Bad Effects of Guilt Before and After and It’s Connection To Chronic Diseases

We all experience guilt. Once in your life, you might have probably been slightly stubborn, or badder than you are now. Are you? We might be all guilty about this, but as we mature we learn much more in life and reflect. That’s why we might have some guilt after seeing or remembering how we were before.

Some deal with this healthily by correcting their mistakes and being good. Whereas others deal with it negatively and dwell too much on their guilt. They nurture the emotion too much hence making them depressed or anxious. Guilt doesn’t just have side effects psychologically, but physically as well.

Villainous role of guilt on chronicle disease development

Guilt is related to physical health in chronic disease. A study that sought the experience of one thousand Czech people aged fifteen years and older through a survey, found that people who suffer from chronic diseases such as arthritis, back pain, cardiovascular disease, asthma, cancer, and depression or anxiety have higher feelings of guilt. Moreover, the association was strongest in cancer cases. (1)

How guilt affects biological processes

This association could be attributed to the influence of e­motions on its regulatory system. Our e­motions can change our biological processes, and guilt can increase cortisol levels, cardiovascular reactivity, and peripheral resistance. It can also promote higher productivity in the endocrine glands syste­m which may increase susceptibility to inflammatory processes, thus, resulting in asthma or atherosclerosis develop­ment. On a psychological level, excessive or inappropriate guilt is a symptom of major depressive disorder. (1)

Guilt does not only influence the quality of life of people with chronic disease but, can also contribute to chronic disease development. That’s why it must be considered when assessing and treating patients with chronic diseases. Clinicians and other healthcare workers should know how to recognize signs of psychological distress and ensure that negative emotions such as guilt are part of psychotherapeutic and clinician care.

Reference:

(1) Cerna, A., Malinakova, K., Van Dijk, J. P., Zidkova, R., & Tavel, P. (2022). Guilt, shame and their associations with chronic diseases in Czech adults. Psychology, health & medicine, 27(2), 503–512. https://doi.org/10.1080/13548506.2021.1903058

✍️ April 25, 2024

Pinned Activity: Writing and Art Therapy Supports the Psychological Well-being of Children With Chronic Illness

When developing a writing and art program, show some references, drawings, paintings, or any clippings to children, so when they ask you, is it doable, and is it about the kids?

You can answer them appropriately. You can tell them to write or draw today what they think about yesterday or today. Pin samples in their room to get them motivated. In some cases, it takes time before kids can express their thoughts, that’s why it can be helpful to tell them to draw and write because it could be a fascinating and enjoyable activity for them.

Expressing and showing true feelings might not be easy for some because it seems to be taboo in some cultures and settings. It’s useful to have mediums for people to help them identify, express, and understand their feelings, and articulate their psychological states and processes. Writing and art therapy can be used for self-expression, develop social skills, address aggression issues, trauma, and emotional disturbance.

Writing and art therapy activity program research study

Writing and art therapy can help children with chronic illness, post-disaster trauma, and aggressive behavior. In a study conducted in Indonesia, writing and drawing expression has been used to help children aged 9–12 years old express what they feel in good and bad situations and afterward. These Indonesian children have chronic illness, post-disaster experience, and behavioral problems. To conduct the activity program the children were given blank papers, pencils, and coloring tools. They were asked to write and/or draw anything they wanted. After which, they were instructed to name and score their present feelings from 1 to 10. Then they’d get written positive feedback. Therapist feedbacks were also provided as positive support. Results of the study showed that writing and drawing are useful for children to express their emotions such as being happy, sad, angry, or afraid. It also helped them to manage their feelings and relief, and show positive affirmation. Moreover, it enhanced positive behavior, particularly tolerance and optimism. Because it enhances their positive psychological state, writing and art expression has been found useful to support children’s psychological well-being. (1)

Art

During the program, the kids were able to express their optimism in the artworks they created. Also, they were able to articulate their hopes such as surviving, and that some help would come to save them. After art therapy select children showed lower aggressive problem scores. (1)

