New Genetic Study Could Transform Approach to Mental Health
Facebook-f X-twitter Youtube Table of Contents A massive new genetic study is challenging the way we define mental illness, and confirming that the brain is
When superstar influencer Laura Clery got a brain scan as part of a full evaluation at Amen Clinics, she received a diagnosis she never expected—ADD.
“Even though I really struggled to focus growing up… and I struggled to take tests, and I never felt very smart,” she says in a social media post she shared with her millions of followers, “I never really thought about [ADD].”
The comedian says she thought she was just lazy and easily distracted, as if it was a character flaw. When she was younger, Clery had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, but that diagnosis didn’t fit.
Clery isn’t alone.
At Amen Clinics, the global leader in brain health, thousands of women who had been previously misdiagnosed have learned they actually have attention deficit disorder, more commonly known as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Like Clery, there are potentially millions of women across the U.S. who are struggling with undiagnosed ADHD. You may be one of them. And it could be impacting your self-esteem, career, relationships, and personal health and fitness. In the worst-case scenario, it could be ruining your life.
Why do so many women with this common condition remain undiagnosed or misdiagnosed? Because ADD looks different in females, according to research.
In this blog, you’ll learn more about ADHD in women, the signs and symptoms you need to know, why it’s often missed, and what to do about it.
Why do so many women with this common condition remain undiagnosed or misdiagnosed? Because ADD looks different in females.
Most people think of ADHD as a condition that is primarily seen in males who are hyperactive and impulsive. In fact, women are just as likely as men to have ADD, according to a paper in The ADHD Report.
Surprisingly, a study in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that ADD symptoms in women are often more severe ADHD symptoms than their male counterparts. But women tend to have a different type of the condition that comes with its own set of symptoms.
The brain-imaging work at Amen Clinics, which has the world’s largest database of functional brain scans related to behavior, has helped identify seven types of ADD.
The type that is most common in females is called Inattentive ADD. Although it’s the second most common type of ADHD, its symptoms go unrecognized by many medical professionals.
Related: Learn More About the 7 Types of ADD
Click on the link to access your free ebook: Getting to Know the ADD Types
Unfortunately, many women with Inattentive ADHD never get diagnosed. Instead, they’re labeled as slow, lazy, spacey, or unmotivated.
While people with Classic ADD, the most common type of the condition, bring negative attention to themselves with their hyperactivity, constant chatter, and conflict-driven behavior, women with Inattentive ADD tend to be quiet and distracted.
Rather than cause problems, they’re more likely to daydream or look out the window. They’re not as likely to be impulsive or to blurt out inappropriate or hurtful things. They’re frequently thought of as couch potatoes who have trouble finding interest or motivation in their lives.
Women with adult ADHD are also more likely than men to have co-existing anxiety and depression, as well as sleep problems. This can make it more difficult to detect ADD in women and is another reason why brain imaging can be so helpful in getting an accurate diagnosis.
Many of the women who come to Amen Clinics with undetected ADHD had previously been diagnosed with mood disorders or other issues. Untreated ADHD in female adults can lead to serious consequences.
Having undiagnosed or untreated ADD comes with a very high cost. And it increases the risk of many other issues, including:
Press Play for Insights on ADHD and Relationships
Hosted by Dr. Daniel Amen and Tana Amen, this episode of the Change Your Brain Every Day podcast explores how ADHD can wreak havoc on relationships and intimacy. Click below to tune in.
This causes many women with untreated ADHD to engage in unhealthy strategies to deal with their symptoms. For example, some may seek out stimulating substances or risky behaviors to cope with their issues.
Others may turn to antidepressant medications, anti-anxiety pills, and other medications to manage their discomfort. Not only are these medications ineffective in treating the underlying ADD, they also come with unwanted side effects.
Ultimately, it can lead to a downward spiral that leaves you feeling unfulfilled and unhappy with yourself and your life.
Related: How Much Is Untreated ADD/ADHD Costing You?
On her social media post, Clery shared her brain SPECT imaging studies, which showed low activity levels in the front part of her brain, especially when she tried to concentrate.
In people who don’t have ADD, concentration typically activates an area of the brain called the prefrontal cortex, which is involved with:
In adults with ADHD, however, concentrating reduces activity here, making it difficult to pay attention. This is why simply telling someone with ADD to “try harder” or blaming them for not having enough willpower doesn’t help. Brain imaging shows that the harder they try, the worse it gets.
The prefrontal cortex is also involved in sustaining attention span. It trains your mind to focus on important information while filtering out less significant thoughts and sensations. Attention span is required for short-term memory and learning.
Through its many connections within the brain, the prefrontal cortex keeps you on task and allows you to stay with a project until it is finished. This brain region accomplishes this by sending quieting signals to other parts of the brain.
In the face of a need to focus, the prefrontal cortex decreases the distracting input from other brain areas, inhibiting rivals for our attention. However, when this brain region is underactive, less of a filtering mechanism is available and distractibility becomes common.
Studies show that problems in the prefrontal cortex often lead to decreased attention span, distractibility, impaired short-term memory, decreased mental speed, apathy, and decreased verbal expression. Underactivity or damage in the PFC can also lead to a decreased ability to express thoughts and feelings.
These are things women with ADHD may experience. However, they often chalk it up to being lazy, ditzy, or depressed rather than thinking it might be related to their brain function.
The brain-imaging work at Amen Clinics shows that even if your prefrontal cortex is underactive and you’ve had undetected ADHD for decades, you can still optimize your brain function and enhance your life.
With the right treatment, you can be more focused, more organized, and more motivated to reach your goals. This has positive implications for every area of your life—career, health and fitness, relationships, and self-esteem.
Many women assume that ADHD medication is the only treatment option. ADHD medications can be very effective for some people with the condition. Giving someone with ADHD stimulant medication can be like giving glasses to someone who has vision problems.
However, in some women, medications for ADHD can make symptoms worse. Every woman is different and requires a personalized treatment plan.
At Amen Clinics, targeted ADHD treatment plans may include diet recommendations, specific forms of exercise, personalized supplement suggestions, neurofeedback, behavioral interventions, psychological strategies, and medications (when necessary).
Related: Natural Ways to Help ADD
The good news is Inattentive ADD in women is usually very responsive to the right treatment. With an accurate diagnosis and the proper treatment program, you can change your brain, stop feeling bad about yourself, and start living the life you want.
Young, Susan et al. “Females with ADHD: An expert consensus statement taking a lifespan approach providing guidance for the identification and treatment of attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder in girls and women.” BMC psychiatry vol. 20,1 404. 12 Aug. 2020, doi:10.1186/s12888-020-02707-9
Attoe, Darby E, and Emma A Climie. “Miss. Diagnosis: A Systematic Review of ADHD in Adult Women.” Journal of attention disorders vol. 27,7 (2023): 645-657. doi:10.1177/10870547231161533
Babinski, Dara E. and Waschbusch, Daniel A. The Interpersonal Difficulties of Women with ADHD, The ADHD Report, Vol. 24, Issue 7, Nov 2016. https://doi.org/10.1521/adhd.2016.24.7.1
Robison, Reid J et al. “Gender differences in 2 clinical trials of adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a retrospective data analysis.” The Journal of clinical psychiatry vol. 69,2 (2008): 213-21. doi:10.4088/jcp.v69n0207
Arnsten, Amy F T. “The Emerging Neurobiology of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: The Key Role of the Prefrontal Association Cortex.” The Journal of pediatrics vol. 154,5 (2009): I-S43. doi:10.1016/j.jpeds.2009.01.018
Facebook-f X-twitter Youtube Table of Contents A massive new genetic study is challenging the way we define mental illness, and confirming that the brain is
Facebook-f X-twitter Youtube Table of Contents In the last decade, the question “What is CTE?” has been asked and searched online more than ever before.
From saunas and heating pads to ice packs and cold plunges, you may already be taking advantage of the benefits that accompany heat and cold therapy. But which is better for brain health and recovery?
When you’re seeking brain recovery treatments using temperature therapy, the answer depends on your specific needs and goals. Both hot and cold treatments have been praised for their assistance in healing the body, reducing inflammation, and supporting brain function.
If you’re wondering how heat and cold affect brain function, this blog will delve into the science behind temperature-based therapies and how they impact the brain. You’ll learn how to choose the right one for your needs and how to incorporate them into your wellness routine for peak cognitive performance.
