/ADHD solutions are backed by science.
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Although research in the journal Plos One found that the usage of stimulant medication for ADD/ADHD doubled from 2006-2016, it isn’t the only option. Other scientific findings show that alternatives to ADD/ADHD medication can improve symptoms, such as: If you’re one of the 4.4% of adults in America who are affected by ADD/ADHD, or your child is among the over 6 million youngsters who have this condition, you may benefit from some of these natural strategies. In some instances, natural solutions can help reduce or eliminate the need for prescription stimulants. If you or your child are currently taking medication, be sure to discuss your situation with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your prescription medication.

Here are 7 science-backed secrets to healing ADD/ADHD naturally:

1. Nourish the ADD/ADHD brain with nutritional supplements.

A growing body of research shows that nutritional deficiencies—including low levels of vitamin D, zinc, magnesium, and ferritin—are common in people with ADD/ADHD. Taking a high-quality daily multiple vitamin/mineral supports healthy levels of foundational nutrients. Similarly, studies have found that those with ADD/ADHD generally have lower levels of important omega-3 fatty acids. Supplementing with omega-3s can improve issues with impulse control, attention, and hyperactivity, according to findings in Translational Psychiatry and the Journal of Lipids.

2. Avoid stimulating substances.

Kick the caffeine habit and eliminate the use of any nicotine products. At Amen Clinics, brain SPECT imaging studies show that, over time, caffeine and nicotine reduce activity in the brain. During concentration in people with ADD/ADHD, there is typically lower activity in the prefrontal cortex, and this can be compounded with caffeine and nicotine use.

3. Get moving.

Physical exercise enhances blood flow and activity in the brain, which can improve focus and attention. The benefits of intense physical exercise are so great, it should be viewed as supplemental medication.

4. Put devices away.

Limiting screen time to no more than 30 minutes a day can make a significant difference in ADD/ADHD symptoms. A study in Plos One found that preschoolers who spent more than 2 hours of screen time per day had “clinically significant” increases in ADD/ADHD symptoms, such as attentional problems.

5. Eat to heal ADD/ADHD.

Consuming a higher-protein, lower-simple carbohydrate diet can help with focus and attention in most people with ADD/ADHD. There is one exception, however. People who have Over-Focused ADD—one of the 7 types of ADD identified by Amen Clinics—usually do better with a diet that includes higher levels of complex carbohydrates.

6. Find out if other issues are contributing to ADD/ADHD symptoms.

Issues, such as head trauma, depression, and hormonal imbalances are common in people with ADD/ADHD. Another condition called Irlen Syndrome, which is a visual processing problem, is commonly seen with the condition. Brain SPECT imaging, in addition to lab testing, can help determine the root causes of your (or your child’s) symptoms. Treating any underlying issues can be a critical part of the process of healing from ADD/ADHD.

7. Target natural treatments for your type of ADD/ADHD.

Brain SPECT imaging shows that there are 7 types of ADD/ADHD. Knowing which ADD/ADHD type you (or your child) have is an important step in finding the most effective natural solutions. ADD/ADHD—as well as anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions—can’t wait. During these uncertain times, your mental well-being is more important than ever and waiting until life gets back to “normal” is likely to make your symptoms worsen over time. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, remote clinical evaluations, and video therapy for adults, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here. Carissa has a big problem. She can’t stop vaping. In fact, her daughter describes her mother’s 10-year vaping addiction as “absolutely insane.” Carissa is never without her vape—except when she’s asleep. It’s the first thing she reaches for in the morning and the last thing she touches at night. She panics if she accidentally runs out of cartridges. Despite the pressure from her daughter to quit, Carissa sees no harm in the habit. Afterall, she used to be a heavy drinker and cigarette smoker—2 habits she reportedly gave up. Carissa doesn’t believe vaping causes any health problems, because, in her mind, it’s just water vapor and nicotine. She also thinks that if there actually are any consequences, she’s likely immune to them since she’s been doing it for the past 10 years. Even though she experiences a lot of brain fog and attention problems, she doesn’t connect the dots to her addictive habit.