Writing

The kids were also able to express themselves during writing activity. Some say they are happier at home than in the hospital because they can watch TV. Others expressed their hospital observations such as not being able to sleep because many children cry loudly because they fear being injected. Some kids have articulated their hopes of going home. During the follow-up, some kids shared having experienced relief after writing because they were able to express their sadness, happiness, and anger. Some of the most remarkable notes documented were“After I write, I feel relief because I can fill out my sadness and my happiness and my angry.” and “I usually forgot what has happened today, but then I wrote and feel so relief after.” (1)

Reference:

  • (1) Utami D.S. Children’s Art Therapy Through Writing and Drawing: Case Study In Indonesia. October 2014. Conference: 2nd International Symposia The Biopsychological Basics of Life in Education and Health. doi:10.13140/RG.2.2.22564.07046

Further readings:

  • (1) ‘Ali, N. H. & Utami, D. S. (2013). The Effectiveness of the Book “Pelangi Hatiku” to Reduce Aggression among Elementary School’s Students (in Indonesian). Jurnal Intervensi, 5(1), 59–74.
  • (2) Kumara, A., Utami, D. S., Yuliani, G., & Andriani, D.R. (2003). Writing and Drawing as Therapy Medium (in Indonesian). Jurnal Psikologi, 30(1), 1–28.
  • (3) Sweet, M. A., Heyman, G. D., Fu, G., & Lee, K. (2010). Are There Limits to Collectivism? Culture and Children’s Reasoning about Lying to Conceal a Group Transgression. Infant Child Dev., 19(4), 422–442.
  • (4) Utami, D.S. & Kumara, A. (2013). The Book “Rainbow of My Heart” as a Medium to Manage Hospitalized Children’s Emotions. In E. Witruk and A. Wilcke (Eds.), Historical and Cross-Cultural Aspects of Psychology Band 4, (pp. 355–372). Frankfurt am Main: Peter Lang GmbH.
  • (5) Prawitasari, J. E. (2000). Pengembangan Metode Deteksi Emosi pada Pasien Rumah Sakit Umum. Research Report. Unpublished. Yogyakarta: Fakultas Psikologi Universitas Gadjah Mada.

✍️April 17, 2024

7 Insights To Learn About Human Emotional Needs and Plant Treatment From the Movie Ghosted

Why do we always reference plants as plants and people as humans? It’s mostly because we have qualities that we possess differently. Despite these differences, it’s interesting how plants have similarities with people and have needs that can be compared to humans. Aside from their similarities, they are also emotionally and physically curative and beneficial in relieving stress. 

To learn more about how human emotional needs and plant treatment intersect, the flower shop scene from the film Ghosted is a must-see. While watching you’ll get to ruminate about the connection and similarities of humans with plants, and how plants affect humans.

Take a look at the lines we’ve listed from the quick plant market scene of Ghosted and read our brief explanations about it.

1. “Don’t let any pets eat the leaves, they can be slightly toxic”

Know the characteristics of the plants you consider growing for safety reasons. Some plants like bergonia are pretty yet slightly toxic, so pets must be discouraged from getting closer to the plants. Eating its leaves can be toxic for your pets. 

2. “Begonias need a little bit of love”

Learn the needs of the plants you want to have to know if you can provide their needs and if they match your lifestyle. The plant may just wither if you always unintentionally neglect it. Plants such as begonia need watering every other day or so, hence need regular care and love.   

3. “What about a snake plant, they only need watering every two weeks”

If you’re always busy and unable to tend your plant regularly, choose a less needy plant. Snake plants require less love and only need watering every two weeks. These kinds of plants are suited for those who are always out for work. Make sure that it is regularly watered even if you’re always out, or even if they are less demanding, so you can be sure that your plant is still living when you return home.

4. “Why do you want to plant if you’re never home”

Plants can uplift the mood that’s why some people want to have plants even if they’re not always at home. Plant growers who are usually away for a long time may choose less needy plants.

