HealthyLife Articles

Category: Mental Health

Gambling Problems

Mental Health

For most people, gambling is a social event done responsibly. For as much as 4% of all adults, though, gambling can disrupt their lives. About 2 million (1%) of adults in the U.S. meet the criteria for pathological gambling.

Another 4 to 8 million persons (2-3%) are problem gamblers. They are not pathological gamblers, but have problems due to gambling.

Signs & Symptoms

For Pathological Gambling

Pathological gamblers are addicted to gambling. They do 5 or more of these things:

* They are pre-occupied with gambling. They dwell on past gambling events, plan future gambling bouts, and/or think about ways to get money to gamble with.

* They need to increase the amount of money to gamble with to get a desired level of excitement.

* They have tried to control, limit, or stop gambling without success.

* They are restless or very cranky when they try to limit or stop gambling.

* They gamble to escape problems or to relieve negative feelings.

* They gamble to get even for past gambling losses.

* They lie to others to hide how much they are involved with gambling.

* They have stolen or done another illegal act to get money for gambling.

* They have lost a job, a relationship, etc., due to gambling.

* They rely on others to bail them out from money problems due to gambling.

Other Problems Pathological Gamblers Have

* They abuse alcohol or drugs.

* They sleep poorly.

* They are prone to stress-related conditions, such as high blood pressure, headaches, and mood disorders, such as depression.

* They have thoughts of suicide.

* They gamble constantly.

* They want to have wealth and material goods without working hard to get them.

* They think that money is both the cause of and solution to all of their problems.

* They feel important or “in control” and over-confident while betting.

Causes

Problem gambling occurs when gambling can’t be controlled. It may follow years of social gambling, but then may be set into motion by a stressful event or greater exposure to gambling.

Problem gamblers report that one or both parents had a drinking and/or gambling problem.

Treatment

Problem gambling is an illness. It needs professional treatment.

Questions to Ask

Self-Care / Prevention

Along with professional treatment:

* Learn all you can about gambling and its effects.

* Contact Gamblers Anonymous (GA).

* Ask your family and friends to help you take part in non-gambling activities.

* When you feel compelled to gamble, do something else. Exercise. Take a warm bath or shower. Spend time on a hobby.

* Get involved in school, church, and community activities. These can help distract you from gambling.

Resources

Gamblers Anonymous International Service Office

213.386.8789

gamblersanonymous.org

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Violence & Abuse

Mental Health

Violence is the intended use or threat of force or power against one or more persons or even oneself. It results in physical or emotional harm, deprivation, or, too often, death. Worldwide, violence causes 44% of deaths among males; 7% among females.

Abuse is one form of violence. It can be emotional, physical, economic, and/or sexual.

Violence and abuse are law and order issues, as well as, personal and public health issues.

Signs & Symptoms

A person who commits violence and abuse does the things listed below. The signs often progress from ones that cause less harm to ones that can threaten life.

* Uses verbal abuse, such as name calling.

* Acts possessive and extremely jealous.

* Has a bad temper. Does violent acts in front of others, but doesn’t harm them. An example is putting a fist through a wall.

* Gives threats.

* Acts cruel to animals.

* Pushes, slaps, and/or restrains others.

* Punches. Kicks. Bites. Sexually assaults.

* Chokes others. Breaks bones. Uses weapons.

Causes

Violence and abuse are ways to gain and keep control over others. Persons who commit violence or abuse come from all groups and backgrounds. Often, they have these problems:

* Poor skills to communicate.

* A family history of violence. They may have been abused in the past. They may have seen one parent beat the other.

* Alcohol or drug abuse.

Treatment

Treatment for the victim of abuse or violence depends on the situation and includes:

* Emergency medical care. Calling the police.

* Going to a safe place, such as a shelter for victims of abuse.

* Counseling.

* Training to be assertive.

In general, persons who abuse others or commit violence find it hard to change their behavior without professional help.

Questions to Ask

Self-Care / Prevention

To Handle Being in an Abusive Relationship

* Get help!

* Have a safety plan for times you feel unsafe or in danger.

– Decide who you will call (e.g., police, neighbors, relatives, a shelter). Make a list of these telephone numbers. Memorize them, too.

– Decide where you will go. If you have children and pets, develop safety plans. Practice the safety plans with your children. Have a plan for taking them with you. Have plans for where they should go if you can’t get away.

– Keep extra keys to your car and house in a safe place unknown to the person abusing you.

– Put some cash in a safe place that you can get quickly in case you need money for transportation to a safe place.

To Manage Conflict Without Violence

* When you communicate, state your needs without putting others down.

* Learn to deal with frustration, rejection, ridicule, jealousy, and anger.

