humanity
Mental health is a fundamental right; the future of humanity depends on it.
Dear John Letter. Content Warning.
Dear John, For more than 40 years, that sneaky move you made on me has plagued me. We haven't seen one another for many decades, but the agony has not gone away. Were we to meet and talk, you would probably have no memory of that, but my trajectory changed permanently, and not for the better.
By Mack D. Ames2 years ago in Psyche
HOW TO GET YOUR BRAIN TO FOCUS . AI-Generated.
## Escaping the Screen: How Reducing Digital Overstimulation Can Improve Your Life A few years ago, I began to observe something in my own behavior that made me a bit uncomfortable. From the moment I woke up to the end of the day, my life was a series of screens. I started the day with the thing that woke me up first thing in the morning, my phone, and so I sat there in bed watching various cooking videos on Instagram and bouncing around between different applications. When it was time to get out of bed and cook breakfast, my focus shifted to the iPad next to the oven. And when it was time to work, I moved to another screen attached to yet another screen. All the while, my smartwatch would tap and beep, distracting me as I tried to get important stuff done. The most problematic device, the one I wasted the most time on, was my phone. I could spend hours on it every single day. So, I decided to get rid of it for a month, limiting my use to just 30 minutes daily. This was all the time I had for maps, calls, music, podcasts, and everything else. It took about a week to adjust, but I noticed three significant changes: my attention span grew, I had more ideas, and I made more plans for the future. Why did this happen? This led me on a journey to understand what it takes to focus in a world of distraction. I dove into hundreds of research papers, flew out to meet experts, and conducted more experiments on myself. I ended up with 25,000 words of research notes. How does technology influence our attention and ability to focus? Let's start with our attention spans. The research is fascinating. When working in front of a computer, especially with a phone nearby, we focus on one thing for just 40 seconds before switching. With distractions like Slack, this drops to 35 seconds. The root cause isn't just distraction but overstimulation. Our brains crave the dopamine hits from social media, emails, and other tiny bits of information. Our brains are in a hyperstimulated state, constantly seeking these rewarding distractions. So, I wondered what would happen if I reduced this stimulation even further. This feeling we get when moving from high stimulation to low stimulation is called boredom. I asked readers of my website for the most boring tasks and made myself bored for an hour daily for a month. I read the iTunes terms and conditions, waited on hold with Air Canada's baggage claims, counted zeroes in the first 10,000 digits of pi, and watched a clock tick for an hour, among other tedious activities. Interestingly, the same effects occurred: my attention span expanded, and my mind wandered, generating ideas and plans. This "scatter focus" is beneficial because it allows our minds to connect different ideas and come up with solutions. Our minds wander to the past, present, and future. We think about the past only 12% of the time, often recalling ideas. We think about the present 28% of the time, solving problems we encountered. But most importantly, we think about the future 48% of the time. This prospective bias explains why we plan our day in the shower. To harness this, find activities that let your mind wander, like taking a bath, walking without a phone, or even waiting in line. For me, it's knitting. It calms me and helps me generate ideas. Simple changes can make a big difference. For instance, disconnecting from the internet from 8 PM to 8 AM daily, or having a weekly technology Sabbath. Rediscovering boredom, even briefly, can also help. Lay on the couch and see where your mind goes. We need to make two fundamental shifts in how we think about attention. First, we don't need to fit more into our schedules; we need more space. Just like traffic flows better with more space between cars, our lives improve with more mental space. Second, distraction is a symptom of overstimulation, not the enemy of focus. Reducing stimulation can improve focus, creativity, and overall quality of life. I challenge you to make your mind less stimulated for two weeks. Use features on your devices to limit time-wasting activities, have a disconnection ritual, and rediscover boredom. Notice what happens to your attention, ideas, and focus. The state of our attention determines the state of our lives. Less stimulation can lead to greater productivity, focus, creativity, and a better life.
By Mbeha maliwa 2 years ago in Psyche
Understanding Miscarriage: Causes, Experience, and Treatment . AI-Generated.