When comparing cold therapy vs. heat therapy benefits, it’s important to first understand the goals of the treatment. Each offers different benefits for the body and brain.
Heat therapy is beneficial for health because it relies upon the body’s natural response to heat. Since the body works to maintain its baseline temperature, the application of heat is interpreted as a stressor. Through the process of adapting and readjusting, the body builds greater stress resilience.
Are saunas good for brain recovery? Research suggests that heat therapies like saunas (and infrared saunas) also help by boosting circulation, which promotes the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the brain. A 2018 study reported that saunas reduce the risk of vascular diseases, including neurocognitive diseases. They also can improve mortality and soothe common conditions like arthritis, headache, and flu.
These benefits were linked to saunas’ positive effects on the body’s circulatory, cardiovascular, and immune systems. The study noted that improved cardiovascular function occurred as a result of numerous factors, including:
Cardiovascular health and mental health are closely interrelated, and these changes are beneficial for the brain, too. For example, a study published in 2020, which tracked nearly 14,000 men and women over 39 years, found that the practice of sauna bathing was associated with a reduced risk of dementia.
A narrative review published in Frontiers in Physiology explored the mechanisms behind this finding. Neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease are associated with a loss of protein homeostasis. But heat shock proteins (HSPs), which are produced in response to stress (such as heat therapy), may protect against the protein changes seen in these diseases.
The review outlined various benefits of heat therapy, thanks to its ability to elevate HSPs:
Finally, exposure to heat promotes relaxation, helping to reduce stress and anxiety. A 2021 narrative review that evaluated heat therapy for pain management established that its benefits function in multiple ways within the body:
Interestingly, the review pointed out that heat’s pain-relieving effects “are partly mediated by transient receptor potential (TRP) membrane channels, of which seven respond to heat and two respond to cold temperatures.”
In this video, Dr. Amen reveals some of the best ways to support the health of your brain and body, including how saunas can help. Click below to tune in.
When comparing cold therapy vs. heat therapy benefits, it’s important to first understand the goals of the treatment. Each offers different benefits for the body and brain.
How does cryotherapy help brain health? Cold therapy, like ice baths, cryotherapy, and cold plunges, has been shown in a 2021 study to reduce neuroinflammation, which can contribute to symptoms like depression and brain fog.
Another study, published in 2024, noted that exposure to cold provokes numerous positive effects in the body, including the brain, due to a stress response like the one involved in heat therapy.
In response to cold, hormones, neurotransmitters, growth factors, and cytokines (proteins that play a role in inflammation and immune response) are released into the bloodstream and the brain. The study added that a mild stressor like cold-water immersion can:
A previous study found numerous positive effects of cold-water immersion at about 57°F. Subjects showed a 350% increased metabolic rate, while noradrenaline and dopamine concentrations were increased by 530% and by 250%, respectively.
At the same time, cortisol concentrations tended to decrease. All of these changes help boost motivation and mental clarity while offering a stress-reducing effect.
Cold therapy has also been studied for its assistance in muscle recovery. A 2024 review noted its benefits for reducing soreness and improving functional recovery after exercising, due to its ability to narrow blood vessels. This leads to:
HOW TO INCORPORATE HEAT AND COLD THERAPY INTO YOUR ROUTINE
When it comes to heat vs. cold, what’s the best temperature therapy for brain recovery? That depends on your goals. Here’s a quick summary to help you decide:
If you’re looking to reduce stress and anxiety, choose heat therapy. This can include saunas, warm baths, heated compression (such as a heat wrap), heating pads, and hot tubs or baths.
To reduce brain inflammation and promote recovery, choose cold therapy. This includes ice baths, cold plunge pools, cryotherapy, ice packs, and cold showers.
To optimize mental performance, alternate between both. This is called contrast therapy, and it’s been used for years to promote emotional well-being.
Related: 7 Steps to a Mental Health Reset
A study published in 2023, which examined the results of pairing a hot sauna with cold water, found that this combination created a more efficient brain. Subjects’ response time while completing behavioral tasks decreased significantly, indicating more alertness and mental clarity.
At the same time, participants reported perceived improvements in their physical relaxation and positive emotions.
Fortunately, incorporating hot and cold therapies into your routine can be a simple process performed at home—using heating pads, hot baths, and ice packs, for example.
With any temperature therapy, ensure a safe and effective amount of exposure. For example, a study found that men who used saunas four to seven times weekly, and in longer sessions (11-19 minutes or longer) were found to receive the most health benefits, including cardiovascular health and improved mortality.
However, too much exposure can be dangerous for health. As one case study found, sauna sessions of 30-60 minutes can lead to heatstroke, organ failure, and even coma.
Cryotherapy and cold exposure can also have adverse impacts if performed excessively or incorrectly, including hypothermia, burns, frostbite and nerve damage. A 2023 review evaluating these and other risks warned that they are preventable by utilizing proper procedures and safety recommendations.
Therefore, discuss any new therapy modality with your healthcare professional to find the right exposure for you.
While modern medicine continues to make major advancements in technology and scientific study, some of humans’ most helpful healers are age-old—including cold and heat therapies.
Still, new research continues to emerge on the benefits of thermal therapies for brain injury, mental health, and cognitive decline. We can expect to learn more about how, why, and when they’re most helpful. We may also learn more about how temperature regulation might play a role in neuroplasticity and brain repair.
Ultimately, the more knowledge we have, the more individuals can take advantage of personalized approaches, finding the most effective mix of cold and heat therapies to meet their unique needs.
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Hunt AP, Minett GM, Gibson OR, Kerr GK, Stewart IB. Could Heat Therapy Be an Effective Treatment for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Diseases? A Narrative Review. Front Physiol. 2020 Jan 10;10:1556. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2019.01556. PMID: 31998141; PMCID: PMC6965159.
Hu C, Yang J, Qi Z, Wu H, Wang B, Zou F, Mei H, Liu J, Wang W, Liu Q. Heat shock proteins: Biological functions, pathological roles, and therapeutic opportunities. MedComm (2020). 2022 Aug 2;3(3):e161. doi: 10.1002/mco2.161. PMID: 35928554; PMCID: PMC9345296.
Freiwald J, Magni A, Fanlo-Mazas P, Paulino E, Sequeira de Medeiros L, Moretti B, Schleip R, Solarino G. A Role for Superficial Heat Therapy in the Management of Non-Specific, Mild-to-Moderate Low Back Pain in Current Clinical Practice: A Narrative Review. Life (Basel). 2021 Aug 2;11(8):780. doi: 10.3390/life11080780. PMID: 34440524; PMCID: PMC8401625.
Spiljar M, Steinbach K, Rigo D, Suárez-Zamorano N, Wagner I, Hadadi N, Vincenti I, Page N, Klimek B, Rochat MA, Kreutzfeldt M, Chevalier C, Stojanović O, Bejuy O, Colin D, Mack M, Cansever D, Greter M, Merkler D, Trajkovski M. Cold exposure protects from neuroinflammation through immunologic reprogramming. Cell Metab. 2021 Nov 2;33(11):2231-2246.e8. doi: 10.1016/j.cmet.2021.10.002. Epub 2021 Oct 22. PMID: 34687652; PMCID: PMC8570411.
López-Ojeda, Wilfredo, and Robin A. Hurley. Cold-Water Immersion: Neurohormesis and Possible Implications for Clinical Neurosciences. The Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, vol. 36, no. 3, American Psychiatric Publishing, July 2024, pp. A4-177, doi:10.1176/appi.neuropsych.20240053. Summer 2024.
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Facebook-f X-twitter Youtube Table of Contents A massive new genetic study is challenging the way we define mental illness, and confirming that the brain is
Facebook-f X-twitter Youtube Table of Contents In the last decade, the question “What is CTE?” has been asked and searched online more than ever before.
Do you find yourself repeating these phrases throughout the day because you can’t make out what people are saying? Hearing loss can be very frustrating for you and the people around you.
But that’s only part of the problem. Hearing issues can also have significant emotional and mental health consequences, including anxiety and depression. Even more concerning is the fact that a growing body of research shows that hearing loss comes with an increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia.
Hearing loss can be very frustrating, and it can also have significant mental health consequences, including depression, anxiety, anger, and loneliness. Even more concerning, it comes with an increased risk of dementia.
