Tag Archive for: Anxiety

Self-harm

There are hundreds of theories about Self-harm, although all speculative and individual. The most reliable evidence is provided by sufferers themselves as of late.

Self-harm is always an underlying condition, only fact we know for sure.
It is also extremely versatile.

In my experience, it’s a desperate attempt at self-control and discipline.
One must be aware to self-harm.
Self-harm is carried out dysfunctionally for a purpose.

In my case, the most common form of self-harm is face shaving.
I’m not talking aesthetics here, though true Obsession.
Shamefully, the Beauty Industry has found a multimillion business in ‘grooming’ with so-called ‘safety razors’, shaving tutorials, etc., to the point of replacing fully fledged dermatologists.

Shaving is an imposed societal rule.

Shaving is mandatory for public employees.
Clean-shaven is synonym of smartness, so that every man is indirectly compelled to shave.

Don’t believe to proud ‘bearded models’, they know deep inside that they have shaving phobia. They try to mask it by sporting ridiculous  ‘designer beards’.

Those who can’t afford to go unshaven, self-harm with painful razor cuts.
This becomes a compulsion, a punishment.

Females have other ways of self-harming, despite my take on the commonality: self-punishment in order to conform to a society that still shuns neurodiversity.

How OCD impacts Self-harm.

OCD is characterized by hurting repetitive physical and mental behaviors.
Repetition is always harmful for the body: overshaving, overwashing, overthinking, rituals…

Scientists identified the triggering Signal of OCD in the Orbitofrontal Cortex, part of the Reward System. Once again, dopamine is involved in OCD in addition to anxiety.

The OCD brain uses more timescales to carry on tasks, making every task more demanding. This extra energy causes the brain to dissociate from Sequences like dressing up, so that each step is processed individually and repeated several times. It takes double time for OCD people to start their day by stopping and thinking about the next step. Severe cases resort to Counting, e.g. 1- biological needs 2- wearing socks 3- shaving 4- choosing clothes, 5- coffee, etc…whereas the Neurotypical would follow an uninterrupted daily Sequence.

Can you see the correlation with ADHD Worry-paralysis?
Could OCD be Worry-paralysis?
From my ADHD perspective, it could.

SSRIs are weak in abating OCD.
Dopaminergic compounds prove more effective in combination with Brain-stimulation’s TMS treatment.
Nonetheless, OCD is rampant in ADHD and Autism.

TMS-Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation-is the safer noninvasive replacement of dirty old ECT, originally designed for MDD. Only recently, TMS has been introduced in the treatment of OCD.
MRI scans show decreased neural activity in Clinical Depression and OCD.
TMS delivers magnetic pulses to stimulate nerve cells.
The results are mostly successful within 4/6 weeks.

It is now evident that the brain functions on Stimuli and Interconnectivity between all regions.
The last frontier will be understanding what causes hypo-stimulation in the Neurodivergent Brain.
A lengthy study as the million components of Neuroanatomy.

The race has just started.





/by

Building habits in ADHD

Happy Memories anticipate Reward.

Today I have severe amnesia.
I know why: Worry.
I’m struggling hard to write.

Psychologists say it’s totally unproductive to engage in intellectual activities when burnt out, better rest and make out at a later time.
Not always an option.

I shun weakness.

It is not that I never feel weak, I don’t accept to be weak.

Parental education plays a major factor, I come from a military family.
It implies shame and guilt towards weakness and defeat.

My psychiatrist tells me I m too unforgiving with myself.
I don’t buy that, the longer inactive the weaker I get.
Put it bluntly, I can’t afford to be sick.

Amnesia is the most common outcome of Burnout to me.
ADHD makes it all the more frustrating.

Routines are partners in crime with Comfort.
The sarcasm comes from the realization that Routines are not permanent.
Soon or  later, Changes will come. 
Age is the most obvious natural progression to Life changes.

The challenge with ADHD is that Time virtually doesn’t exist, while building Habits is more rewarding and realistic.

We get into a habit, to say we craft it to our convenience.
Conversely, we adapt to imposed routines.

An habit is never imposed, therefore flexible.
A routine is always adopted, turning Stress into Comfort, henceforth re-adaptation to stressful changing circumstances.

ADHD and Autism are highly co-morbid, see AUDHD, despite predominant ADHD ers work hard to forming healthy habits in order to avoid Procrastination through rewarding Visuals.
Visuals are Reward in ADHD. In Autism, they are Patterns.
Reward is Motivation. Patterns are Repetitions.
ADHDers are unproductive without Reward. Autistics shutdown without Patterns.