5. “Just get a plastic plant… that’s sad”

Plants are relaxing to the eye, and release oxygen thus giving you fresh air. Plus, they can be a mood booster especially if they are aromatic. Though plastic plants are easy to maintain because neglect will not kill them, and may look as if they are real, they are still non-living hence feels empty and sad to have. Real plants are incomparable to plastic plants.

6. “I can’t sell you this plant… I can’t sell it to you in good conscience… I just don’t feel comfortable selling a plant to someone who can be so indifferent towards a living thing”

Knowing that plants are living things that breathes, needs some feeding, care, and attention, conscientious people can be so considerate to it. Just the thought of a withering plant due to unintentional neglect could even affect or make them uncomfortable. They can be so protective of the plant that they can’t easily give it away.

7. “Cactus requires the bare minimum love a human can give so you’ll totally kill it”

Cactus are plants you can see in the desert. They are less needy and can stay alive even without watering them regularly, hence the catchy line “Be a Cactus’ from the ghosted movie.

Watch the flower scene and some parts we highlighted below

✍️ April 12, 2024

Chris Evans Ssshhh Method To Dealing With Anxiety and Brain Noise

The Ssshhh method is a very modest way to deal with your brain noise. It’s been associated with Chris Evans, an American actor and the co-founder of A Starting Point — an online platform that provides concise explanations to common issues that affects the everyday lives of citizens. He mentioned in his previous interviews that it’s his way of dealing with his apprehensions and for quieting his thoughts.

Chris Evans described the Ssshhh strategy as oversimplified but profound. It has impacted him a lot and found it effective in dealing with his brain noise.

So what is brain noise?…

Chris himself admitted that his brain is noisy, which is a situation that’s relatable to most of us and something that we might have experienced at one point or another. During his Becoming Series interview in 2012, Chris has perfectly defined what brain noise is and how it affects us. Chris explained…

“Everyone’s brain is noisy. It makes thoughts. The problem is, in most of our lives, the root of suffering is following that brain noise and listening to that brain noise and actually identifying with it as if it’s who you are. More often than not it probably doesn’t have much to say that’s gonna help you.”

Reasons why you should do the ssshhh method

Saying sshhh to ourselves could be perceived by others as bypassing considerations that we should have, or escaping reflective thoughts. But Chris described well what sssshhhh is and what it is not, thus, helping us to better understand and appreciate what this concept is about.

“The times that I felt my best are the moments that I’ve been able to pull that plug and say Chris shh-shh. It’s not quitting, it’s not giving up, it’s not washing your hands at the thought. It’s rising above it.”

Ssshhh doesn’t mean quitting or giving up. It’s actually overcoming the thoughts that make you give up. As a result, you pursue a challenging feat despite your hesitations.

Positive Effects of Ssshhh Method

Chris positively talks about the ssshhh strategy and described how it has benefited him.

“You can’t dissect why that works because the reason it works doesn’t speak the same language that the brain speaks. You can’t try and say well why ssshhh… cause the shush is different. When you just Ssshh, it feels good. I think back to the amount of time I probably spent suffering as a result of brain noise. Hours of my life wasted. So that’s what I’d say Ssshhh.

It may be hard to explain how ssshhh works, but it is effective. Our musings typically command us what to do but ssshhh allows us to quiet our thoughts.

As for Chris Evans, the ssshhh method helped him to feel good, because it
could prevent you from wasting so much time suffering and worrying about your brain noise. That’s why if there’s something that Chris would advise to his younger self, he would say shhhh…

Watch this video to see Chris Evans speaks about his Ssshhh personal experience.

Source:

Impact of Bonding and Memorable Experiences With Relatives and Family on Happiness 

Did you know that one of the things that can make life happier and more memorable is spending it with our family and relatives?