How Vaping Hurts the Brain and the Lungs

Carissa and her daughter, Alexa, appeared on the Dr. Phil show after Alexa had contacted them about getting help for her mom. Dr. Phil invited Dr. Daniel Amen, a well-known neuropsychiatrist and founder of Amen Clinics, to educate everyone about the dangers of vaping and to dispel any misconceptions about the real harm caused by this popular but very unhealthy habit. Dr. Amen’s important points included:
  1. The decreased blood flow that results from vaping prematurely ages the brain.
  2. The changes to the brain caused by vaping lead to low motivation, depression, poor memory, and reduced concentration.
  3. Like all addictions, the pleasure centers in the brain—the nucleus accumbens and the prefrontal cortex—are affected by vaping and cause a release of the neurotransmitter dopamine. The release of dopamine makes you feel good momentarily, but after it passes, you feel bad until you take another hit. Over time, this wears out these parts of the brain, causing decreased functioning in them.
  4. In addition to nicotine being highly addictive, when people vape, they are inhaling multiple poisons that constrict blood flow and can lead to heart disease and damage to the lungs.
According to a 2019 research article from the Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine, vape liquids contain harmful chemicals, including volatile organic compounds, heavy metals, acetone, and carcinogenic material, among others.

Vaping and the Addicted Dragons

It is not unusual for people who are hooked on alcohol or a drug (nicotine is a drug!) to deny there is any harm in their behavior. Carissa has a bad case of what Dr. Amen calls the “Addicted Dragons.” In his newly released book, Your Brain is Always Listening, he teaches us about the dragons that breathe fire onto our emotional brain and steal our joy and contentment while driving unhealthy behaviors. In this book, Dr. Amen describes 13 different “Dragons from the Past” that stem from the personal stories we tell ourselves based on our experiences earlier in life. Everyone—regardless of status or success—has at least a few dragons, and some people are better at “taming” them than others. However, if these dragons are left untamed, they can drive a person to engage in unhealthy personal and interpersonal decisions and behaviors. Such is the nature of the Addicted Dragons. They develop when the Bad Habit Dragons and the Scheming Dragons override the Dragon Tamer (the prefrontal cortex), which is the CEO and “the brakes” of the brain. Addicted Dragons are the result of the Bad Habit Dragons and the Scheming Dragons overriding your Dragon Tamer (the prefrontal cortex), which is the CEO and “the brakes” of the brain.
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Brain-Based Addiction Recovery

To help those who are suffering from untamed Addicted Dragons, Dr. Amen includes a section in the book with his brain-based 12-step program to overcome addiction. Among the steps, the novel approach of this program includes: Learning to identify and tame your Hidden Dragons from the Past that still have control over you—even if you’re not aware of it—can lead to greater happiness, better health, and more success in your life! Your Brain Is Always Listening is written by psychiatrist, neuroscientist, and New York Times bestselling author Daniel G. Amen, MD. In this book, Dr. Amen equips you with powerful weapons to battle the inner dragons that are breathing fire on your brain, driving unhealthy behaviors, and robbing you of your joy and contentment. Order your copy here. If you want to join the tens of thousands of Amen Clinics patients who have already tamed their dragons and overcome their symptoms of addiction, anxiety, depression, trauma, , and more, speak to a specialist today at 888-609-4318 or visit our contact page here. What was once thought to be primarily a respiratory illness, COVID-19 has proven to be a formidable foe for the brain as well. While most people recover from the virus within a few weeks, some simply do not. Even months after being infected and getting over the initial symptoms, many people have reported ongoing problems with memory, fatigue, brain fog, and other neurological symptoms, collectively referred to by Amen Clinics as “COVID-Brain.” These “long-haulers” represent approximately 10% of those who were ill with COVID-19. Many of them were never hospitalized nor in high-risk categories for complications from the virus. Research into the underlying mechanisms of the persistent and disruptive neurological symptoms is ongoing and will likely continue for years to come. However, there already are some strong theories about what may be causing brain dysfunction from COVID-19 infections, and the possible links to an increased risk of cognitive decline or dementia in the future.

How COVID-19 Infects Brain Cells

One of the most striking hypotheses described in a research article in the journal Alzheimer’s and Dementia is that SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, is “neurotropic.” This means that it can directly infect the tissues of the central nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. Since the virus is airborne, it can be inhaled via the nose and enter the brain through the olfactory nerve. This nerve gives us our sense of smell, and anosmia—the loss of ability to smell—is often one of the first symptoms of COVID infection. Anosmia can also be an early symptom of Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. It remains to be seen whether or not the damage to the olfactory system from the virus deteriorates its function in the long term. However, an October 2020 research study published in the medical journal Neurology found damage to the olfactory bulb (which connects to the olfactory nerve) in autopsy studies of those who had died from COVID-19.