Both behaviors require Anticipation and Preparedness.
Anticipation to build a habit in distractive ADHD, Preparedness to a new repetitive Pattern in routinely Autism.

The shared commonality is Time.

Autistics can create Routines at their pace, the faster the more accommodating. They only need Willpower. They have plenty of it, to achieve craved Routines.

ADHD is more complex, though more flexible and less obsessive in the long-term as result of their inherent search to Novelty and Thrill.

This process takes more time to building lasting Habits, since it involves more elements.

Visualization 

Visualization is a feature of Reward in ADHD.
It reorganises past and present happy Memories in the hippocampus for the Anticipation of Reward.

This is a recent finding in Neurology by observing EEG waves showing neural activity in the Hippocampus with neurons converging to this region during Memory Recall.

Visuals account for memories. Memories are stored in the hippocampus.
The finding would qualify the hippocampus as part of the Reward System by selecting Rewarding Memories from Traumatic ones.
It will also consolidate Trauma as the pave-way of Mental Illness.

Neural Hedonic Reactions are complemented primarily by the Nucleus Accumbens, Amygdala and  Orbitofrontal Corteces.
The Hippocampus would enhance these reactions and it’s a major target of Amphetamines and Methylphenidate in ADHD. Contrary to the logic, Stimulants don’t target Attention Networks. Reward stimulates Attention.
I reckon Stimulants should be more selective, Hippocampus oriented, in light of latest developments.

Why Medication is never 100% effective?

Whether it is a Marketing Strategy by pharmaceuticals-no more disease, no more need for medication-Idiosyncrasies-adverse effects-are always lurking.

Anhedonia, the inability to experience pleasure, develops as antagonist to Hedonism, primarily in Bipolar Disorder, ADHD.
Ironically, the latest generation of Antidepressants has the acronym SSRI, Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors.
Unjustly, there is no selective timescale inhibitor for ADHD, other than symptomatic treatment for dopamine/norepinephrine deficiency.

Based on these findings, ADHDers will build their Habits gradually through Visual Perception, until it will become Rewarding.
It is paramount to know what really makes our day, from the moment the alarm-clock goes off! The alarm itself could be rewarding: select your favorite track to wake up, in place of the dreaded ear-splitting ring. Choose soothing flashlights in place of flashing, blinding ones.

Memories are apparently the main players in Mental Health.

Sound & Vision accompany us throughout our whole lives, accounting for Memories.
The Hippocampus’ function is to organise stored memories for our mental hedonism, typically accomplished in the NT.

Anhedonia is once again caused by Dopamine deficiency in the Reward System, the Ventral Striatum.
We should advocate for virtual SHDRIs-Selective Hippocampus Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitors- for optimal results.
Current Stimulants had turned out non-specific, insufficient to cover the entire Reward System in a limited daily timeframe.

I endorse to make an impact on pharmaceuticals with this user’ statement.
It is well documented the Conflict of Interests between Research and Profits.
Unfortunately, Profit always takes priority over Benefits, although I envision big revenues from this project.

To use a stereotypical wrapper, let’s see what happens.







/by

Replace Worry with Gratitude

Latest research shows Worrying as an Autonomous Nervous System’s reaction, hence unavoidable. The good news is that we can face Worry peacefully through ‘Emotional Intelligence’.

We all worry to varying degrees.
In the neurotypical, it would help with responsible decision-making.
In the neurodiverse, it would turn into Fear to no benefit.

A specific medication for Fear has not been developed yet: Antipsychotics ‘numb’ Fear by erasing emotions and sedation, they are non-productive drugs of convenience, leading to permanent disabilities, e.g. Tardive Dyskinesia.
Even neuroscientists understood it.
The goal is developing more selective Mood-stabilizers enhancing Emotional Intelligence.

The medical term for Peace is Tranquillity.
Tranquilizers is the generic name for Benzodiazepines, effective in the short-term, although time-limited.
Atypical Antipsychotics are used off-label in Bipolar Disorder-Risperidone- or Anticonvulsants- Valproic Acid.
Methylphenidate is the treatment of choice in ADHD, marketed with a lifespan of 12 hours, though it wears-off after 6/8 hours in real-life.
To date, there isn’t a Typical 24/7 Mood-stabilizer.

Emotional Intelligence is the role player to understanding people’s emotions through managing ours.
The theory is that by anticipating people s feelings, we abate triggers.
That doesn’t erase Worry, it allows to confront Worry with self-Gratitude.
Self-Gratitude is related to the Momentum, involving two simultaneous reactions like being anxious while eating chocolate, an example of facing Worry with Pleasure, definitely mitigating Anxiety.

