Metabolic Syndrome

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World Mental Health Day

When every region on this planet has an adequate amount of mental health facilities, therapists, and medicine to treat its citizens, perhaps we can then say we’re entering a phase of global health success!  Many people are living in war-torn areas, while others are dealing with natural disasters.  These calamities take a toll on a person’s mental health.  That is one reason why mental health experts are especially important for these global residents.

The References

The following resources have a wealth of information for individuals experiencing mental health conditions, for those providing emotional support to loved ones who’ve been diagnosed, and others without conditions who simply wish to become more knowledgeable regarding mental health sciences.  

The Importance Of Relaxing

The following nature video (Relaxing Tree, 2020) is a reminder that visiting parks and listening to the sounds of nature can become a vital ingredient in having and maintaining calmness for positive mental health.  It can become a method of getting away from it all periodically!

[VIDEO:  4K RELAXING NATURE SOUNDS – SHORT VIDEO CLIPS OF NATURE:  SOURCE:  RELAXING TREE, 2020]

Other forms of relaxation can involve meditating, engaging in yoga exercises, participating in arts such as sewing, crocheting, knitting, reading publications from favorite bookstores, and taking a walk after dinner, which can help reduce a few calories as an added benefit.  Listening to quiet music, cooking/baking, gardening, housework, painting, sculpting, coloring in a coloring book, landscaping, drawing, building furniture, writing in a spiral notebook about one’s feelings and experiences, and watching television are also forms of relaxation.  

A Person Should Never Label Oneself

An important aspect to remember is that just because a person is diagnosed with a mental health condition doesn’t suggest even remotely that they are a mental health condition.  What the diagnosis means is that it’s another one of life’s challenges.  

A Person Should Never Blame Themselves, Nor Compare Themselves

Some people will experience influenza and will suffer from symptoms temporarily.  It could be because they’re younger, have no prior history of respiratory issues, and lack a compromised immune system.  Conversely, other people may have a longer bout of the illness since they have a prior history of respiratory issues, they’re older, and already have a compromised immune system.  

In a similar vein, each person who is diagnosed with a mental health condition may have a different reason for their mental health condition.  For example, a person could be diagnosed with schizophrenia because they also have a form of Alzheimer’s Disease (i.e., comorbidity–more than one condition).  Another person is diagnosed with schizophrenia because they have a sibling (twin) or a parent who was diagnosed with the condition years earlier (i.e., genetics).  In taking the conversation in another direction, a person could be diagnosed with mild depression and needs medication temporarily because it began with becoming overwhelmed by life.  They experienced too many negative personal life events.  And then for another person diagnosed with depression, they may have to use prescriptions for the rest of their life because their brain chemistry has changed dramatically. 

The associations, the causations, the bottom-up (i.e., physical illness bringing on the mental health condition), and other explanations are too involved and nuanced for the “How did this person acquire a mental health condition?”  Thus, there can be any number of reasons why a person acquired a mental health difficulty, and it may not be a similar reason for other people with the same condition.  Also, there could be situations where there are no known current explanations why someone ended up with a mental health condition, because those reasons are waiting for scientific discovery.

Getting Rid Of Stigmas

In the constant struggle to remove the stigma that remains in society concerning mental health challenges, people with psychiatric issues need to remember that they are not alone.  Everyone has some form of mental health issue.  Some mental health issues are minor, others are large, while others are dealing with comorbidity.  Whatever the circumstance, everyone has something they’re dealing with.  A person needs to keep going and live their life to the best of their ability!

There Is No Room For Negativity

Anyone who would make comments that a person with a mental health condition needs to “Get over it” or some other form of mocking/psychological abuse is not someone who should be in anyone’s social circle during the adjustment and recovery phase, and that could be for a lifetime.  When a person is dealing with a psychiatric issue, they need supportive individuals who provide empathy and lots of encouragement.  Actually, the toxic entities could be individuals who contributed to the mental health condition.

A Mental Health Issue Is Not Necessarily Psychiatric, Requiring Medication

A psychiatric issue occurs when the brain chemistry has changed (i.e., an imbalance of a specific neurotransmitter) and a clinical therapist is required (i.e., psychiatrist).  For instance, a person diagnosed with schizophrenia has an imbalance of dopamine (an imbalance of dopamine is associated with schizophrenia).  Thus, medication is necessary to create a healthy brain chemistry.  Other people may have phobias (i.e., height, insects, certain animals, specific places, etc.), and a psychologist would be suggested for learning techniques in removing said phobias.  A psychologist is ideal when experiencing relationship difficulties.  A psychologist might be used for cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help a client learn new thinking strategies in maneuvering life, along with achieving goals.