Inflammation and COVID-19

Another significant concern about the long-term implications of COVID-19’s impact on the brain is the degree of inflammation it can cause. Because it is a new virus that no one had exposure to prior to 2019, humans had no defenses against it. And given its aggressive nature and potential lethality, once a person is infected with it, the immune system goes all out on the attack to fight it. Through complex mechanisms, this results in increased inflammation as the immune system tries to defeat the invading virus. However, a consequence of this process is that, in an effort to protect the brain, the high level of inflammation can actually cause damage to the function of brain cells, including ones involved in memory. Other possible causes of damage to the brain from COVID-19 include complications related to: Even though problems with memory, attention, and other aspects of executive dysfunction have been experienced by both young and old people, some populations are at higher risk than others. For example, those who already have health problems that are linked to increased inflammation, such as diabetes and obesity, may be more vulnerable to a worsening of brain-related problems. Being pre-emptive to protect your health now can make a big difference. People who already have health problems that are linked to increased inflammation, such as diabetes and obesity, may be more vulnerable to a worsening of brain-related problems from COVID-19.
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7 Simple Ways to Lower Inflammation and Boost Your Health

Since the long-term consequences of COVID-19 are becoming increasingly recognized, if you have not been infected with it, it’s imperative that you continue to follow recommended guidelines to protect yourself from this virus. If you have had it—and particularly if you still struggle with lingering symptoms—taking measures to lower inflammation is of utmost importance. The good news is that there are some easy changes you can make that can have a positive impact on your health. Here are 7 simple ways to decrease inflammation in your body and brain:
  1. Increase your consumption of prebiotic foods such as apples, beans, cabbage, artichokes, asparagus, and root vegetables.
  2. Increase probiotics in your diet either through supplements or fermented foods with live bacteria, including sauerkraut, kimchi, pickled fruits and veggies, and kombucha tea (these are often found in the produce section of the grocery store).
  3. Boost your omega-3 fatty acid intake by eating more cold-water fish, such as salmon, mackerel, tuna, and herring, or with supplements.
  4. Limit or avoid alcohol, sugar and refined grains, processed meats, and trans-fats (anything with partially hydrogenated or vegetable shortening on the label).
  5. Take care of your gums! Periodontal (gum) disease can increase inflammation, so be sure to brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily.
  6. Practice stress management with mindfulness, meditation, or prayer.
  7. Engage in some form of exercise every day, but don’t overdo it, because that can actually increase inflammation.
It is widely believed among researchers that uncontrolled inflammation in the brain—regardless of the cause—is a significant risk for developing dementia. Taking the appropriate steps to protect your health, can make a big difference for optimal functioning of your brain now and in the future. COVID-Brain and memory problems are real and can’t wait. During these uncertain times, your mental well-being is more important than ever! At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, remote clinical evaluations, and video therapy for adults, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here. Being sexually abused as a child is one of the most horrific experiences a human can be forced to endure. Yet this heinous act is far too common, and it often occurs in the home. Research in the Journal of Adolescent Health shows that among children under the age of 18, 1 in 9 girls and 1 in 53 boys will experience sexual abuse or sexual assault. And 75% of adolescents who have been sexually assaulted were victimized by someone they knew well, according to a 2003 National Institute of Justice report. Sadly, the emotional pain of childhood sexual trauma lasts long after the abuse has ended and can have a negative impact on mental health, brain health, and cognitive function. Sadly, the emotional pain of childhood sexual trauma lasts long after the abuse has ended and can have a negative impact on mental health, brain health, and cognitive function.
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Childhood Sexual Abuse and Mental Health

Suffering from sexual abuse has a detrimental effect on a person’s mental health throughout their lifetime. According to findings in the Journal of Psychology, 20%-40% of people with psychiatric disorders have a history of childhood sexual trauma. Experiencing sexual abuse during childhood is associated with a wide range of mental health disorders in adulthood, including:   20%-40% of people with psychiatric disorders have a history of childhood sexual trauma.
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Childhood Sexual Trauma and Brain Health

Not only does childhood sexual abuse take a toll on mental health, but it also impacts brain health and cognitive function. A 2017 study in Industrial Psychiatry Journal found that childhood sexual trauma is associated with negative changes in the structure and volume of brain regions, including the prefrontal cortex, superior temporal gyrus, corpus callosum, parietal lobes, hippocampus, and cerebellum. Two of these brain regions are particularly troubling: This same 2017 study mentioned earlier found decreases in cognitive function and memory in those who suffered childhood abuse. In addition, abnormalities in the functioning of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin (a feel-good neurochemical), as well as abnormal hormonal responses have been noted in abuse victims.