That’s bad news for anyone with hearing problems that are disabling. In this blog, we’ll explore hearing loss and the brain, how it impacts mental health and cognitive function, and how to cope with hearing problems.
Hearing loss is considered the most common neurological disorder in the world. According to 2025 statistics from the World Health Organization, disabling hearing loss affects approximately 430 million children and worldwide adults. Experts believe that by 2050, more than 700 million individuals will have hearing loss that is disabling.
In the US, roughly 15% of adults—about 37.5 million people—report some hearing problems. Hearing loss that requires rehabilitation becomes more common as a person ages. This is known as age-related hearing loss.
Among American adults, disabling hearing loss occurs in about 5% of those aged 45 to 54, 10% of 55- to 64-year-olds, 22% of people ages 65 to 74, and 55% of adults ages 75 and older, according to the latest statistics from the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.
Age Range | % With Disabling Hearing Loss |
45-54 | 5% |
55-64 | 10% |
65-74 | 22% |
75+ | 55% |
Experts estimated that nearly 29 million Americans could benefit from hearing aids. Seeking treatment for hearing loss is critical for overall mental health and brain function.
Hearing relies on complex communication among neurons in the brain. A fascinating 2025 study in Nature Communications reveals the unique patterns within the brain responsible for processing sound.
To understand spoken words, the notes being played on a piano, or a fire engine siren, the brain’s neurocircuitry must be operating correctly. For example, hearing loss is associated with impairments in the brain.
Neuroimaging studies show that hearing impairment shrinks the brain. A 2023 brain-imaging study found that people with hearing loss had brain changes in several regions, including:
Other findings in Neuroimage revealed decreased overall brain volume in older adults who were hard of hearing. Reductions in volume were also found in specific brain regions, including the right temporal lobe.
Which comes first—hearing loss or brain changes? Experts haven’t figured it out yet. Some research suggests that in people with hearing loss, the extra effort required to process sound may contribute to changes in the brain. Others have found that brain changes may develop prior to hearing loss or at the same time.
More brain-imaging research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms at work in hearing loss.
If you’re hearing impaired, you have a greater risk of developing dementia. In fact, hearing loss is one of the biggest risk factors for dementia, according to a 2020 report of the Lancet Commission. This report joins years of scientific evidence pointing to a connection between hearing loss and cognitive decline.
In a study from hearing experts at Johns Hopkins, researchers followed 639 people for approximately 12 years.
The researchers found that people with severe hearing loss are five times more likely to develop dementia than those with healthy hearing. In individuals with moderate hearing loss, the risk for dementia was tripled. And among those with mild hearing impairment, dementia was twice as likely to develop.
Hearing Loss | Dementia Risk |
Severe Hearing Loss | 5X risk for dementia |
Moderate Hearing Loss | 3X risk for dementia |
Mild Hearing Loss | 2X risk for dementia |
Additional findings from the Johns Hopkins team shows that cognitive decline occurs more quickly in those with hearing loss. In a follow-up paper from the same research team, adults with hearing loss experienced cognitive decline 30-40% faster than those with healthy hearing.
In this episode of the Change Your Brain Every Day podcast, Dr. Daniel Amen and Tana Amen discuss the fascinating connection between hearing and the brain with Brandon Salawich, the President and CEO of Starkey, the world’s largest U.S.-based hearing aid manufacturer. Click below to tune in.
Episode: Neuroscience and the Brain
Hearing experts have also noted increased risk for emotional and mental health issues among those with hearing problems, including tinnitus, which is a ringing in the ears. The following common mental health conditions seen in people who have trouble hearing are also linked to increased risk of cognitive decline.
It’s understandable that losing your hearing can make you feel sad and blue. People who aren’t able to make out what others are saying miss out on so much. At family gatherings or holiday celebrations, grandma may feel left out of all the fun because she can’t follow the conversation.
A wealth of research points to a strong connection between hearing impairment and depression. For example, in one study, 19% of adults with hearing loss experience mild symptoms of depression while more than 11% struggle with moderate to severe depressive symptoms.
Other research shows that as many as 1 in 5 older adults with hearing problems experience symptoms of clinical depression. Having depression later in life is also linked to a 70% increased risk for dementia, according to findings in Archives of General Psychiatry.
Related: 5 Ways Your Body Tells You That You Have Anxiety or Depression
Losing your hearing can provoke a flood of stressful and anxious thoughts: Will I lose my job if I can’t follow critical conversations at work? What if I can’t hear my phone and I miss an important call? What if I don’t hear the smoke alarm, and I die in a fire? Will I become completely deaf?
Anxiety tends to increase as hearing loss worsens. On the flip side, research demonstrates that stress has been associated with the onset of ringing in the ears and the worsening of tinnitus. And research in BMJ Open has also tagged having an anxiety disorder as a risk factor for dementia.
Irritability and frustration are common in people with hearing difficulties as well as in their loved ones. Not being able to hear what someone is saying can lead to misunderstandings and may trigger angry outbursts that negatively impact relationships.
How you view your hearing loss also plays a role in your emotional well-being. For example, perceiving hearing loss as a disability is linked to feeling angry, according to a study in the Journal of Nervous and Mental Disorders.
In addition, research notes that anger is associated with risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing dementia.
When you’re struggling with hearing loss, you may find yourself retreating from your friends and family. The embarrassment of having to ask people to repeat themselves may make you shy away from social gatherings.
This is backed by decades of science showing that hearing loss is associated with social isolation and loneliness, especially among women. This can feed a downward spiral of depression, anxiety, or anger and contribute to cognitive decline.
Making matters worse, research shows that loneliness is linked to a 40% increase in the risk for dementia.
Related: Is Loneliness Impacting Your Brain Function?
When hearing starts to fade, it’s important to address the issue rather than ignore it or hope it will go away. The condition tends to be progressive and untreated hearing loss is associated with increased risk for mental health problems and cognitive decline.
If you are struggling with mental health problems or cognitive decline linked to hearing issues, don’t hesitate to seek help. Learning to cope with the feelings you’re experiencing is just as critical as getting help for your hearing.
World Health Organization. Deafness and Hearing Loss. Feb 26, 2025. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/deafness-and-hearing-loss
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. Quick Statistics About Hearing, Balance, & Dizziness. https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/statistics/quick-statistics-hearing
Jing, J., Hu, M., Ngodup, T. et al. Molecular logic for cellular specializations that initiate the auditory parallel processing pathways. Nat Commun 16, 489 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-55257-z
McEvoy LK, et al. Elevated Pure Tone Thresholds Are Associated with Altered Microstructure in Cortical Areas Related to Auditory Processing and Attentional Allocation. Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, vol. 96, no. 3, pp. 1163-1172, 2023. DOI: 10.3233/JAD-230767
Livingston, Gill et al. Dementia prevention, intervention, and care: 2020 report of the Lancet Commission. The Lancet, Volume 396, Issue 10248, 413 – 446. https://www.thelancet.com/article/S0140-6736(20)30367-6/fulltext
Lin, FR et al. “Association of hearing impairment with brain volume changes in older adults.” NeuroImage vol. 90 (2014): 84-92. doi:10.1016/j.neuroimage.2013.12.059
Lin, FR et al. “Hearing loss and cognitive decline in older adults.” JAMA Internal Medicine vol. 173,4 (2013): 293-9. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2013.1868
Tan Y, et al. Relationship between hearing loss and depression: A cross-sectional analysis from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2015–2018. Journal of Psychiatric Research, Volume 178, October 2024, Pages 1-7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychires.2024.07.038
Li C, Zhang X, Hoffman HJ, Cotch MF, Themann CL, Wilson MR. Hearing Impairment Associated With Depression in US Adults, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005-2010. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2014;140(4):293–302. doi:10.1001/jamaoto.2014.42
Cosh S, Helmer C, Delcourt C, Robins TG, Tully PJ. Depression in elderly patients with hearing loss: current perspectives. Clin Interv Aging. 2019;14:1471-1480
https://doi.org/10.2147/CIA.S195824
Barnes, Deborah E et al. “Midlife vs late-life depressive symptoms and risk of dementia: differential effects for Alzheimer disease and vascular dementia.” Archives of general psychiatry vol. 69,5 (2012): 493-8. doi:10.1001/archgenpsychiatry.2011.1481
Ciminelli, Patricia et al. “Tinnitus: The Sound of Stress?.” Clinical practice and epidemiology in mental health : CP & EMH vol. 14 264-269. 31 Oct. 2018, doi:10.2174/1745017901814010264
Gimson A, Schlosser M, Huntley JD, et alSupport for midlife anxiety diagnosis as an independent risk factor for dementia: a systematic reviewBMJ Open 2018;8:e019399. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-019399
Ferrari, Silvia et al. “Acquired Hearing Loss, Anger, and Emotional Distress: The Mediating Role of Perceived Disability.” The Journal of nervous and mental disease vol. 207,6 (2019): 459-466. doi:10.1097/NMD.0000000000000995
Sutin, Angelina R et al. “Psychological Distress, Self-Beliefs, and Risk of Cognitive Impairment and Dementia.” Journal of Alzheimer’s disease : JAD vol. 65,3 (2018): 1041-1050. doi:10.3233/JAD-180119
Shukla, Aishwarya et al. “Hearing Loss, Loneliness, and Social Isolation: A Systematic Review.” Otolaryngology–head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery vol. 162,5 (2020): 622-633. doi:10.1177/0194599820910377
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Facebook-f X-twitter Youtube Table of Contents A massive new genetic study is challenging the way we define mental illness, and confirming that the brain is
Facebook-f X-twitter Youtube Table of Contents In the last decade, the question “What is CTE?” has been asked and searched online more than ever before.