The following is a video that talks about psychotherapy, which is a completely different brand of therapy altogether:

[VIDEO:  WHAT IS PSYCHOTHERAPY?  SOURCE:  PSYCH HUB, 2020]

Family Members Becoming Involved In Their Loved Ones’ Journey

It cannot be emphasized enough that family members can make important contributions when a person is diagnosed with a psychiatric condition.  Members can provide a guardrail of sorts in making certain that individuals keep doctor’s appointments with therapists and take prescribed medications.  They can even attend these doctor appointments with their loved ones.  The person diagnosed with a psychiatric condition can believe that they have partners in gaining a positive quality of life.  In extreme cases, a family member may need to obtain conservatorship.  All of these suggestions can avoid potential tragic situations with law enforcement, which we hear all too often in the media.

Weight Gain From Medications Is A Possibility, Although…

People who are diagnosed with a psychiatric condition need to ask the therapist for prescriptions that have a much lower possibility of weight gain.  Many of these psychotropics and antidepressants (Bright Horizons Psychiatry, 2024) are not only responsible for a larger waistline, but also for the possibility of experiencing metabolic syndrome because of the additional weight gain (i.e., higher blood pressure, higher blood sugar leading to cardiovascular issues) (Cleveland Clinic, 2025).   Conversely, a psychotropic and antidepressant may not necessarily cause actual weight gain.  Taking these medications can result in a complete change to the body’s metabolism.  Some individuals can experience fatigue, water retention, hormonal changes, and other modifications without additional calories to their diet (Bright Horizons Psychiatry, 2024).

As an aside, imagine the middle-aged woman who was already experiencing metabolic syndrome because of weight gain from hormonal changes (menopause), and is now prescribed an antidepressant or psychotropic.  She will have to worry about even more weight gain difficulties, and unfortunately, could become a likely candidate for cardiovascular issues, and worse.

An Important No-No

If a person wants to go off their medication, that procedure needs to be done with the guidance of the therapist and gradually!  Waking up one morning and deciding to cease taking medication can send an individual spiraling out of control, and with tragic consequences to themselves and others.

Finally, dealing with a mental health condition, especially one that has altered the brain chemistry, is rough!  Having said that, once a person has gained clarity through doctor visits and taking medication, a person could use their condition and start anew with living their life instead of merely existing!  

Here’s wishing you good health, love, and lots of understanding!

Vikki

References

American Academy Of Neurology.  (2025).  Brain Health For All.  Retrieved From https://www.aan.com/

American Psychological Association. (2025).  We promote psychological science and knowledge to benefit society and improve lives.  Retrieved From apa.org

Behavioral Scientist.  (2025).  Health.  Retrieved From https://behavioralscientist.org/topics/health/

Better Health Channel.  (2022).  Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT).  Retrieved From https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/cognitive-behaviour-therapy

Bright Horizons Psychiatry. (2024).  Managing Weight Gain Caused By Psychiatric Medication.  Retrieved From https://brighthorizonspsychiatry.com/managing-weight-gain-caused-by-psychiatric-medication/

Cleveland Clinic.  (2025).  Metabolic Syndrome.  Retrieved From https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10783-metabolic-syndrome

deVries, L. P., van de Weijer, M. P., and Bartels, M.  (2022).  The Human Physiology Of Well-Being: A Systematic Review On The Association Between Neurotransmitters, Hormones, Inflammatory Markers, The Microbiome And Well-Being.  (Vol. 139). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104733  Retrieved From https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0149763422002226

Europe’s Journal Of Psychology.  (2025).  An Online-Only, Open-Access Journal For Scientific Inquiries Into A Wide Range Of Topics In Psychology – Free Of Charge For Authors And Readers.  Retrieved From https://ejop.psychopen.eu/index.php/ejop

Healthcare Communications Network.  (2025).  Psychiatry.  Retrieved From https://hcn.health/hcn-trends-story/category/psychiatry/

Healthline.  (2025).  Mental Well-Being.  Retrieved From https://www.healthline.com/mental-health