A 2019 English paper from the United Kingdom investigated the effect of memorable event experiences on familial bonding and memory creation. The result of the study showed that experiencing events together as a family can result in creating memories and relationships. This in turn can contribute to quality of life in the long run. Activities that can help foster positive family memories together include local community festivals and events. (1)

No one needs to be a lone ranger. You can do exciting things and have epic bonding moments with your relatives to make history. This can make your meetings become memorable experiences. While bonding with your relatives, why not talk about your family history, ancestors, and heritage. Who knows you might discover that you’re a descendant of famous historic persons, or your ancestors were soldiers from World War 1 or 2. Or you may find that you are multiracial and discover the nationalities and the blood that runs in your family. If you spend time with your family and relatives you may ask during your bonding moments the stories about your ancestors and verify if it’s true? Or it’s just a folk story.

As for your writing prompt today, start by making your day happier and uplifting by bonding with your relatives and family. Chat with them and ask about your family history and your ancestors, or make a family tree together or on your own. Then start writing by noting down What makes you proud of your family. What did you discover about your family… Was there a consistent pattern in the career pursued by your ancestors… 

By learning this you’ll get to know your roots and yourself well. Plus this fun activity can be a mood lifter and help establish your self-identity. 

Happy writing

Love lots,

Ciele 🍊

References:

(1) Jepson A., Stadler  R., Spencer N. Making positive family memories together and improving quality-of-life through thick sociality and bonding at local community festivals and events. 2019. Tourism Management 75, 34-50 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2019.05.001

✍️ April 10, 2024

Effect of Stress on Physical Appearance and Facial Blood Flow

Different things could cause us to be stressed, and being stressed could be manifested on your appearance as well. Read the two researches below to learn how stress could affect your looks.

1. Facial color and blood flow – biological effect

Psychological stress can cause physiological changes in autonomic nervous activity and skin decreased facial blood flow that can be manifested through facial color change. This has been the findings of a published Japanese paper in 2023 that studied the negative effect of stress on facial impressions before and after mental stress tasks using an online survey. To observe this, participants had their facial photos taken before and after the psychological stress task. Results of the study revealed that short-term mild psychological stress can worsen or deteriorate facial impressions. The observed physiological responses caused by stress were increased heart rate and a decrease in blood flow. Moreover, the results have demonstrated the the negative impact on facial impressions may persists for several hours after the stress load. (1)

2. Physical appearance modifications – aesthetic preferences and self-expression

Changes in appearance because of stressful event may indicate it as a coping
mechanism. The way a person perceives and displays their self physically could be related to their inner psychological world or a sign of a shift in their internal perceptions of their self. A study conducted in Philadelphia and its surrounding communities in October and November 2009 investigated the association of major stress events and changes in appearance. Outcome of the study yielded that changes in appearance were higher in groups with moderate to high stress scores. With regards to gender it has been found that both male and female participants consider or make changes in appearance in response to stress events. Moreover findings of the study revealed that individuals who had personally meaningful stressful life events changed or considered changing their appearance more often than those who had less personally meaningful stressful experiences. Those who had major stress events had both minor modifications such as haircuts and permanent appearance change such as tattooing, piercing, plastic surgery, and weight
change. This finding demonstrates that experiencing personally meaningful stressful life events can motivate someone to change outward appearance. Therefore, successive or dramatic appearance changes may be an indication of stressful experiences. (2)

If you’re stressed You may look haggard and less undesirable than usual, that when you look in the mirror or have taken a photo of yourself, you may notice that something’s not quite right on your face. You may notice that your skin is not smoother, pimples or lines are appearing on your face, eyebags are more obvious, darker and bigger, or your face is not well proportioned.

Appearance conscious people may get stressed when they look unatttactive. They might be concerned about receiving negative comments about their looks. If you’ve been too conscious about how you look, and people that you know have high standards when it comes to looks, you might be concerned that you cannot match their looks because of your flaws. The cycle seemed to be like when we get stressed, it can affect our appearance and so we worry. Then when we become unattractive, we become more stressed too and worry about being stressed.