Life throws curveballs when you least expect it, and you can’t always prepare for how things will turn out. When a crisis hits—whether it’s a natural disaster, layoffs at work, or a relationship breakup—do you roll with the punches, or do you feel angry, paralyzed, or overwhelmed?
Why are some people able to go with the flow while others fail to adapt? The number-one reason people struggle in a crisis is rigid thinking, which makes it more difficult to adjust to new or changing circumstances.
Research shows that people who don’t practice mental adaptability in stressful situations are more likely to experience heightened stress and negative emotions.
Understanding how to mitigate rigid thinking with more flexible problem-solving skills can break this cycle to help you cope more effectively with life’s challenges.
The number-one reason people struggle in a crisis is rigid thinking, which makes it more difficult to adjust to new or changing circumstances.
Rigid thinking is a cognitive pattern in which you get stuck in fixed ways of thinking while failing to see alternatives. It’s a mindset where someone might think in all-or-nothing terms, leading to stress, frustration, and even feelings of helplessness.
When facing a crisis, rigid thinking can prevent someone from considering solutions that could improve their situation.
People who struggle with rigid thinking are often at greater risk for developing and compounding mental health problems such as depression and anxiety. An inability to view a crisis from different perspectives can exacerbate stress and make it harder to navigate even daily challenges.
When your brain feels “stuck,” it can lead to heightened emotional responses that cloud rational decision-making. That can spiral into a cycle of negative thoughts and chronic anxiety, so it is important to learn different ways to practice mental adaptability.
The brain-imaging work shows that people who are rigid thinkers tend to have too much activity in an area of the brain called the anterior cingulate gyrus (ACG). Think of this region as the brain’s gear shifter, helping you shift from one thought to the next and from one activity to the next.
All-or-nothing thinking, a common form of rigid thinking, involves viewing situations as either entirely good or entirely bad with no middle or common ground. This type of thinking is an example of automatic negative thinking, which can make a crisis feel much worse than it is, leading to feelings of hopelessness.
Related: Negative Thinking: Do You Have an ANT Infestation in Your Head?\
For example, if you face an unexpected setback at work, you might think, “I’m a complete failure,” rather than seeing it as a temporary problem to solve and learn from professionally. This cognitive distortion can lead to heightened stress, making it even more difficult to handle a crisis in the future.
Those who engage in all-or-nothing thinking are more likely to struggle with mental health disorders like compulsive disorders, anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. That’s because it impedes flexible thinking, making it harder to evaluate situations rationally.
Learning how to overcome rigid thinking by recognizing this mental trap is a first step in regaining control of your life before, during, and after a crisis.
Negative thoughts are often the product of rigid thinking. These thoughts can snowball, exacerbating stress and anxiety during a crisis.
The brain’s default mode in stressful situations is to latch onto negative thoughts, often exaggerating the problem at hand. This negativity leads to a self-perpetuating cycle that can worsen a crisis.
Researchers found that ruminating in those negative thought patterns makes it more likely that you’ll have trouble coping with stress. People who ruminate also have higher levels of cortisol, the stress hormone.
This biological response indicates how negative thinking impacts not only mental health but also physical health. Breaking this cycle of negativity is key to better mental adaptability.
Perfectionism, while often seen as a desirable or at least potentially productive trait, is another form of rigid thinking that can lead to significant stress when struggling with a crisis.
When you hold yourself to impossibly high standards, you can start to feel inadequate or disappointed when you can’t meet those expectations. Toxic perfectionism can cause you to focus more on avoiding failure than finding solutions, which more often than not ends up with you in a state of analysis paralysis.
Related: The Trouble with Toxic Perfectionism
A study from the Journal of Clinical Psychology found that perfectionists are more likely to experience mental health crises that often exacerbate feelings of inadequacy and fear of judgment.
When you’re in the midst of a crisis, it’s critical to embrace imperfection and practice self-compassion. This can be pivotal in overcoming this type of rigid thinking.
In a crisis, problem solving becomes even more important. If your house burned down in a fire, for example, you need your wits about you to handle insurance matters, find a suitable rental, and figure out what your long-term plan is.
You need to be able to look at the problem from different perspectives and come up with various potential solutions. When you’re trapped in a rigid mindset, however, you may only be able to see one way forward, which isn’t always the best course of action.
By learning to adapt and approach problems from multiple angles, you can reduce excessive mental strain during more stressful times.
The emotional toll of rigid thinking is often profound, especially in times of crisis. When the brain is stuck in a fixed mindset, it can heighten emotions such as anger, frustration, and fear.
These emotions further cloud judgment and prevent rational thinking. A 2023 study shows that these also negatively affect your social life and relationships as those around you may not understand how to cope with the struggles you’re facing. Being overwhelmed by your negative emotions can make it even harder to break free from rigid thinking.
A 2018 systematic review reported that people who exhibit higher levels of emotional rigidity are more likely to develop psychological disorders. The rigidity stems from an inability to adapt emotionally.
Developing emotional regulation techniques can help improve emotional flexibility and reduce the impact of a crisis.
The good news is that you can calm an overactive brain and enhance mental adaptability. Here are a few examples of what you can do to help yourself overcome rigid thinking:
Rigid thinking can sometimes feel like a natural response to stress. Similarly to how the body can tighten under tension, your thought process can worsen under mental strain.
Breaking free from rigid thinking takes practice and patience with yourself but developing cognitive flexibility can transform the way you handle challenges. By embracing new perspectives and strengthening your problem-solving skills, you can create a healthier, more resilient mindset that can help you handle future crises.
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García-Mieres H, Usall J, Feixas G, Ochoa S. Placing Cognitive Rigidity in Interpersonal Context in Psychosis: Relationship With Low Cognitive Reserve and High Self-Certainty. Front Psychiatry. 2020 Nov 26;11:594840. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.594840. PMID: 33324260; PMCID: PMC7725761.
Wiltgen, A., Shepard, C., Smith, R., & Fowler, J. C. (2018, August 15). Emotional rigidity negatively impacts remission from anxiety and recovery of well-being. Journal of Affective Disorders. www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0165032718303057
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Carucci, A., & Jelinek, J. (2022, August 22). What is all-or-nothing thinking and why it’s important to manage it. Psych Central. https://psychcentral.com/health/all-or-nothing-thinking-examples
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Salvi, C., Iannello, P., Cancer, A. et al. Does social rigidity predict cognitive rigidity? Profiles of socio-cognitive polarization. Psychological Research 87, 2533–2547 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00426-023-01832-w
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Helping others is an innate desire most people have. Scientific research has taken note of this altruistic tendency in humans being expressed as early as 18 months!
Of course, the idea of helping others also makes us feel good. Providing assistance to others gives us hope that we can make a positive difference. Mood-boosting chemicals are released in our brain when we give back and help others.
It’s natural to want to come to the aid of friends, loved ones, and anyone else we care about who seems to be hurting, whether they are dealing with mental health issues, behavior problems, learning challenges, addictions, feeling lost in life, or myriad other issues.
