A number of people say they drink alcohol to ‘hide their sorrows’ after a messy breakup, loss of job, or other major stresses related to the usual ups and downs of life. Alcohol does have a temporary tranquilizing effect on the brain. A few pints of beer or an occasional glass of wine do have a calming effect and tend to relieve a lot of people of their anxieties.

Drinking alcohol occasionally with friends and having a good time is one thing, but using it to deal with personal problems is symptomatic of alcohol abuse. Drinking heavily might also be an indication that a person is depressed, or in worst cases is the cause of depression itself….

Studies conducted across the world are finding a strong link between serious alcohol use and behavioral problems like depression and anxiety. The moot question that perplexes researchers is, whether regular alcohol consumption leads to depression, or depressed people tend to drink more than other. Opinion is divided on the issue. The following article discusses in brief some of the causative factors that make alcohol abuse and depression so inextricably linked with each other.

Can depression lead to reckless alcohol consumption?

According to a major study conducted by the American National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, almost one-third of people suffering from depression related problems, also grappled with alcohol related issues at some point in their life. In the majority of cases, depression may be the first to occur. The same research also shows that people who were depressed during their childhood are more susceptible to develop alcohol problems once they reach adolescence. Teenagers who have suffered from an episode of major depression are two times as likely to start drinking alcohol in comparison to people who didn’t have any major psychological problem before. Depression may also be a significant causal factor for alcohol abuse in women, who are highly susceptible to start drinking profoundly if they have a history of depression. Experts say that women have a higher propensity to heal themselves with alcohol than men.

Does uncontrolled alcohol consumption lead to depressed minds?

Human Behavioral studies suggest that excessive alcohol consumption increases the risk of suffering from depression in a significant number of people. This causal link may be because of the direct exposure of the brain to the toxic effects of heavy alcohol consumption. Reckless alcohol consumption also can have serious impact on a person’s life by causing financial and legal troubles, weakened judgment & thinking, as well as marital discord. If a person is struggling with paucity of monetary resources or coming to terms with a failed relationship, they have a higher chance to feel depressed and may also resort to binge drinking.

Are Genetic or Lifestyle characteristics accountable for the connection between reckless alcohol use and Depression?

Researchers have not yet come across clinching evidence that depression triggers alcohol abuse or vice versa, but it’s very likely that they share causative factors. Studies conducted on twins have shown that the same determinants that add to heavy drinking in families are also responsible for causing major depression in the same person.

Researchers have been probing for a similar gene or genes that might be behind both conditions. They have located at least one such gene i.e. a sub-type of the gene CHRM2 that plays a major role in controlling important brain functions, including memory and retention. Variations in the quantity and availability of this gene might put people at risk for alcohol dependence and depression.

A person’s domestic and social environment also plays a huge role in determining whether they might be susceptible to both depression and a drinking problem. Children who have been privy to physical or mental abuse or the ones who were raised in poverty tend to be more susceptible to both the conditions than other children of the same age-group

Conclusion

Heavy and irresponsible consumption of alcohol results in worsening the problem of depression that a person already suffers from. People who are depressed and are dependent on severe alcohol addiction have more recurrent and harsh episodes of depression, and are more likely encounter suicidal feelings.

Alcohol abuse and depression are both serious problems that shouldn’t be ignored at any cost. People with chronic alcohol related problems can look up to Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) to help them better understand their problem. They must visit one of AA’s meetings, at least once and instead of relying on other people’s opinions, should seek a first-hand experience of the strong peer support group that AA has built for its members. Also consulting with a psychologist on a regular basis and subscribing to non-medicinal treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy helps to lessen the frequency of depressing episode in a patient’s life. There is some evidence that taking antidepressants may help relieve depression on a long term basis and also reduce the craving for consuming alcohol for relieving stress and anxiety from such depression. However, recourse to any such medicine should be taken only after a thorough consultation with a reputable physician or psychiatrist.

About The Author: Brianne is a writer/blogger. She loves writing, traveling and reading books. She contributes on Next Financial Group

The term ‘torture’ arouses images of great physical pain and discomfort in the mind’s eye. However, as experiences over the centuries and modern research have revealed, physical pain could be the least damaging among all of torture’s horrors. The resulting stress on the mind and the lifelong psychological effects are its true horrors. Just knowing them should be sufficient to motivate one into fighting against all forms of torture being practiced all over the world today.

The ‘Torture Syndrome’

While doctors and psychologists the world over have not yet succeeded in identifying a ‘Torture Syndrome’, many opine that such a thing actually exists. It exhibits among torture victims in different ways, some of which are listed below.