But if you are less conscious about youe looks and prefers being real and natural, you may opt not to contour your face using makeup or undergo medical procedures to have a smooth or well-proportioned-looking- face. You’d want to be yourself, and allow your real reflection to be evident. You’d want to be transparent and not hide your imperfection because you dont want to give them the illusion that you look unflawed when you’re not. You want to be fair by showing them your real look despite how unpleasant it may seem.

As for you, how do you handle stress and appearance. Answer the following questions below to reflect about your usual response.

  1. How does stress make you look…
    Are you aware of ‘your’ imperfections? when you’re stressed
  2. How do you handle when you look stressed, haggard, imperfect, or flawed because of stress?…Does your confidence diminish when this happens to you?…Do you even get more stressed, anxious or depressed if you look unpretty?…
  3. How do you manage stress to look better

It’s important to know your perception to have a healthier view of yourself. By being objective and having an honest answer, you’ll be aware of the areas you need to develop and improve in yourself.

References:

References:

  • (1) Koizumi, K., Hirao, N., Yamanami, H., & Ohira, H. (2023). Effects of mild psychological stress on facial impressions. Frontiers in psychology, 14, 1186046. doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1186046
  • Stitz M.E., Pierce Jr. J.D. Changes in Appearance in the Presence of Major Stress Events. Sage Publication (2013)1–8. doi:10.1177/2158244013485093

✍️ April 9, 2024

Cortisol: Stress Hormone In Your Blood And The Side Effects of Consuming Cortisol Regulating Drugs

Cortisol, otherwise known as stress hormone is a biochemical that your body releases when you experience any kind of stress such as acute stress, post-traumatic disorder, and chronic stress. (2) It is produced by the adrenal glands which are two small glands that are located above the kidneys. (1) The pituitary gland, a gland found in the brain creates a hormone that sends a message to your adrenal glands about how much cortisol to produce. (1)

Effect of High levels of Cortisol

Having high levels of cortisol for an extended period of time can cause cushing syndrome. (2) Other symptoms of above-normal high cortisol levels are weight gain, fatty deposits, wide and purple stretch marks, muscle weakness, high blood sugar, high blood pressure, weak bones, and excessive hair growth. (2)

Harmful effects of cortisol-regulating drugs and supplements

What’s your cortisol level in your blood. Have you taken cortisol drugs? because of it. 

To lower cortisol levels some may opt to take drugs or supplements. However, these cortisol blocker drugs may have bad side effects. They could be harmful to your health and thyroid. (3) Hence, some health providers recommend avoiding taking cortisol blocker drugs or products. (3) Manipulating one body hormone may affect other hormone levels. (3)

References:

✍️ March 19, 2024

Does Smoking Worsens Parkinson’s Disease?

Smoking can prevent constipation according to a published research paper in 2022 in Cureus. The participants of this study were Parkinson’s disease patients and controls. To determine the association, a cohort of subjects from the UK Biobank UK – a large prospective observational study were included. Participants were recruited from 22 centers located throughout England, Wales, and Scotland between 2006 and 2010. During the study, 501,174 White and British subjects were followed for several months and evaluated. Results of the analysis demonstrated that with increased smoking, Parkinson’s disease risk decreases. (1)

Tobacco component that reduces Parkinson’s risk

It is concluded that diterpenoids- a tobacco component, might be responsible for the Parkinson’s disease risk-reducing effect. Despite smoking may decrease the chance of having Parkinson’s disease, the risk reduction is insignificant. Moreover, tobacco smoking’s harmful effects might outweigh its protective effects. (1)

Reference:

  • (1) Lehrer, S., & Rheinstein, P. H. (2022). Constipation and Cigarette Smoking Are Independent Influences for Parkinson’s Disease. Cureus, 14(1), e21689. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.21689

✍️ March 15-16, 2024

Drinking Coffee and Tea Can Prevents Parkinson’s Disease

Coffee and tea drinking can prevent constipation according to a published research paper in 2022 in Cureus. The participants of this study were Parkinson’s disease patients and controls. To determine the association, a cohort of subjects from the UK Biobank UK – a large prospective observational study were included. Participants were recruited from 22 centers located throughout England, Wales, and Scotland between 2006 and 2010. During the study, 501,174 White and British subjects were followed for several months and evaluated. Findings showed that drinking coffee and tea each cup per day reduced Parkinson’s disease. (1)