Globally, around 23 million pregnancies end in miscarriage each year. Despite how common it is, miscarriage remains a taboo subject. The experience can feel isolating and, for many, emotionally traumatizing. Myths and misconceptions about miscarriage add to the stigma, leading many to unjustly blame themselves for the loss. However, most miscarriages are unpreventable and caused by factors beyond a person’s control. They happen because pregnancy is a complex process requiring careful coordination between the fertilized egg and the uterus. In fact, of every three eggs that are fertilized, only one progresses to a live birth. #### The First 12 Weeks of Pregnancy To understand miscarriage, it’s essential to look at what happens in the body during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, a period when most miscarriages occur. Pregnancy is maintained by several hormones: progesterone and estrogen, produced within the ovaries, and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), sent out by the fertilized egg. During the first half of each menstrual cycle, estrogen levels increase, followed by a rise in progesterone. These hormones signal the uterine lining to enhance its blood supply and thicken its mucosa, creating the conditions needed for early pregnancy growth. If an egg arrives at the uterus unfertilized, these hormone levels naturally drop, triggering contractions and the shedding of the uterine lining in menstruation. However, if the egg arrives fertilized, its outermost layer begins producing hCG. This hormone travels to the ovaries and stimulates the continued release of progesterone and estrogen, halting menstruation. hCG also binds to receptors on the uterine lining to prevent it from rejecting the fertilized cell mass as it embeds. This is a stage where things often go awry. For reasons that are not fully understood, as many as one-third of fertilized eggs fail to properly attach, passing undetected in a normal-seeming menstrual period. #### The Role of Chromosomal Abnormalities Implantation is only the first hurdle for fertilized eggs that do properly attach. Once burrowed in the uterine lining, the rapidly dividing fertilized egg’s own DNA guides its growth. Chromosomal abnormalities can cause irregular development or stop embryo growth entirely. While many mistakenly believe their miscarriage was caused by factors like stress, exercise, vaccination, or past birth control use, the vast majority are actually caused by these genetic issues or other health factors beyond a person’s control. #### Symptoms and Miscarriage Management Some pregnancy losses lead to few, if any, noticeable physical symptoms. In other cases, hCG levels drop, followed by a decrease in progesterone, causing bleeding and cramping. In either situation, there are three primary treatment options for managing a miscarriage—two of which are also used for induced abortion procedures, when patients choose to end a pregnancy. The first of these options is known as the “watch-and-wait” method. A person waits for pregnancy hormones to drop further, allowing the pregnancy tissue to be released with the shedding uterine wall. This approach works up to 90% of the time but can involve several weeks of unpredictable pain and bleeding. Others may opt for the second option, taking the pills mifepristone and misoprostol in sequence. The first works hormonally by blocking progesterone receptors, and the second mimics a molecule that induces labor, stimulating uterine contractions and causing the cervix to soften and dilate. After taking the second pill, the process normally takes 1 to 6 hours. It’s often safely self-managed and can be done privately at home. The third possible treatment option is known as vacuum aspiration. During this five-minute procedure, the healthcare provider numbs the cervix, then places a thin tube connected to a syringe-like device to remove the pregnancy tissue. #### Factors Influencing Treatment Choice Treatment choice is often based on the pregnant person’s medical history, timeline, expectations, and personal preferences. All three methods have proven to be safe and effective. However, without the medication or vacuum aspiration options, an untreated or incomplete miscarriage can lead to life-threatening infections and hemorrhage. Additionally, because they are the same treatments used in induced abortion care, they can be harder to access and even criminalized in some areas. #### Access to Reproductive Healthcare Beyond this, over half the world’s population lacks access to reliable basic healthcare, including these essential reproductive health services. In many regions, healthcare systems are underfunded and overburdened, leaving millions without the support they need during such a critical time. Efforts to improve access to reproductive healthcare must focus on education, removing stigma, and ensuring that all