1. Stress Disorders:
   Most of the torture experiences result under the umbrella of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and cumulative trauma disorders (CTD). While depression is the most broad term used to describe the effects of such disorders, there is also the occurrence of chronic bodily pains, trauma, neuro-physiological damage and even musculo-skeletal damage along with injuries.
2. Lowered self-esteem and self-worth:
   One of the easiest ways to identify a torture victim is through his/her exceedingly low self-confidence and self-esteem. This further leads to unnecessary feelings of guilt and disgrace which makes one lose his/her capacity for interpersonal relationships.
3. A vicious cycle:
   Research has shown that the impact of torture is most intense when the victim has been subjected to severe helplessness. While helplessness makes a person more susceptible to torture, torture on its part increases the feeling of helplessness. Thus, a vicious cycle develops which becomes extremely difficult to break. That is the reason why many doctors and psychologists are sometimes scared to ask the right questions. They fear that it will open up a ‘Pandora’s Box’ which they would be unable to handle.
4. Lifelong effects:
   The impact made by torture often harasses the victim throughout his/her life. He/she becomes an alienated character with almost no life goals. Further, it has been found that children born to people who have been affected thus also suffer from the symptoms of torture! These children have exhibited psychosomatic symptoms, ADHD, aggressive behaviors and learning disabilities. This is something very shocking as it reveals how torture can also become a ‘genetically transmitted’ disease of sorts!
5. Incurable:
   The effects and consequences of torture are incurable in two different ways. For one, sometimes all the help given to the victim is just not enough to get him/her out of the suffering. On the other hand, such torture also gives rise to an intense desire for revenge and vengeance in the victims. Thus, it provides a fertile seed bed for future violence and psychopaths.

A double-edged sword:

It is not as if torture affects only the victims. The perpetrators too suffer from the “torture syndrome” on many occasions. The only exceptions seem to be those that hold on strongly to a belief system or religious faith. Research has shown that faith helps because torture has much greater mental implications than physical. In that light, the importance of beliefs and faith in God gain great importance in healing the victims of torture.

The above paragraph clearly indicates two major benefits of smoking:

Firstly, smoking helps in calming & relaxing the mind. Secondly, smoking helps in increased concentration level.

Let’s discuss on the first point: Calming and Relaxing.

Smoking cigarettes help in taking the stress entirely out of life, thus making the mind feel much relaxed. It helps the smoker to calm down and reduce the anxiety level. In times of extreme stress, simply lit a cigarette and give it a strong puff. See the effect. It makes the anxiety disappear like magic. A relaxing and much soothing experience.

Now, on increased concentration level

Smoking helps in uplifting the concentration level. It helps in providing some sort of metal strength to the smoker. It is a stamina builder and boost in some good mental strength. Smoking allows the smoker to lift up a level. It helps in keeping the senses always awakened. Smoking is a calm and relaxed way to regain the concentration level.

Till now, it can be understood that smoking cigarettes can have 2 side effects: it helps in making the smoker feel a lot relaxed while calming the mind. And it helps in improving the concentration level. It provides a general feel of peacefulness or tranquillity. Smoking cigarettes can make the smoker feel a bit more confident. It helps in making him/her become more capable in dealing with stressful situations that demands increased concentration level.

Well, now come to the actual scenario. The above mentioned points are basically myth and partly true. It is the cigarette manufacturing brands that spread such rumors. In general, smoking is one of the ugliest habits a person can have. It not only deteriorates a person’s health, but also pollutes the surroundings. Smoking leads to cancer. Frequent smokers develop a very black layer on their lungs. this layer is mainly deposition of a certain type of tar that results in spreading cancer to the body cells. Smoking is a bad habit that deteriorates the lungs’ ability to pump more air into the heart. It contaminates the blood. Smoking darkens teeth and lips. Smoking is bad and it can end a life in a very slow yet effective manner. Remember, smoking reduces the oxygen supply to the brain. As a result, the brain’s thinking ability gets reduced. Those who say that smoking helps in improving the concentration level, take a stick and hit them hard at their back. Smoking is the best way to poison a body in a slow but effective manner. Stop smoking. Save yourself and save the surroundings.

How stress affects?

Stress is a part of our body programming. Whenever we listen some news about us then the part of brain called amygdale decides whether this news could put you in danger or not. If yes then you will jump into stress mode. We must learn how to break this cycle and put a pause to amygdale before it increases your blood pressure and make you panic.

Exercises to control stress

A few exercises which can be done anywhere at any time so as to lower down the stress are:-

· Breathe: In case when you feel yourself stressed then take three deep breaths. By focusing more you could feel your belly expanding and contracting. Count till eight while exhaling and inhaling and feel the movement of stomach through clothes. It will help you to regain your mental stability.

· Progressive relaxation: stand straight and scrunch your shoulders up to the ears. Try to pull your shoulders back and do not let them fall forward. Make your shoulder blades move together. Count till 10 before relaxing. Repeat the procedure and again count till 10. Also do not tense your shoulders that much that they cause pain. Do these 3 times to make the shoulders contract.