JAMA Network.  (2025).  Psychiatry.  Retrieved From https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry

MDPI.  (2025).  Journal Of Behavioral Sciences.  Retrieved From https://mdpi.com/journal/behavsci

MedicalNewsToday.  (2025).  Mental Health.  Take Care Of Your Mental Well-Being With Evidenced-Backed Resources.  Retrieved From https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/mental-health

Miller, C. (2025).  Mental Health Disorders And Teen Substance Use.  Why It’s Especially Tempting – And Risky – For Kids With Emotional Or Behavioral Challenges.  Retrieved From https://childmind.org/article/mental-health-disorders-and-substance-use/

National Alliance On Mental Illness.  (2025).  Dissociative Disorders.  Retrieved From https://www.nami.org/about-mental-illness/mental-health-conditions/dissociative-disorders/

Neuroscience News.  (2025).  Latest Neuroscience News.  Retrieved From https://neurosciencenews.com/

NewScientist.  (2025).  Mind.  Retrieved From https://www.newscientist.com/subject/mind/

Psyche.  (2025).  Know Your Self.  Retrieved From https://psyche.co/

Psych Hub.  (2020, November 3).  What Is Psychotherapy?  [VIDEO].  Retrieved From https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmHcB8aOlkI

Psychiatrist.  (2025).  Just Published.  Retrieved From https://www.psychiatrist.com/

Relaxing Tree.  (2020, October 10).  4K Relaxing Nature Sounds – Short Video Clips Of Nature.  [VIDEO].  Retrieved From https://youtu.be/nqye02H_H6I?si=iHaQAgPVoU025-mF

ScienceDaily.  (2025). Mind & Brain News.  Retrieved From https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/mind_brain/

Smithsonian Magazine.  (2025).  Science/Mind & Body.  Retrieved From smithsonianmag.com/category/mind-body

Taylor & Francis Online.  The Journal Of Social Psychology.  Latest Articles.  Retrieved From https://www.tandfonline.com/action/showAxaArticles?journalCode=vsoc20

The British Psychological Society.  (2025).  Explore Psychological Publications.  Retrieved From https://explore.bps.org.uk/

The Scientist.  (2025).  Exploring Life, Inspiring Innovation.  Retrieved From https://www.the-scientist.com/tag/psychology

Therapy In A Nutshell.  (2025).  No One Ever Taught You How To Regulate Your Emotions.  Let’s Change That Today.  Retrieved From https://therapyinanutshell.com/

Thompson, D.  (2025).  Industrial Chemical Linked To Parkinson’s Disease.  Retrieved From https://www.medicinenet.com/industrial_chemical_linked_to_parkinsons_disease/news.htm

Wiley Online Library.  (2025)  Psychiatry.  Retrieved From https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/action/doSearch?AllField=psychiatry

World Health Organization.  (2025).  Bipolar Disorder.  Retrieved From https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/bipolar-disorder

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WEIGHT GAIN IS MORE SOPHISTICATED THAN MERELY EATING FOOD

All too often, people say that overweight individuals need to pull themselves away from the dining room table.  However, let’s look at other available alternatives that can cause weight gain.

Prescribed medications are one of the explanations for overweight individuals:  Thyroid medication, birth control, arthritis, pain management, anti-depressants, and others are responsible for those additional pounds.

Also, peri-menopausal and menopausal women can increase pounds because of hormones not being released from the body.

The situation can become more complex for individuals when they have to take more than one of these medications.  The potential is there that they can double their weight gain.

What needs to be addressed is that because of the additional weight gain, there’s the possibility of these individuals experiencing higher blood sugar levels, cardio issues, and blood pressure conditions (i.e., metabolic syndrome) which they did not have before taking any of these medications.  Further, these individuals will now have to be prescribed additional medications for diabetes, cardio, and blood pressure.

As if that weren’t enough medical drama, a person with diabetes can experience personality changes until their blood sugar is deemed at a healthy level through diet and, yes, those other prescribed medications by their physician.

It can become quite an exhausting health odyssey and it’s all because of those initial medications!

Vikki

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The Anxiety Series, Part I, Long-Term Stress Can Lead To Anxiety, With Another Mental Health Issue Lurking In The Distance

The National Institute Of Mental Health (2020) provides information concerning traits associated with stress in, 5 Things You Should Know About Stress.