Constructive helping promotes other people’s growth and independence, and dysfunctional helping does the opposite.
However, helping is not always a good thing. If we offer too much help or have poor boundaries with our support, we don’t give others a chance to rise to the occasion and recognize their own strengths. Thus, by helping we might inadvertently stifle another person’s growth.
We may help out of obligation and a sense of responsibility or even from manipulation. Or sometimes, others may take advantage of our good intentions, and we feel used. Despite best efforts, helping can be complicated.
Providing aid in a way that feels constructive and truly benefits others without harming oneself is a learned skill. One of the best ways to hone this skill is to know when to stop helping someone who’s struggling with mental health issues.
Canadian clinical psychologist Jordan Peterson suggests that if you are offering help to someone—a family member, child, friend, romantic partner, or even a stranger—and it’s not helping, or they are not accepting the help, then stop trying!
When you stop helping someone, it does not make you a bad person. The reality is that you might be wasting your time—or despite your best efforts—are possibly making things worse.
Instead, he suggests that you offer to serve those who want it and will appreciate it. He says to heed the wisdom of “Don’t cast pearls before swine.”
Do you ever feel more invested in helping someone than they are in helping themselves? If so, it’s one of those red flags indicating you need to stop being so helpful.
Withdrawing your assistance may be the best thing you can do for all involved. If you are shouldering the concern and the worry, in addition to taking the steps on behalf of someone else, it basically alleviates them of the need to be invested in helping themselves. You are doing all the work!
Not everybody wants help, so don’t care more than they do. It’s amazing what can happen if you take a step back.
Feelings of anger, hurt, and resentment about the support you are providing are often an indication that something is amiss. Check yourself.
Are you giving too much? Are you helping out of a sense of obligation, or a desire to please or gain acceptance? Is your compassion being taken for granted or your self-care being compromised?
If the answer is yes to any of these questions, put on the brakes. Pull the plug, set some healthy boundaries, or simply say no to any further aid. Take care of yourself and stop helping. Let someone else step up and deal with the matter.
When a loved one fails to keep agreements, it’s important to your well-being that you hold them accountable. Continuing to bail them out teaches them that it’s OK to not respect you and break agreements. This kind of behavior isn’t healthy or helpful for anyone.
For example, let’s say you have an adult child who struggles with substance use disorder. You lend them several thousand dollars in a time of need with the caveat that the money be used for rent. However, they spend it on something else—and then come back and ask for more money.
When you realize the truth of the matter, you don’t have to help anymore!
Constructive helping promotes other people’s growth and independence, while dysfunctional helping does the opposite. Providing support and help to others can feel like it’s in the other person’s best interest and the right thing to do because it’s an ego-boosting habit that enables you to feel needed, in control, or like a savior.
However, this can create dependency and helplessness in the recipient of your support. It can lead to real harm by limiting their ability to take responsibility for their own life.
For example, this dynamic in a parent and young adult child is called parental codependency, and it can delay the young adult’s ability to become fully independent.
If you are too helpful, it can enable others to be “small” and less than they are capable of as well as diminish their hope for a brighter future.
Whether it’s your time, energy, or financial resources, help within your means. If assisting someone else is overtaxing in any of these areas—stop!—even if it’s one of your close friends or someone in your family.
If you agreed to do something but the cost becomes too great, whether that’s financial or emotional, you can back out or adjust how much you can help.
If you are harming yourself and your own mental health, that is not helping. The goal is to provide help or support without draining your reserves.
If you notice that you are being psychologically coerced into doing something for someone that you really don’t want to do, don’t help them!
Typically, manipulation will trigger a gut feeling that something is off. If someone is bullying you into doing something for them, that’s manipulation.
Watch out for people who play a victim, take advantage of you, and manipulate you with guilt. To protect your well-being, set boundaries and hold them, even if the person asking for help gets angry.
If someone expects you to be dishonest, compromise your integrity, or put yourself at risk, it is definitely in your best interest to stop helping that person.
Constructive helping does not require you to make excuses, keep secrets, tell lies, or anything else that compromises your self-respect.
If it does, it may very well be enabling. It’s OK to talk to the person and let them know you are going to stop helping them.
There’s a 12-step recovery program called Al-Anon. It’s for the friends and family members of people with an alcohol use disorder who tend to get overly involved in taking care of, enabling, or trying to “fix” the alcoholic.
Al-Anon members are advised to refrain from jumping in to help or give unsolicited advice to others. Instead, they are encouraged to tend to their own lives and let others experience the natural consequences of their actions.
We can all heed this wisdom. Parents will often jump in to rescue or give advice to their children instead of simply listening, allowing them to struggle through their own challenges and figure things out, or asking if they want help.
Sometimes it’s easier to try to “help” than focus on feelings of anxiety from seeing your child or loved one struggle.
Letting your children discover the answer to their own problem empowers them to change any behavior that is making them hurt and causing more harm than good.
Psychologist Jordan Peterson also talks about using the “lifeguard rule” to avoid the kind of helping that will increase stress and drag you down. Here’s what he means.
When a lifeguard approaches a person drowning, they employ a firm measure of self-protection by offering a buoy or rope. That’s because a drowning person is in a state of panic. It’s well documented that this panic can cause them to latch on to whoever is offering help and drown them too!
According to Peterson, the lifeguard rule gives permission to the lifeguard to let someone drown if it’s clear that helping will drown them both.
If helping someone is dragging you down, you may need to let go and move on to preserve yourself. A great example of this is giving support to a practicing addict.
If helping the addict is killing you, then it’s a signal to let go and stop helping someone. And, if you find that hard to do, reach out for professional help and get the support you need to move on.
Eliminating unhealthy forms of helping helps you. With all your extra energy freed up, ironically, you may have more free time to help in healthy, meaningful, and rewarding ways.
Warneken F, Tomasello M. Varieties of altruism in children and chimpanzees. Trends Cogn Sci. 2009 Sep;13(9):397-402. doi: 10.1016/j.tics.2009.06.008. Epub 2009 Aug 27. PMID: 19716750.
Jordan Peterson: How do you help someone who’s lost and doesn’t want help? YouTube, July 18, 2017. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JzkXZAD_cT8
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In recent years, a lot of attention has been given to mood-enhancing brain neurochemicals like dopamine and serotonin. However, they are not the only neurotransmitters that can influence your happiness.
Oxytocin—sometimes called the “cuddle hormone” or the “chemical of love”—is a hormone and brain neurotransmitter that enhances bonding and trust in relationships, which plays a critical role in your overall well-being.
This love neurochemical earns its reputation by getting released through social bonding, such as when you feel close to another human being and physically touch as you do when you hug, snuggle, or experience sexual arousal and intimacy.
Oxytocin levels rise, too, when you bond socially with your friends, and much, much more. Here’s what you need to know about oxytocin and how to optimize your oxytocin levels to feel your best!
Oxytocin enhances a sense of calm and contentment while lowering anxious feelings when you are with your significant other—key elements in happy romantic partnerships.
Oxytocin is a hormone and neurotransmitter made by your brain’s hypothalamus. Your pituitary gland stores and releases it into your bloodstream or to other parts of the brain and spinal cord, where it binds to oxytocin receptors and influences behavior and physiology. Healthy oxytocin levels are imperative for good mental health.
Oxytocin function plays a critical role in facilitating childbirth and milk production for breastfeeding, as well as in promoting the bond between parent and infant. In positive relationships, oxytocin helps facilitate greater trust, pair bonding, expressions of generosity, maternal behaviors, and social interactions, as well as reduced stress levels.
Releasing oxytocin enhances a sense of calm, contentment, and overall well-being while lowering anxious feelings when you are with your significant other—key elements in happy romantic partnerships.
The hormone oxytocin is also associated with protective behaviors in a social group setting. Remarkably, with social bonding, oxytocin has been shown to lessen pain levels and promote wound healing—as close relationships help to improve physical health. It appears we truly are better together!
As with other hormones, imbalances in oxytocin production can cause problems. Low oxytocin levels have been associated with low mood and feeling your survival is at risk. There’s also a link to autism.
Healthy oxytocin levels can decrease stress and cortisol and calm the nervous system, which may help romantic partners to be monogamous. However, if your hormone balance is off and there’s too much or too little oxytocin, it can have a downside.