individuals can receive timely and compassionate care. #### The Emotional Impact of Miscarriage While pregnancy means different things to different people at different points in their lives, for many, losing a pregnancy can be devastating and overwhelming. The emotional toll can include feelings of grief, guilt, and isolation. It’s crucial to understand that miscarriage is often a natural part of reproduction and not a reflection of personal failure. Open conversations and support networks can help individuals navigate the complex emotions that accompany a miscarriage. #### Moving Forward: Supporting Those Affected by Miscarriage During this difficult time, everyone deserves to be met with care and support, and to have access to these life-saving treatments. Healthcare providers, friends, and family can play a significant role in offering comfort and understanding. Additionally, public health policies should aim to make reproductive healthcare more accessible and less stigmatized, ensuring that those experiencing miscarriage can receive the care they need without fear of judgment or legal repercussions. Education and awareness are key in dispelling myths about miscarriage and reducing the stigma associated with it. By sharing accurate information and personal stories, society can foster a more compassionate and supportive environment for those affected by miscarriage. In conclusion, while miscarriage is a common and often unavoidable outcome of pregnancy, it remains shrouded in silence and misunderstanding. Addressing this issue requires a multifaceted approach, including improving access to healthcare, providing emotional support, and promoting open dialogue. By doing so, we can help those affected by miscarriage find the care and understanding they need to heal and move forward.
By Mbeha maliwa 2 years ago in Psyche
Understanding the Mind
The mind, one of the most complicated and intriguing aspects of human existence, is the center of our experiences and actions. It encompasses our thoughts, emotions, memories, desires, and consciousness. The limitless potential of the mind is truly fascinating. As we can see all around us, the evolution of mankind in all aspects of life was created by this single phenomenon. Every great creation or every genius started from something called thoughts. The ability to think, which is limitless and knows no bounds, is so captivating that, by far, it is man's greatest weapon.
By Francis Ochiwu2 years ago in Psyche
The Impact of Materialism and Social Media on The Youth. AI-Generated.
In today's hyper-connected world, young people are increasingly influenced by materialism and social media, shaping their values, behaviors, and aspirations. This phenomenon has profound implications for their mental health, social relationships, and overall well-being. Let's delve into how materialism and social media are detrimentally impacting the younger generation.
By AnthonyBTV2 years ago in Psyche
Emotions
You and your friend must excel in Friday's exam to avoid summer classes, and after a week of studying, you both feel confident that you pulled it off. However, when you receive your grades, they are much lower than expected, leaving you devastated. Meanwhile, your friend appears unfazed, prompting you to question why you can't shake it off like they can.
By Mennatallah Hassan2 years ago in Psyche
Human Revolution
Human Revolution is a concept formed by 2 former presidents of the Soka Gakkai (Translation from Japanese - Value Creation Society) Josei Toda and Daisaku Ikeda. The Soka Gakkai International (SGI) is a global organization based on buddhist practise passed down from mentor to disciple since the 13th Century in Japan. The founder, Japanese priest Nichiren Daishonin proclaimed that chanting the title of the Lotus Sutra, Myoho Rengé Kyo (Nam myoho rengé kyo) would make one’s authentic self, or Buddha nature, the prevalent life condition. By aligning with the mystic law of myoho rengé kyo, Nichiren taught that human beings can constantly create value in their lives and their environment, leading to the realization of a peaceful and harmonious world view called Kosen Rufu.
By Helen J Webb2 years ago in Psyche
Time, I Should Have Treated You Better
As a child, I thought you would last forever but now I realize you are almost gone. It’s like you stood still while I played. I have to be honest; I forgot about you when I was busy with my toys. But at least I still knew how to appreciate you back then.
By Unbreakable Heart2 years ago in Psyche
All of the Stigmas Society Ignores in Hicktown
The stigma of homeless is very sad, almost devastating. A friend once told me, we all assume roles it's whether we agree to those roles or not. Mike was right though. I'm going to be sad to admit this, but I never thought being homeless in Hicktown would be this stimgaticly bad.
By Emily Curry (Rising Phoenix)2 years ago in Psyche