Coffee, and tea’s protective effect against Parkinson’s disease

Drinking coffee, but not decaffeinated coffee and tea can protect against Parkinson’s disease because caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant and neuroprotectant. The diterpene content of coffee and tea may also contribute to the protective effect against Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease since decaffeinated coffee has decreased diterpene ester levels. (1)

Reference:

  • (1) Lehrer, S., & Rheinstein, P. H. (2022). Constipation and Cigarette Smoking Are Independent Influences for Parkinson’s Disease. Cureus, 14(1), e21689. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.21689

✍️ March 15-16, 2024

Effect of Cigarette Smoking on Constipation

Many people like to smoke cigarettes, but doing so poses health risks. Some smoke because it is a habit, and some do so because it’s fun. Some however smoke because they need to poop. Surprisingly, there are health benefits to doing it too. However, we can’t ignore its side effects. Those who are addicted to cigarettes could be hopeful that taking it could not cause any bad effects in the future but instead would be beneficial and good for the body. This may seem odd for others hence they may find themselves asking ‘Am I hoping for something that will never happen? Am I waiting for nothing? particularly about cigarettes not posing any health risks.

Cigarette smoking is widely known as a health harming product. That’s why why there are lots of advisories out there that reminds us about its side effects. However, some smoke cigarette to destress and oddly to poop. So does cigarette smoking helps constipation? Read the case study below to know more.

1. Cigarettes as stool softener

Cigarettes soften stools. Healthy and constipated German individuals were the participants of a study that attempted to identify potentially constipating foods and beverages. To conduct this research they asked 122 chronic constipation patients, 766 irritable bowel syndrome with constipation patients, and 200 healthy controls to answer a questionnaire about the effect of foods and beverages on their stool form. surprisingly half of the smokers view smoking as stool softeners.

2. Smoking stimulates the bowel to empty

Smoking can prevent constipation according to a published research paper in 2022 in Cureus. The participants of this study were Parkinson’s disease patients and controls. To determine the association, a cohort of subjects from the UK Biobank UK – a large prospective observational study were included. Participants were recruited from 22 centers located throughout England, Wales, and Scotland between 2006 and 2010. During the study, 501,174 White and British subjects were followed for several months and evaluated. Findings showed that drinking coffee and tea each cup per day reduced Parkinson’s disease risk by 95%. Findings yielded that smoking reduces Parkinson’s disease risk because it stimulates the bowel to empty, prevents constipation, and changes the gut microbiome. (2) It is important to remember though that despite smoking may reduce constipation, tobacco smoking’s harmful effects might outweigh its protective effects.

Reasons to cure constipation: Constipation-related causes and effects

Parkinson’s Disease can increase constipation risk. According to some research, constipated people are more prone to develop Parkinson’s disease compared to those who are not. It is also believed that constipation can predate Parkinson’s disease diagnosis by over a decade. The study however found there was a low incidence of constipation in their participants with Parkinson’s disease.

Cigarette smoking seems to outweigh the bad effects than the good effects. When people see their loved ones smoke badly, they may feel that they don’t give importance to their ‘life’ and just neglect how it would damage or cause pain in their bodies. That’s why people might want to know where they stand when it comes to cigarette smoking.

Reference:

  • (1)Müller-Lissner, S. A., Kaatz, V., Brandt, W., Keller, J., & Layer, P. (2005). The perceived effect of various foods and beverages on stool consistency. European journal of gastroenterology & hepatology, 17(1), 109–112. https://doi.org/10.1097/00042737-200501000-00020 [Abstract]
  • (2) Lehrer, S., & Rheinstein, P. H. (2022). Constipation and Cigarette Smoking Are Independent Influences for Parkinson’s Disease. Cureus, 14(1), e21689. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.21689

✍️ March 15-16, 2024

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