* Accept differences in others. This includes sexual preferences, ethnic and religious backgrounds, etc. You do not need to change your beliefs, but don’t expect other persons to change theirs, either.

* Be an active listener. Focus on what the other person is saying. Try to understand his or her point of view. Or, simply accept it as an opinion.

* Take a course that teaches skills to manage conflict.

* When you can’t resolve a conflict on your own, get help.

Resources

National Center for Victims of Crime

202.467.8700

www.ncvc.org

National Domestic Violence Hotline

800.799.7233

www.thehotline.org

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Good Grief

Mental Health

Going through stages of loss is normal.

Grief is a deep sadness that results from a major or minor loss. It can last weeks, months, or years. Understanding the normal stages of grief, the passage of time, and self-care measures treat most cases of grief. Sometimes, counseling is needed.

Stages of grief

Shock: You feel dazed and numb.

Denial and searching:

You are in a state of disbelief. You ask, “Why did this happen?” or “Why didn’t I prevent this?” You look for ways to keep your loved one or the loss with you. You think you see or hear the deceased person. You begin to feel that the loss is real.

Suffering and disorganization:

You feel guilty, anxious, depressed, lonely, and afraid. You may place blame on everything and everyone. You may have headaches, constant fatigue, and/or shortness of breath. You withdraw from routine and social contacts.

Recovery and acceptance:

You start seeing a future instead of dwelling on the past. You adjust to the reality of the loss. You develop new relationships and a positive attitude.

Self-care:

* Eat regular meals. Do regular exercise.

* Express your emotions to family and friends. Be with others, especially during the holidays.

* Try not to make major life changes, such as moving during the first year of grieving.

* Join a bereavement support group. Read self-help books about dealing with grief and death.

* Adopt a pet.

Causes of grief:

* The death of a family member or friend

* A divorce or sending a child off to college

* A new or lost job. A promotion, demotion, or retirement.

* An illness, injury, or disability

* Moving to a new location or loss of property

Action Step

If grief keeps you from coping on a daily basis, triggers thoughts of suicide, or causes you to overuse medication or alcohol, seek professional help.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Grief / Bereavement

Mental Health

Grief is a deep sadness or sorrow that results from a loss. The loss can be a major or minor one. It can result from something positive or negative. Bereavement is grieving most often linked with the death of a loved one.

Signs & Symptoms

Stages of Grief

1. Shock.

You feel dazed or numb.

2. Denial and searching.

* You are in a state of disbelief.

* You ask questions, such as, “Why did this happen?” or “Why didn’t I prevent this?”

* You look for ways to keep your loved one or loss with you.

* You think you see or hear the deceased person.

* You begin to feel that the loss is real.

3. Suffering and disorganization.

* You feel guilty, anxious, depressed, lonely, afraid, etc.

* You may place blame on everyone and everything.

* You may get physical symptoms. These include headaches, stomachaches, constant fatigue, and/or shortness of breath.

* You withdraw from routine and social contacts.

4. Recovery and acceptance.

* You begin to look at the future instead of dwelling on the past.

* You adjust to the reality of the loss.

* You develop new relationships.

* You develop a positive attitude.

Grieving the loss of a loved one can last weeks, months, or years.

Causes

* A new or lost job, a promotion, demotion, or retirement.

* Relationship changes, such as getting divorced or having a child leave home.

* An illness, injury, and/or disability.

* The death of a family member or friend. Loss of property. Moving to a new place.

Factors that shape a person’s response to a loss, such as death include:

* Age, gender, and health.

* How sudden the loss was.

* Cultural background. Religious beliefs.

* Finances.

* Social network.

* History of other losses or traumatic events.

Each of these factors can add to or reduce the pain of grieving.

Treatment

Understanding the normal stages of grief, the passage of time, and self-care measures treat most cases of grief. When these are not enough, counseling can help.

Questions to Ask

Self-Care / Prevention

* Eat regular meals.

* Get regular physical activity.

* Allow friends and family to help you. Don’t hold your feelings inside. State how you really feel. Visit them, especially during the holidays, if you would otherwise be alone. Travel during the holidays if this helps.

* Share and maintain memories of a lost loved one. Being reminded of the past can help with the process of coming to grips with a loss.

* Try not to make major life changes, such as moving during the first year of grieving.

* Join a support group for the bereaved. People and places to contact include your EAP representative, your student counseling center, churches or synagogues, funeral homes, and hospice centers.

* Adopt a pet.

* Read self-help books about grief and death.

Resources

AARP Grief Support

www.aarp.org/family/lifeafterloss

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Manger Anger

Mental Health

Don’t let mental wrath create physical problems.

“Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned.” – Buddha

Too much or chronic anger can lead to depression, headaches, heart disease, high blood pressure, or problems with alcohol or drugs. It can also trigger domestic violence, property damage, or road rage.