Faith is of great help to religious groups.
Psychotherapy is complementary.

/by

Projection

Living the Present is a great struggle in our fast-paced life. 
Mental Health professionals refer to Projection for Compulsive Planning.

We all project to a varying degree.
However, it turns out that long-term projecting works any good: circumstances change, so do the effects on anxiety.
I ‘m working hard on Projecting, the more I project, the more anxious I become.

The difficulty of living the present is exacerbated by social interactions.
It is not always possible being on the same line of thought, even between husband and wife.
This leads to project.

It’s not easy to make it alone in a relationship.
A good Spiritual Director is vital, personally my Priest.
I pray my wife will listen to him.
Projecting is typically of female nature: the household is still largely managed by women, whereas for most men, house is still synonym of dormitory.
Men are more likely to stand the chance.
I wouldn’t condemn planning in the short-term altogether, provided it doesn’t become Projection.

In essence, Planning is pursuing a realistic path, henceforth boosting productivity.
Projection is an abstract idea, lacking self-esteem and boosting anxiety, in brief, an Illusion.
Unfortunately, they are often perceived interchangeably in the neurodivergent, complicit their thin line.

The good news is that there is a winning strategy for Discernment: Coordination, Prioritization. 
The Neurotypical are not exempt by this subtle mental demise, they know how to separate Planning from Projection by revising a Decision.
To say, it is not impossible for the Neurodivergent to learn the method.

So it goes, according to business-advisors:
Step 1- Allow Planning and Projection to occur interchangeably.
Step 2- Select Priorities to make a realistic Plan.
Step 3- Leave Projection as an hypothetical fostering strategy, once the Plan goes in port.
The process should not take more than 2 hours, or risk interchanging info again.
That is particularly important to avoid Hyperfocus in ADHD.

Although the method was developed for Marketing purposes, it is being tested successfully in psychology.


/by

International relationships in Autism

The place where you live can define your personality.

Talking about the importance of an harmonious environment for autistics. We all need harmony however, stress management is easier for neurotypicals.

A stress-free life doesn’t exist, we must learn how to survive in the middle of the storms that soon or later, life throws at everyone.

As for me, the sea combined with faith, have a calming effect. I always try to create a peaceful place for myself in my heart.

These are also International Relationships.
Consider carefully before committing.


/by

Self-punishment

We know little of Self-harm. The main dilemma remains whether it is a conscious or subconscious act. It is generally dismissed as OCD, a non-specific condition itself.

Self-harm is not a diagnosis, it is a compulsion.
OCD is a co-morbid diagnosis.
‘Co-morbid’ means ‘underlying, multiple’.In turn, ‘underlying’ means ‘hiding’ in popular language.
We’re naturally unaware of hidden entities.
This would be eloquent to classify Self-harm as a subconscious action, yet OCD sufferers are fully aware of their irrational rituals still, unable to resist them.
Abating Anxiety is the established general consensus.
What goes against human psychology, is why Pain would abate Anxiety.
Quite the opposite, Pain is a major trigger of Anxiety in neurotypical individuals.

I support the ‘Self-punishment’ theory.

Talking from a male perspective: all men know how to avoid razor cuts, although a large number can’t help with it.
Refraining requires Willingness.
Willingness requires Commitment.
Commitment is a conscious choice.
No man is willing to cut his face, unless masochistic, a perversion rather than illness.
Forget shaving-tutorials and safety-razors. In the right mindset, you won’t hurt.

If I am in the throes of Guilt, I ll make a battlefield of my face even with the top state-of-the-art’ safety razor.
If I am gripped by Reward, I can clean-shave with a rogue kitchen knife without a single scar. I am in full control.

When I feel guilty, unproductive, underachieving, I can’t stop stroking my face until I consciously see the blood.
I know perfectly well that I am going to hurt myself.

Based on my personal experience, I concord that OCD doesn’t affect Awareness, it is the Compulsion to self-discipline through physical or emotional Pain.


/by

Endorphins in Autism

Continuing the discussion on natural elements.

We all release Endorphins in response to stress and anxiety.

Endorphins produce what is commonly referred to as ‘body odor’, thus not of bacterial origin.
It is a pungent, chemical, triggering odor.
Speculation is that it stimulates adrenaline release.

Body odor is naturally produced by deteriorating skin bacteria.

Skin bacteria are a natural odorless protection from airborne pollutants.
They become foul smelly in contact with sweat as result of overheating.
Sweat alone is 100% odorless, we would never smell in the absence of bacteria.