When there is an excessive amount of oxytocin produced, it can lead to partners becoming overly attached to each other and too trusting. This can cause partners and friends to overlook alarming behaviors such as abuse.
Too much oxytocin increases the possibility of negative traits such as envy, gloating, and being overly protective. It can lead to groupthink, distrust of outsiders, and prejudice.
High testosterone, separation from a loved one, social isolation, bereavement, and acute stress are examples of things that can decrease the release of oxytocin.
Thus, keeping oxytocin balanced can be achieved by engaging in activities that tend to promote healthy levels of this vital neurochemical that is so important for your mental health.
If you are wondering how to increase oxytocin, here are 13 science-backed ways to boost your body’s levels of this brain chemical that enhances your overall well-being.
We are social creatures, and our neurochemicals appear to support us in engaging socially with positive relationships. Simply spending time with your friends or social group helps to increase oxytocin, which lowers stress levels and boosts well-being, research says.
We are touchy people! That’s because physical touch is indeed powerfully healing—simply holding hands, giving a hug, or snuggling up calms our nervous system and can boost oxytocin, research has found. Hence, the cuddle hormone oxytocin plays an essential role in our physical and mental health!
Get some skin-to-skin contact. The nurturing and therapeutic act of giving or receiving a massage appears to release oxytocin, research suggests.
There are a host of benefits from massage that include reducing anxiety and pain, facilitating stress relief, and a greater perception of well-being.
There’s a reason gift-giving is fun for the giver! It turns out that simply giving gifts (any kind of gift, it need not be extravagant) encourages the release of oxytocin. A little note, healthy sweet treat, or flower is enough to make you and the receiver feel good.
Make giving small gifts and extending kindnesses an everyday habit to get a regular boost of the feel-good neurochemical, experts at Cedars-Sinai suggest.
If you gaze into the eyes of someone you love for a minute, it can quickly create a calm and connected state that helps boost oxytocin. Research suggests this even extends to pets and strangers.
One study that conducted this experiment amongst strangers found increased affection between participants.
There’s a neurochemical reason that listening to music makes us feel good as research has shown that it boosts oxytocin levels. But it’s not just listening.
Research shows that choral singing increases oxytocin levels too. It’s thought that the enhanced social connectedness in choir singing and listening to music together is what gives oxytocin a boost.
It is well-established that yoga helps to decrease anxious feelings, stress, and low mood while at the same time supporting restful sleep, and general well-being.
It’s not a surprise then that more recent research indicates it may also increase oxytocin levels.
Studies suggest that oxytocin is released when you practice loving kindness meditation. This is when you channel thoughts of love, empathy, and well wishes to yourself, those you love, and even those with whom you have conflict.
Investing in your relationships in ways that make the bonds stronger increases oxytocin levels, according to research. Thus, confiding your feelings in a dear friend or saying “I love you” to someone can trigger oxytocin synthesis.
These meaningful social interactions increase emotional intimacy and well-being.
We are rewarded with feel-good hormones like oxytocin when we do kind acts for others, a 2022 study suggests. What’s more, this neural chemistry gets stronger as we grow older.
Being of service to others is termed a “prosocial” behavior and is associated with greater life satisfaction. It’s also a wonderful way to boost or maintain healthy oxytocin levels.
Volunteer at an animal shelter or a retirement home, or perhaps mentor a young person. Not only do these activities increase opportunities for social interactions, but they also facilitate increased production of the feel-good hormones!
Humans and pets have had close relationships for millennia. It appears that we heal each other. Making physical contact by petting your dog helps reduce stress and elevate levels of oxytocin, our neurochemical of trust, research shows. (Physical touch increases your animal’s oxytocin levels too!)
Studies show that this also goes for cats and their owners. Perhaps that’s why pet therapy and emotional support animals have become so popular in recent years.
In our fast-paced, digital world, too often we eat alone, on the go, or in front of a television screen. Take time out to enjoy a meal with someone you love. Sharing food and conversation are bonding activities that stimulate oxytocin production, research shows.
Oxytocin is known as the love chemical for a reason. Physical intimacy and sexual activity are wonderful way to show affection to your partner and enhance your bond.
Neurochemically, sexual arousal and orgasm are reliably associated with higher levels of oxytocin in studies. Even physical touch such as caressing, hugging, and holding hands can trigger oxytocin release—more examples of why the love hormone is also known as the cuddle hormone!
One study involving women found more hugs with their romantic partner was associated with higher oxytocin levels.
Now that you know how to increase oxytocin, it’s time to put it into action. Choose one of more of these natural ways to pump up your oxytocin production. Simply find the strategies that feel the best for you and make them part of your routine.
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Facebook-f X-twitter Youtube Table of Contents A massive new genetic study is challenging the way we define mental illness, and confirming that the brain is
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Have you experienced unresolved psychological traumas or emotional shocks in your life? Are you coping with chronic stress and feeling perpetually overwhelmed? If so, you may be dealing with the consequences of an emotional concussion—or several of them.
Just as a physical concussion can disrupt brain function, emotional concussions can alter the way your brain works and lead to long-term negative effects. While traumas and chronic stress may seem like events and circumstances you can simply push past, they shouldn’t be ignored.
This blog will explore the symptoms of emotional concussions, their numerous potential effects on both physical and mental health, and the most effective brain-based strategies to help them heal.
Just as a physical concussion can disrupt brain function, emotional concussions can alter the way your brain works and lead to long-term negative effects.
Most people are familiar with physical concussions, which are a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by damaging events like hits or bumps to the head. In these instances, the injury can be obvious.
But brain injuries from emotional stress are also possible. When it comes to the brain, emotional trauma vs. physical trauma may seem completely different, but they do share some commonalities.
For example, both types often go unreported, undiagnosed, and untreated. Just as many people erroneously believe they need to lose consciousness to sustain a concussion, they might think their psychological trauma isn’t serious enough to cause an emotional concussion.
Both types of concussions can also lead to cognitive, behavioral, or mental health issues. That’s because a blow to the head, as well as emotional trauma, impacts healthy brain function.
When emotional traumas pile up—as with soldiers in war, first responders, or chronically traumatized children—these effects are compounded. And some individuals, such as those who lack social support, are more susceptible to lasting effects from trauma.
Such factors can increase the risk of developing mental health symptoms and conditions. This helps explain how emotional trauma affects mental health.
Furthermore, emotional concussions may remain undiagnosed—or misdiagnosed—because the symptoms overlap with those of other conditions. Emotional concussion symptoms include:
Emotional trauma and chronic stress can be silent destroyers, but they actually create changes in the brain. For example, prolonged or frequent stress rewires the brain’s emotional centers because it continually sets off the fight-or-flight response. Over time, the individual can experience reduced brain reserve and diminished cognitive focus.
Several brain regions are impacted by chronic stress and trauma:
When emotional concussions remain untreated, they can create serious negative impacts on various areas of an individual’s life. For example, those with unhealed emotional trauma may experience an increased risk of mental health issues, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety.
Thanks to heightened emotional reactivity and difficulty regulating emotions, relationship problems can also occur after emotional concussions. Because building healthy relationships is crucial for overall health and longevity, challenges in this domain can have a devastating domino effect.
Finally, the National Center for PTSD reports that substantial research has linked psychological trauma and physical health, starting with neurochemical changes in the brain. The organization notes that PTSD, for example, has been associated with:
Therefore, physical symptoms like headaches, gut issues, chronic pain, and fatigue may occur as a side effect of untreated emotional concussions.
With several regions of the brain potentially affected by emotional trauma and chronic stress, functional brain imaging is essential for revealing a full picture of the impact. When emotional trauma and stress accumulate, brain SPECT scans often reveal a diamond pattern in the brain, reflecting increased activity in the basal ganglia, ACG, and parts of the deep limbic system.
Fortunately, thanks to the remarkable ability of neuroplasticity, rewiring the brain for increased stress resilience is possible.
Certain psychotherapy modalities can be helpful for tackling emotional trauma. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) assists in questioning and reframing automatic negative thoughts. Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) addresses and reduces the severity of emotional trauma symptoms.
Adopting positive lifestyle habits further works to reduce stress and anxiety. Ensure high-quality sleep, exercise regularly to boost blood flow to the brain, and eat a well-balanced diet with anti-anxiety foods. Introduce calming practices like journaling, mindfulness/meditation, deep breathing, and prayer.