· Ground yourself: When in stress, do not try to escape from the people around you. Rather relax, close your eyes and feel everyone around you. Listen to the sounds, talks of people or sound of other equipments. Do not let your stress over take you. Try to be a part of the rest of the world and separate the stress for yourself.

· Learn to say no: If you are not able to do something or intentionally do not want to then be honest and say no. Saying no is a much better option than putting yourself into stress.

· Own your stress: Running away from a problem is not a solution. It will even make it worse. So never try to pretend that stress does not exist in you. Rather admit and then embrace it. Let it go with a inhale.

· Make a call to someone: If you feel yourself very stressed and discouraged then make a phone call to your friends or family member and ask for help. Tell your problem to one which you trust and let them try to air away your stress.

· Do something of your interest: In order to divert your mind try to listen to music or do something that your hobby is.

· Stay away from alcohol, drugs, caffine, and junk food. Although they will help you for a while but can cause long term health problems.

Stress is a part of everyone’s life but do not let it ruin your life. Release all of it from yourself and fill that empty space with positive energy so that you could live your life with happiness and joy.

About The Author:  Margaret is a writer/ blogger. She loves writing, travelling and reading books. She contributes to Caribbean Cruise Line Scam 

1.) Erectile Dysfunction in men

The inability to sustain an erection during sexual intercourse is known as erectile dysfunction. The problem is fairly common in working men and gets compounded with increasing age. A number of reasons are responsible for the problem. Some of the common reasons include thyroid disorders, vascular diseases and diabetes. These diseases often go unreported as a person is busy with his daily work schedule.

Psychological disorders and interpersonal relationships at work have also been cited as a potential reason for this problem. Work stress leads to psychological disorders and deteriorating interpersonal relationships cause undue stress and this has an effect on the sexual health of a person.

Erectile dysfunction is also an indication of a potential heart complication and one should take remedial measures in time to get over the problem. Identifying the underlying cause is an imperative necessity and one can consider correcting the thyroid abnormality to get rid case of the problem, if the reason has been listed as a potential cause of the problem.

2.) Reduction in Libido

Decreased sexual desire or reduction in libido is another problem that men face. Stress and psychological disorders have been identified as a potential cause of reduction in libido. Work related stress leads to decrease in sexual desire and the underlying psychological effect will ultimately lead to reduction in libido.

Testosterone deficiency is another potential cause of reduction in Libido and a range of blood tests are available that help one diagnose this disorder.

3.) Premature Ejaculation

A common sexual problem, premature ejaculation is a common problem in working men. The problem is more psychological as one is under stress to perform at work and this leads to anxiety. This ultimately has an effect when it comes to satisfying your partner.

A person under stress owing to anxiety will ejaculate prematurely and this leads to the problem getting compounded. Premature ejaculation is more of a behavioral problem and can be treated by working on the underlying cause of the problem, stress at work.

Delayed ejaculation is another form of ejaculation disorder that affects men. In this condition, the person fails to ejaculate in the usual time frame of 5-7 minutes, despite the presence of normal sexual urge. Psychological disorders relating to stress has been identified a common cause of this problem. Those having irregular sleeping schedule also face this problem. Men who work till late hours commonly suffer from this problem.

Following a balanced work schedule will help one get over the problem.

4.) Gynecomastia in men

A hormonal problem, Gynecomastia in men is primarily the enlargement of breasts. Obesity is a common cause of this problem and the same gets compounded, in case one is doing a desk job. Increase in prolactin secretion is another reason for this problem and a blood test can help identify this problem.

5.) Hypogonadism in men

Reduced production of testosterone from testes can lead to hypogonadism. Infection or trauma can lead to this problem and hypogonadism further causes low libido and erectile dysfunction. Work related stress can compound this problem and increasing number of working men face this problem due to various work related stress.

6.) Andropause in men

Reduction in testosterone production by the testes also leads to another common problem namely andropause in men. Compounded sexual functioning of the body is a common fallout of andropause and the problem gets severe with increasing age.

Depression at work can also lead to andropause in men. Working men need to maintain a healthy balance between professional and personal life, in order to get over the problem and keep the partner happy and satisfied.

7.) Infertility problem in men

Working men face another common sexual problem namely infertility. This problem occurs due to infection in test. Thyroid disorders can also lead to infertility. Stress at work also compounds the problem and one needs to maintain a healthy lifestyle to get over the problem of infertility. Thankfully a range of remedies and medicines are available that can help one get over the problem of infertility.

These are some of the common hormonal and sexual problems that affect working men primarily. Consult a sexologist in case you encounter any of the above listed symptoms.