We all sweat to a varying degree through physical activity.
Dermatologists recommend a shower ideally every 3 days in cold weather at physical rest, or daily rinsing for heavy laborers.

Endorphins related odor occurs under any distressing circumstance.
The odor is triggering for both the recipient and the receiving end.
Showering is useless if we don’t calm down.
Endorphins are not heat-dependent.

The sufferer goes in ‘fight or flight’ mode.
I could describe the experience as a long lasting panic attack.
Sedation is oftentimes indispensable.

Why are we affected by other’s endorphins?
I believe in autistic self-identify’s predisposition.

This is the worst scenario, like having two panic attacks simultaneously.
The odor becomes unbearable and Anger-triggering.

Avoiding confined spaces is the general rule for sensory overload’ s related conditions.



/by

Unrealistic predicaments in anxiety

Worst-Case Scenarios are virtually delusional.

I mentioned before the different chemistry of ‘Preparing for the worst’.

Although Readiness is shared in Preparedness, getting ready for a pleasant event is fueled by Motivation.
This doesn’t exclude a varying degree of apprehension, a mitigated form of anxiety.

“Looking forward” always accompanies Motivation. 
Some dictionaries give the expression as synonym of Motivation, altogether.
Whether Synonym or Definition, the genesis doesn’t change, grammar is no longer mandatory, these days.
AI will integrate all languages globally.

Nobody looks forward to the worst, but the better.
All humoral neurotransmitters are involved in motivation.
When the brain is depleted of humoral neurotransmitters, we inevitably envision Worst-Case Scenarios, the main cause of Worry-Paralysis.

Although medication helps to a big deal, Anticipation is a great complementary Mental Exercise.
By envisioning the Worst, our Parasympathetic Nervous System fights back Amplification.
Amplification is an irrational exuberance to dreadful events to come. 
Not to be mistaken for ‘Fear of the unknown’, a Chronic condition.

In Amplification, we know the time of the approaching storm, therefore we can stop the ‘build up’ of anxiety from progressing by amplifying the Worst, in so doing boosting the Parasympathetic response.
It is the same mechanism of vaccines, we introduce deactivated viruses into our body in order to boost the Immune System. 
An antianxiety vaccine is not available yet, therefore it is paramount to abate the build-up from scratch.

By Envisioning surreal scenarios, we lessen anxiety gradually.
The theory is keeping anxiety AT BAY however, with lots of practice, some subjects report facing the deadlines Anxiety-free.

Timing is the key.

Imagine this: there are hundreds meteorites potentially en-route to earth within decades, yet our fear is overtaken by reading how Space Agencies keep track of these annihilating objects while developing anti-impact technology.

Don’t wait to tackle your fears.


/by

Purposes in ASD/ADHD

Finding the right support for autistics is vital. Fear can override us and stop us in our quests. 

Standpoints are supposed to serve Purposes. 

My purpose is going back home in Europe.

Purposes come not without a price: money, economy, family, are just some of the obstacles that keep us stuck.
Procrastination too  gets in the way, preventing from taking action.

Taking decisions is extremely overwhelming for autistics.
Having a Support Team is paramount. 

Reaching out for professional help isn’t easy as an expat.
I can’t give everything to my wife.
I’m tempted and terrified to do crazy things.

Hotlines can only listen.
Embassies and Churches are the only ‘support teams’ for expats.

Is God telling me something?


/by

Trauma in Autism

Autism is highly popularized these days between the rich and famous. Don’t be fooled, ASD, former Asperger Syndrome, is not Autism, though generically listed on the  ‘Functional Autistic Spectrum’.

The general consensus is that all Mental Illness originates from Anxiety, although Genetics are increasingly entertained.

That said, Trauma still tops the charts in Anxiety.

Trauma can be subconscious, since it can occur as early as birth.
PTSD is typically diagnosed in adulthood as result.

The fact of the matter is that the cause of Autism is not yet fully understood.
The traumatic environmental theory is subjective.
Every autistic is different. Showcase analysis is the most accurate way of studying the condition.

Could Autism have a correlation with Trauma?
Possibly. I firmly believe it s an illness whatsoever.

There’s no such thing like ´high-functioning autism´, a Personality Disorder referred to as ASD to date.

Autism is an individual dysfunctional medical diagnosis.

Let’s stop pretending.

Brain Circuits form fully at gestation. Autistics have defective brain circuitry.
Genes are inherited and the most accredited cause of Autism to date.
Once defective genes are discovered, brain circuits are already formed in the fetus.

Gene therapy will hopefully become the most promising treatment.

/by