Early Intervention and Treatment Can Help

One of the most promising findings in the research is that intervention and therapies can help. Early reporting of sexual abuse and early intervention can be effective in warding off structural changes in the brain and psychological issues. But it’s critical to know that it is never too late to seek treatment for abuse that occurred during childhood. At Amen Clinics, thousands of patients who were sexually assaulted have improved their brain health, cognitive function, and mental well-being with targeted treatment. Our brain imaging work shows that you can change your brain and change your life… for the better. Depression, anxiety, memory problems, and other issues related to childhood sexual trauma can’t wait. During these uncertain times, your mental well-being is more important than ever and waiting until life gets back to “normal” is likely to make your symptoms worsen over time. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, remote clinical evaluations, and video therapy for adults, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here. Are you feeling a sense of emotional overwhelm like you just can’t cope with the tsunami of challenges you’re facing? A lot of people eagerly anticipated a return to normalcy at the end of 2020, but that didn’t happen. All the changes, accommodations, limitations, and demands that we have had to deal with due to the pandemic have really added up and are taking a toll on many people. A recent report from the American Psychological Association found that 84%—that’s more than 4 out of 5—of the people surveyed have been experiencing elevated levels of stress. In addition, almost half of them reported having symptoms of anxiety and/or depression, as well as weight changes and problems with sleep—conditions that often accompany emotional overwhelm. There are a number of practical factors that can be contributing to how people are feeling, including circumstances such as: Having to manage multiple stressors like these, while knowing we must continue to push through for an undetermined length of time, is exhausting and can stretch the capacity to cope. Bearing this in mind, it’s important to understand that overwhelm is actually a natural response to all that people must deal with right now. It can also be very unsettling to know that even though there has been progress with getting the pandemic under control, we still must live with a lot of uncertainty. Managing multiple stressors, while having to keep pushing through for an undetermined length of time, is exhausting and can stretch the capacity to cope. Overwhelm is a natural response to all that people must deal with right now.
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What can make overwhelm even worse, is the absence of many things we might normally do to try and feel better. For example, some people aren’t yet able to spend time with friends, loved ones, or in community settings in a way that satisfies their human need for fulfilling connection. And with all the demands on their time, many folks are missing out on the activities that normally would give them joy and help with stress relief. Of course, some people are simply worn too thin to add one more thing to their plate. Despite all of this, please remind yourself that in the face of great difficulty, you persevered and made it this far.

3 Ways to Ease Emotional Overwhelm

To help you keep going, here are 3 simple things you can incorporate into your life that don’t cost anything and are not demanding of your time. Plus, they can improve your well-being while strengthening your ability to cope as you work your way toward the pandemic’s finish line.

1. Notice the micro-moments that lift your spirits each day.

When under duress, it’s easy to stay focused on the problems at hand. However, there likely are some small everyday things that help you feel momentarily better, such as: Paying more attention to the little uplifting things throughout your day can provide a nice counterbalance to those feelings of overwhelm.

2. Manage your automatic negative thoughts (ANTs).

It’s easy to get caught up in a cycle of unhelpful thinking patterns when life is stressful. These ANTs, as Dr. Daniel Amen calls them, fester in your mind and make you miserable, plus they release chemicals in the brain that make you feel emotionally and physically worse—and that’s not something you need more of right now! Using a technique borrowed from Byron Katie, here is a simple way you can challenge the negative thoughts that are making you feel even more overwhelmed: Start by identifying what the negative or stressful thought is, then ask yourself the following questions about it: Now, turn that original thought around and see if its opposite is actually truer because it just might be. By challenging your negative thoughts, you’ll learn to see through them more quickly, so they don’t keep dragging you down.

3. Reach out and connect with others.

Talk to someone else about how you feel instead of keeping it bottled up inside. Being overwhelmed right now is nothing to be embarrassed about. By connecting with others, whether it’s a trusted friend, family member, church community, or psychotherapist, you will discover that you aren’t alone. Having someone to lean on when the going gets tough can make all the difference in the world. Give yourself a pat on the back for hanging in there. This unprecedented and difficult time has shown how strong you can be. By incorporating the strategies above, you can boost your resolve to get through it while increasing your resilience for the future. Chronic stress, anxiety, depression and other mental health problems can’t wait. During these uncertain times, your mental well-being—and that of your loved ones— is more important than ever. Waiting until life gets back to “normal” is likely to worsen symptoms over time. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, remote clinical evaluations, and video therapy for adults, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here.