How does the body generally respond to stress?
All biological processes are fundamentally adaptive. They have developed over hundreds of thousands of years in the direction of greater ability to adapt and survive. The following information is about normal stress reactions (not anxiety disorders). &...Read More
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Dr. John Preston, PsyD was mentioned in a slideshow:10 Best Cities for Strong Social Ties
Find out which cities have residents with the strongest social networks.
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Dr. John Preston, PsyD was mentioned in a slideshow:
10 Best Cities for Strong Social Ties
Find out which cities have residents with the strongest social networks.
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Dr. John Preston, PsyD answered:
How can I improve my sleep?
It may seem counterintuitive to have to work at getting a good night’s sleep, but sleep experts have found that good sleep habits, otherwise known as sleep hygiene, can improve your likelihood of enjoying healthy sleep.- Stick to a sleep schedule.
- Use your bed only for sleeping and sexual ac
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Dr. John Preston, PsyD answered:
Can alcohol affect bipolar disorder?
Alcohol is a mood-altering substance that some people with bipolar disorder use to self-medicate, which means that they use it to either drown their emotions or calm mania. When it comes to alcohol consumption, a good rule to follow is to have none at all because of its possible interaction with many med...Read More -
Dr. John Preston, PsyD answered:
How can I cope with stress if I have bipolar disorder?
Coping with stress has to do with our response to our environments. The degree of stress we have in response to environmental stressors is partly genetic but can be controlled when we learn behaviors that minimize its impact on our psyches, relationships, and bodies. Having bipolar disorder can be...Read More -
Dr. John Preston, PsyD answered:
What are the symptoms of stress?
Most people can recognize the symptoms of stress: tension, feeling overwhelmed, anxiety, anger, frustration, and weight fluctuations due to increase or decrease in appetite. We also have physical reactions to stress: for some, it's neck tension and stomach distress; for others it's headaches, back...Read More -
Dr. John Preston, PsyD answered:
How can my family and friends help me manage my bipolar disorder?
A support system is a network of friends, family, and professionals who are willing and able to provide you with the help you need when you need it. This support could vary from accompanying you on medical visits to supporting you in your maintenance plan to sharing in your exercise program. Your friends...Read More -
Dr. John Preston, PsyD answered:
How can I tell if I am an emotional eater?
In a food log, record the feelings you experienced before and after your meals or snacks. Do you notice a pattern of eating when you're tired, bored, or stressed? Remember to observe how you feel after drinking coffee or alcohol. If you find that you're using food or beverages to deal with stress...Read More -
Dr. John Preston, PsyD answered:
Is mixed bipolar disorder serious?
Mixed bipolar disorder is a condition in which there are severe episodes of major depression and what are referred to as mixed (or also dysphoric) manic episodes. In bipolar disorder, more common are “classic” manic episodes that have an elated, euphoric mood, grandiosity, and very unrealistic feelings...Read More -
Dr. John Preston, PsyD answered:
What are the treatment options for depression?
First, an important issue. Severe depression can occur in the context of unipolar disorder or bipolar disorder. These disorders are very different. Treatments that are effective with unipolar depression often do not work with bipolar disorder, and vice versa. In fact, any treatment that may reduce...Read More -
Dr. John Preston, PsyD answered:
Are there alternative treatments for depression?
There are many options when initial treatments for depression fail. 75% of treatment resistant cases are failures only because the following approaches have not been used. First, an important issue. Depression can occur in the context of unipolar disorder or bipolar. These disorders are very different....Read More -
Dr. John Preston, PsyD answered:
How can journaling help me cope with depression?
Although this thought record exercise may seem simplistic, it has been shown to be effective in elevating mood in people with depression.
There are six steps to keeping a thought record.
Step 1. When you feel a particularly unpleasant or intense emotion, take the time to complete a thought...Read More -
Dr. John Preston, PsyD answered:
How does bipolar disorder affect sleep?
Regular sleep keeps the body running smoothly, and yet many people with bipolar disorder don't follow a set sleeping ritual. Many people also think that sleep problems are simply a result of bipolar disorder symptoms. In reality, a change in sleep pattern caused by an outside event, such as work...Read More -
Dr. John Preston, PsyD answered:
How does depression affect sleep?
Disordered sleep is extremely common in people with depression. Insomnia is especially common, particularly waking frequently throughout the night and waking early in the morning and being unable to return to sleep. Even if they do manage to sleep through the night, people with depression may also have...Read More