Can alcohol make you depressed? Find out the connection Why does alcohol exacerbate depression? After all, on most occasions, we drink alcoholic beverages just for temporary comfort. But it can instead lead to heightened feelings of melancholy. So, how exactly does alcohol affect us physically and psychologically? Alcohol’s effects on your brain and depression How […]

How to sleep when stressed and anxious? How to deal with sleep anxiety? First, you have to understand it. At night, our bodies are biologically wired to wind down, thanks to the natural process of circadian rhythm that regulates our sleep-wake cycle, influencing the production of melatonin, the sleep hormone. However, anxiety disrupts this process, […]

Afraid of leaving the house: Is it linked to agoraphobia? Many of us, at some point in our lives, have felt uneasy about stepping outside. Whether it’s the chaos of the bustling city streets or the silence of an isolated countryside, there’s an underlying anxiety about leaving home that many can’t shake off. But is […]

What are hydration & dehydration? Before we get into dehydration, let’s define what hydration is. Hydration is the process of having sufficient amounts of water or fluid to aid numerous processes in the body essential for maintaining physiological balance (1). Water is a vital component in the human body, essential for hydration and life (2). […]

What is a stress response? Picture this: you’re standing at the edge of a vast savannah, your eyes scanning the horizon for predators. Your body is a coiled spring, ready to leap into action and survive (1). Fast forward to modern times, and the “predators” have become unending notifications, looming deadlines, and the constant juggle […]

Key different signs between panic vs. anxiety attack According to The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), panic attacks are sudden surges of intense fear peaking within minutes, happening frequently per day or infrequently per year. They can also occur without warning (1). As for anxiety attacks, the DSM-5 doesn’t precisely define them, […]

7 herbs that help with anxiety: How do they work? Herbal medicines in Chinese traditional medicine  Herbal medicine is a common ingredient and source of traditional medicines (1). Herbal medicine has a long history of over 3000 years. However, the earliest herbal text known to the world was written over 2000 years ago in China. […]

Can anxiety cause loss of appetite? Reasons and ways to regain it The bond between anxiety and appetite is strong and multifaceted. People might find they’re too stressed to eat, leading to a significant decrease in their appetite. Even emotional distress, including sadness, can cause this. But why can anxiety cause appetite loss, and what […]

Why can certain foods cause anxiety? Food and mental health The limbic system in the brain controls our emotions. However, the complete structure of the limbic system has yet to be determined. It is generally accepted that it consists of four parts: the hypothalamus, hippocampus, amygdala, and limbic cortex (1). Thus, our mood may be […]

How to recognize an anxiety attack: Signs you should know Unfortunately, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5), the holy book for psychiatrists, does not list anxiety attacks as a separate illness.  However, it does define it as a feature of various common psychiatric issues, such as: Experts believe that most […]

What does anxiety feel like? Anxiety is a natural and common response to challenging situations. Such tension can actually be beneficial under normal circumstances since it makes you more alert and aware. However, people with anxiety disorders often have intense worry and fear for no clear reason. If you find it hard to control your […]