Finally, embrace natural strategies to calm an overactive or overwhelmed brain. Try relaxation-inducing supplements like GABA, magnesium, and lemon balm. Brain-based therapies such as neurofeedback can help retrain your brain and create more balance, reducing mental health symptoms. And hypnosis can change negative thought patterns and habits while soothing anxiety.
While emotional scars can run deep, they are not beyond help and healing. Treating an emotional concussion is possible with a holistic brain-body approach.
Because these invisible wounds often go undiagnosed, the first step toward healing is awareness. If the symptoms of an emotional concussion are interfering with your life and well-being, seek help from a mental health professional to start on the road to recovery.
National Library of Medicine. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=brain+%2B+spect
Amen DG, Jourdain M, Taylor DV, Pigott HE, Willeumier K. Multi-site six month outcome study of complex psychiatric patients evaluated with addition of brain SPECT imaging. Adv Mind Body Med. 2013 Spring;27(2):6-16. PMID: 23709407.
Yandrapalli S, Puckett Y. SPECT Imaging. [Updated 2022 Oct 3]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK564426/
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Blood sugar plays a crucial role in how well your brain functions. As you age, keeping it balanced becomes even more important.
Studies showing that high blood sugar can accelerate cognitive decline and increase the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease. In fact, research shows that type 2 diabetes has been associated with a staggering 60% increase in risk for dementia. That’s why some experts refer to Alzheimer’s as “type 3 diabetes.”
Scientists continue to research the connection between blood sugar levels, brain aging, and dementia, so we can all live healthier lives well into our golden years.
Your brain is a powerhouse organ that needs the right balance of hormones, glucose, proteins, and other nutrients to function at its best. A 2024 study published by the American Diabetes Association found that people with high blood sugar levels—even those without diabetes—experienced faster brain shrinkage over time.
For context, brain shrinkage refers to the loss of brain cells and the reduction in the size of brain regions. This kind of impairment affects your cognitive abilities like memory, decision-making, and problem-solving, which makes it more difficult to perform everyday tasks and maintain mental clarity.
More research shows that insulin resistance, a condition where the body struggles to process sugar effectively, is linked to memory loss and a higher risk of dementia—but what does this mean for you?
It all comes down to how blood sugar interacts with the blood-brain barrier—a protective shield that determines what gets in and out of your brain. Let’s break down this complex relationship and what you can do to protect your brain health.
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a protective shield of tightly packed cells that controls which substances can enter the brain from the bloodstream. It keeps harmful toxins, bacteria, and excess hormones out while allowing essential nutrients in.
However, when blood sugar levels remain high for extended periods of time, this barrier weakens and allows harmful substances to pass through and damage brain cells.
A 2023 study found that chronic high blood sugar can lead to increased inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which accelerate brain aging. Additionally, elevated glucose levels contribute to the dysfunction and breakdown of tight junctions in the BBB, making it more permeable to harmful proteins linked to Alzheimer’s disease.
Maintaining stable blood sugar levels can help you keep that crucial internal defense system intact.
Insulin is a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels. However, as people age, they can develop insulin resistance—meaning their cells stop responding properly to insulin. This condition is a major contributor to brain aging and memory problems.
A 2022 study published in American Physiological Society found that older adults with insulin resistance had reduced brain metabolism in areas responsible for memory and cognition. That’s because insulin resistance can trigger the buildup of amyloid plaques, a hallmark indicator of Alzheimer’s disease.
These findings highlight why controlling blood sugar is not just about preventing diabetes. Instead, a more sustainable goal should be about preserving your cognitive function as you age.
Chronic inflammation is a key driver of many age-related diseases. The Standard American Diet of highly processed foods and excessive sugar consumption are a major contributor. When you eat too much sugar, your body releases inflammatory cytokines, which can damage brain cells and accelerate cognitive decline.
People with high blood sugar have elevated levels of inflammatory markers in their brains that lead to faster neurodegeneration. This is when you may start to feel more anxious, experience more skin and digestive issues, and gain weight that is hard to lose.
Research has also linked excessive sugar intake to higher levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of systemic inflammation that has been associated with a higher risk of dementia. To protect your brain, it’s crucial to adopt an anti-inflammatory diet that limits sugar and focuses on brain-healthy foods.
Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are harmful compounds that form when sugar molecules bind to proteins or fats in the body. These compounds accelerate the aging process and have been linked to cognitive decline.
A 2021 study found that high levels of AGEs contribute to increased oxidative stress in the brain that leads to faster memory loss and a decline in executive function. Additional research has shown that AGEs can impair the function of neurons, making it harder for brain cells to communicate effectively.
Reducing sugar intake and eating antioxidant-rich whole foods can help minimize AGE formation and protect your brain in the long run.
High blood sugar is increasingly being recognized as a major risk factor for dementia. Some researchers even refer to Alzheimer’s as “type 3 diabetes” due to the strong link between glucose metabolism and cognitive decline. This shows that managing blood sugar levels could be one of the most effective ways to prevent neurodegenerative diseases.
People with consistently high blood sugar levels have a 73% greater risk of developing dementia compared to those with stable blood sugar. This underscores the importance of keeping your blood sugar in check, not just for your health now, but specifically for long-term brain function now and in the future.
The good news is that you can take control of your brain health by making smart dietary choices. Here are a few foods that help stabilize blood sugar and provide essential nutrients that support brain function.
Research confirms that a Mediterranean-style diet, which emphasizes these whole foods, is associated with a lower risk of cognitive decline and dementia.
Beyond a nutrient-fueled diet, adopting certain lifestyle habits can significantly reduce the impact of blood sugar on brain aging. Take these tips and start implementing habits that prove oxygen-rich cerebral blood flow for better mental clarity.
Understanding the connection between blood sugar and brain aging empowers you to take action before serious problems arise. You can protect your blood-brain barrier by adopting brain-healthy habits that reduce your risk of cognitive decline and keep your mind sharp as you age.
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Robertson, S. (2023, January 2). What are amyloid plaques? News-Medical. https://www.news-medical.net/health/What-are-Amyloid-Plaques.aspx
Hsieh, CF., Liu, CK., Lee, CT. et al. Acute glucose fluctuation impacts microglial activity, leading to inflammatory activation or self-degradation. Sci Rep 9, 840 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-018-37215-0
Lin WT, Kao YH, Li MS, Luo T, Lin HY, Lee CH, Seal DW, Hu CY, Chen LS, Tseng TS. Sugar-Sweetened Beverages Intake, Abdominal Obesity, and Inflammation among US Adults without and with Prediabetes-An NHANES Study. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Dec 30;20(1):681. doi: 10.3390/ijerph20010681. PMID: 36613000; PMCID: PMC9819548.
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Rungratanawanich, W., Qu, Y., Wang, X. et al. Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and other adducts in aging-related diseases and alcohol-mediated tissue injury. Exp Mol Med 53, 168–188 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s12276-021-00561-7
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Fekete M, Varga P, Ungvari Z, Fekete JT, Buda A, Szappanos Á, Lehoczki A, Mózes N, Grosso G, Godos J, Menyhart O, Munkácsy G, Tarantini S, Yabluchanskiy A, Ungvari A, Győrffy B. The role of the Mediterranean diet in reducing the risk of cognitive impairment, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease: a meta-analysis. Geroscience. 2025 Jan 11. doi: 10.1007/s11357-024-01488-3. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39797935.
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Facebook-f X-twitter Youtube Table of Contents A massive new genetic study is challenging the way we define mental illness, and confirming that the brain is
Facebook-f X-twitter Youtube Table of Contents In the last decade, the question “What is CTE?” has been asked and searched online more than ever before.
When it comes to achieving better health outcomes, understanding the powerful connection between your brain, body, and mind is key. Your thoughts, emotions, and physical health don’t exist in isolation—they’re deeply intertwined. A 2020 study by the American Heart Association reveals that chronic stress and emotional dysregulation can lead to a 30% increased risk of heart disease and a weakened immune system. Additionally, studies have shown that practices that strengthen the brain-body-mind connection can improve mental health and even enhance cognitive function.