When unhealthy (long-term stress) is not reduced, it can lead to an anxiety disorder.  Bhatt (2019) provides a listing of these disorders, according to The Diagnostic And Statistical Manual Of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5):

 

– Separation anxiety disorder

– Selective mutism

– Specific phobia

– Social anxiety disorder (social phobia)

– Panic disorder

– Agoraphobia

– Generalized anxiety disorder

– Substance/medication-induced anxiety disorder

– Anxiety disorder due to another medical condition

 

 

An effective method in reducing stress can found in,

VIDEO:  3 MINUTE STRESS MANAGEMENT – REDUCE STRESS WITH THIS SHORT ACTIVITY (Therapy In A Nutshell, 2020)

 

 

The preventative health care has to occur during the stress phase to stave off the potential health calamity by engaging in stress management techniques.

 

Some of the others are:

Artistry

– Painting

– Crocheting

– Photography

– Sewing

– Sculpting

Reading

Exercising

Listening To  Music

Construction (example, Habitat For The Humanity)

Volunteer Work

 

 

For people who believe their stress is Coronavirus related, Gutterman (2020) gives a presentation on useful ways in how to deal with stress in,

VIDEO:  6 WAYS TO COPE WITH CORONAVIRUS STRESS AND ANXIETY 

 

 

The calamity:

When anxiety symptoms are ignored, anxiety can lead to depression;

Long-term depression can lead to psychiatric medicine usage because brain chemicals became damaged;

Certain psychiatric medicine can lead to weight gain;

 

AND THEN

 

The weight gain can lead to metabolic syndrome:

– Cardiovascular issues;

– High blood pressure;

– Blood sugar (diabetes), and

– Cancer.

 

 

Vikki

References

Bhatt, N. V., M.D., MPH. (2019). Anxiety Disorders. Retrieved From https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/286227-overview

 

Gutterman, D., Ph.D. (2020).  6 Ways To Cope With Coronavirus Stress And Anxiety.  Retrieved From https://youtu.be/a5WgPKHxYFE

 

National Institute Of Mental Health.  (2020). 5 Things You Should Know About Stress.  Retrieved From https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/stress/index.shtml

 

Therapy In A Nutshell.  (2020). 3 Minute Stress Management  – Reduce Stress With This Short Activity.  Retrieved From https://youtu.be/grfXR6FAsI8

 

 

 

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Healthy and Unhealthy Gut Bacteria

Since the January 10, 2014 posting, Psych Central: “Antibodies in GI Tract Linked to Greater Risk for Bipolar Illness”, research on gut bacteria has increased exponentially regarding how good bacteria plays a positive role for the mind and body, and in particular cognitive difficulties that can manifest from unhealthy bacteria.  The following are links for additional literature concerning both kinds of bacteria:

 

Microbes Help Produce Serotonin in Gut (California Institute of Technology (Caltech.edu), April 9, 2015)

Immune system uses gut bacteria to control glucose metabolism (Science Daily, November 14, 2016)

Gut microbiome contributes to Parkinson’s, study suggests (MedicalNewsToday.com, December 2, 2016)

Likely Connection Between Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and the Gut Microbiome (Psychiatry Advisor, May 17, 2016)

The Gastrointestinal Tract Microbiome and Potential Link to Alzheimer’s Disease (US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health – Frontiers in Neurology, April 4, 2014)

The tantalizing links between gut microbes and the brain (Nature, International Weekly Journal of Science, October 16, 2015)

 

The following resource is a brief presentation by Dr. Samuel Hunter:

[VIDEO] “Gut Bacteria and Multiple Sclerosis”

 

 

Vikki

 

 

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Diabetes and Mental Health

Individuals with pre-diabetes, or the full-blown condition, may experience personality changes (i.e., mood swings, irritability). We have to pay close attention to loved ones who suddenly have personality changes and suggest immediate medical attention. While these clues are important, we have to view diabetes from another perspective to understand what may happen for loved ones taking psychiatric medications.

Metabolic Syndrome is a group of risk factors which nurtures coronary artery disease, stroke, and Type 2 diabetes.  The symptoms are elevated levels of cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar, and excess belly fat.  Two medications closely associated with the syndrome are Clorazil (schizophrenia) and Zyprexa (schizophrenia and bipolar disorder). These medications can elevate cholesterol and blood sugars five-fold, creating a profoundly dangerous health condition.

Vikki