As a leader in integrative medicine, Dr. Daniel Amen has transformed the way we think about healing and brain health. His approach emphasizes the importance of holistic healing—an approach that addresses physical, emotional, and mental health as interconnected. Whether you’re dealing with chronic stress, anxiety, or unexplained health issues, learning about holistic healing could be the missing link to help you feel and live better. Here’s how you can begin this transformative journey.
Holistic healing is a whole-person approach to health and wellness that considers the connection between your brain, body, and mind. Unlike conventional methods that focus solely on symptoms, holistic healing addresses the root causes of physical, emotional, and mental health issues. The goal is to work with your body to figure out how it can function and thrive at optimal levels in the most natural ways possible.
Dr. Amen’s research highlights the importance of addressing brain health in holistic care. A 2023 study in the National Library of Medicine found that mental health is influenced not just by the brain but also by the gut microbiome, stress levels, and sleep quality. This means that treating one area without addressing the others can limit your ability to achieve full healing. Holistic methods aim to restore balance and harmony to your entire system that promotes better health outcomes.
Are you feeling constantly drained, overwhelmed, or physically unwell with no clear cause? These are just a few signs that your brain-body-mind connection might be out of sync. Common symptoms can include one or multiple of the following:
Prolonged emotional stress increases the likelihood of physical illnesses, which demonstrates the need to address these interrelated factors. If these symptoms resonate or have been present in your life, exploring holistic healing could be a significant step toward feeling better, thinking clearer, and living your best life.
Holistic healing restores the brain-body-mind connection by addressing the root causes of imbalance. For instance, chronic stress triggers the release of cortisol, which can harm brain function, disrupt sleep, and weaken the immune system. Holistic methods work to lower cortisol levels and support neuroplasticity to improve your mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
Research backs up the effectiveness of holistic practices. A 2018 study in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience showed that mindfulness meditation significantly improved brain connectivity. Another 2023 study highlighted how a brain-healthy diet reduced symptoms of depression by 32%. By targeting the root causes of distress, holistic healing strengthens your brain-body-mind connection for better health outcomes.
Integrating holistic healing into your life can be an enjoyable experience and lead to profound transformations. Beyond feeling better physically, you may notice improvements in your emotional resilience, cognitive function, and overall happiness. It also means reducing the risk of chronic illnesses like stroke, heart diseases, diabetes, hypertension, osteoarthritis, and so much more.
Dr. Amen’s holistic-first approach emphasizes that healing starts with small, consistent changes. Whether it’s adopting a brain-healthy diet, practicing mindfulness, or seeking professional support, holistic methods empower you to take charge of your well-being.
Facebook-f X-twitter Youtube Table of Contents A massive new genetic study is challenging the way we define mental illness, and confirming that the brain is
Facebook-f X-twitter Youtube Table of Contents In the last decade, the question “What is CTE?” has been asked and searched online more than ever before.
We’ve all been there—feeling like we’re treading water but going nowhere, trapped in a cycle of monotony that feels impossible to break. This experience, often called a mental health rut, can leave you feeling overwhelmed, unmotivated, and even hopeless. According to the World Health Organization, more than 280 million people worldwide suffer from depression, a common trigger for mental health ruts.
Emotional exhaustion, which psychologists define as chronic fatigue or burnout related to prolonged stress, affects nearly one-third of the workforce globally—and that number is growing. Additionally, studies show that feelings of hopelessness can lead to a 48% higher risk of chronic health conditions, emphasizing the importance of addressing mental health.
If this resonates with you, the good news is that feeling stuck doesn’t have to be a permanent fate. Dr. Daniel Amen, a renowned psychiatrist and brain health expert, provides practical, science-backed strategies to help you take charge of your mental health journey and rediscover your sense of empowerment.
Your brain health significantly impacts your mental well-being. The importance of feeding your brain the nutrients it needs to function optimally cannot be overemphasized. Studies show that a deficiency in omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, and vitamins like D3 and B12 can reduce mood regulation and cognitive performance.
Focus on incorporating whole foods that are nutrient dense and taste well so you continue to enjoy things that are actually good for you. Additionally, natural supplements can fill nutritional gaps. Just be sure to check for reputable sources like Dr. Amen’s BrainMD or ask your doctor what they recommend. Lastly, prioritize hydration because even mild dehydration impairs mood, increases anxiety, and lowers energy levels.
Exercise is one of the most effective ways to combat a mental health rut. Regular physical activity releases endorphins, which improve mood and reduce stress. Research revealed that just 30 minutes of exercise three times a week can lower depression and other symptoms by nearly 23%.
Choose an activity you enjoy that’s also low impact for better recovery such as:
Movement not only boosts your mental health but also empowers you to take charge of your mental health journey with purpose.
Mindfulness involves being present in the moment without judgment, and it’s a powerful tool for breaking free from mental health ruts. Mindfulness meditation can reduce anxiety, depression, and stress to significantly impact your overall health.
You can start to feel the positive results of mindfulness with just five minutes of daily practice. There are apps like Calm or Headspace that offer guided meditations to help you build consistency. Pairing mindfulness with deep breathing exercises amplifies its effects and helps you feel emotionally centered throughout the day.
Your surroundings play a pivotal role in your mental health. Cluttered or uninspiring spaces can reinforce feelings of stagnation. It’s been shown in numerous studies that people who describe their homes as “cluttered” have higher levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, among other health issues.
Start by decluttering and rearranging your living and workspace. If it feels too overwhelming at once, start by planning with a simple list to break down what’s more important to start. Simple changes, like adding plants or natural light, can also make your environment feel more uplifting. Make sure to simplify ways to keep your space in order after you’ve decluttered and reorganized.
Isolation often accompanies a mental health rut, but human connection is a vital part of your emotional well-being. Whether you’re more extroverted or introverted, finding ways to connect with a trusted circle of friends and family can be a catalyst for better mental health.
Schedule time with loved ones or join a supportive group related to what you’re going through. Even virtual connections can provide a sense of belonging and help you regain empowerment in your mental health journey.
When you’re feeling stuck, large tasks can feel overwhelming. Breaking them into smaller, actionable steps can restore a sense of control. Research suggests that setting micro-goals enhances dopamine release, which fuels motivation and keeps you focused on how good accomplishment feels.
Write down three small goals to accomplish each day. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small you think it is—it signals to your brain that you’re capable of moving forward with purpose.
Cognitive distortions, such as catastrophizing or all-or-nothing thinking, often perpetuate mental health ruts. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a proven method for reshaping these thoughts and has been found to be effective in 60%-75% of cases for reducing depression and anxiety.
Practice reframing negative thoughts. For example, replace “I’ll never get out of this rut” with “I’m taking steps to feel better every day.” Writing affirmations can also shift your mindset over time.
Poor sleep exacerbates mental health challenges, creating a vicious cycle. Research highlights that sleep deprivation can impair emotional regulation and increase feelings of hopelessness. It may be the most important habit you can prioritize that can either negatively or positively ripple-effect into other areas of your life.
The key is to establish a consistent bedtime routine. Avoid screens an hour before bed to reduce blue light disrupting your circadian rhythm. Also, it helps to create a calming pre-sleep ritual, such as reading or practicing gratitude journaling.
Sometimes, overcoming a mental health rut requires professional guidance. Therapists and psychiatrists can provide tailored strategies and resources to support your journey. Research shows that therapy, combined with lifestyle changes, improves outcomes for 75% of individuals with mental health struggles.
Schedule a consultation with a mental health professional or reputable licensed therapist in your area or online. You can also reach out to Amen Clinics for brain-based diagnostic tools and personalized care plans.
Feeling stuck doesn’t mean you’re powerless. By recognizing the signs of a mental health rut and applying practical strategies, you can take charge of your mental health journey. Dr. Amen’s insights remind us that small, intentional steps can lead to profound transformations. Whether it’s prioritizing brain health, practicing mindfulness, or seeking professional support, each choice you make with intention brings you closer to empowerment throughout your life.
If you’re ready to explore deeper resources, visit Amen Clinics to learn how their expertise can help you break free from future mental health ruts and embrace a life you actually enjoy.
Remember: You’re not stuck—you’re one step away from rediscovering yourself for the better.
Facebook-f X-twitter Youtube Table of Contents A massive new genetic study is challenging the way we define mental illness, and confirming that the brain is
Facebook-f X-twitter Youtube Table of Contents In the last decade, the question “What is CTE?” has been asked and searched online more than ever before.