Learn to manage anger.

Managing your anger can enhance emotional well-being and lead to a happier, healthier life.

* Share your anger with a trusted friend, family member, teacher, etc.

* Express your feelings in ways that don’t offend or accuse others.

* Keep a record of reasons and times you have too much anger. You may start to see patterns that can be changed.

* Channel your energy in positive ways. Write poetry, clean out your cabinets, or take a walk.

* Distract yourself. Play music.

* Learn to accept things that you cannot change, such as traffic jams.

* Lighten up. Look for humor in situations that result in anger.

* Meditate or do yoga.

* Think before you act or speak.

* Eat healthy foods and don’t skip meals.

Signs of anger:

* Feeling restless

* Clenched teeth

* Trembling lips or hands

* Increased heart rate or blood pressure

* Yelling. Slamming doors.

* Being less productive

* Sleeping problems

* Violent outbursts

Action Step

If anger interferes with your day-to-day life or has caused physical or emotional harm to you or someone else, seek help from your doctor or a mental health care provider.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Mental Health Topics

Mental Health

Eating Disorders

Problem Gambling

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

Things to Know About Anxiety Remedies

Be Kind to Yourself

5 Ways to Change Habits

Feeling SAD?

Warning Signs of Mental Illness

Caring for Your Emotional Health

Building Resilience: How You Can Do It

Adults Get ADHD too

Anger

Anxiety

Bipolar Disorder

Burnout

Obsessive-Compulsive Behavior

Codependency

Depression

Eating Disorders

Grief / Bereavement

Gambling

Suicidal Thoughts

Paranoia

Passive-Aggressive Behavior

Parenting Issues

Relationship/Marital Problems

Self-Esteem

Manage Anger

How to Spot a Possible Suicide

Phobias

Violence & Abuse

Depression is a Real Disease

Schizophrenia

Defeat the Holiday Blues

Good Grief

A Cure for the Winter Doldrums

Lifestyle Changes Can be as Effective as Medications

Warning Signs About Mental Health

Short Days, Long Nights, Bright News

Coping with loss of a loved one

Suicide: Signs and getting help

When Gambling is Unhealthy

Overcoming Hoarding Disorder

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
A Cure For The Winter Doldrums

Mental Health

Many people start to feel depressed in November and continue to feel as dark and dreary as the weather until the spring thaw. Scientists call severe depression that sets in during winter Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Light and temperature play a significant role in SAD. Daylight prompts the brain to release chemicals that spark feelings of energy. For about 5 percent of the population, their mood grows darker when days grow shorter. Daily exposure to full-spectrum fluorescent light, which resembles sunlight, can help cure SAD. Other tips for overcoming SAD include:

* Get outside as much as possible. SAD sufferers report they benefit more by exposure to early morning light than to light later in the day.

* Keep the drapes in your house open and the window shades raised during daylight hours.

* Sit near windows and gaze outside periodically.

* On cloudy days, turn on bright lights.

* Don’t isolate yourself during winter. Visit friends, go to museums, see shows-anything to get out and about.

* Try to take your vacation in the winter instead of in the summer.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Obsessive-Compulsive Behavior

Mental Health

Obsessions are unwanted thoughts or impulses that cause a person distress.

Common Obsessions & Compulsions

Common Obsessions

* Thoughts or fear of dirt or contamination

* Thoughts or fear of losing control

* Thoughts or fear of injury to others or self

Compulsions are rituals or repeated behaviors that a person does.

Common Compulsions

* Excessive hand washing or cleaning the house many times during the day

* Endless organizing of closets, desktops, drawers

* Excessive list making, exercising, working

* Checking and re-checking to make sure doors are locked, water faucets and/or gas stoves are turned off, etc.

The repeated acts are an attempt to reduce the anxiety felt with an obsession. Excessive hand washing, for example, helps a person deal with obsessive thoughts or fear of dirt or contamination. Persons can have obsessive thoughts without compulsions. And rituals or repeated behaviors can take place without obsessions.

In and of themselves, compulsive behaviors are often nothing to worry about. For some people, they result in a high standard of performance in their work and other activities. When a person is preoccupied with obsessions and compulsions, though, it can keep him or her from doing daily living tasks. It can also be a sign of a problem called obsessive-compulsive disorder. This disorder is a type of anxiety disorder which generally causes moderate to severe distress. A person with this disorder needs professional treatment.

About 2% of Americans suffer from an obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) at some time in their lives. The disorder often begins during the teen or early adult years, but may begin in childhood. Obsessive-compulsive disorders affect males and females equally, but usually begin earlier in males.

A problem in brain function could be a cause of OCD. Heredity also plays a role.

How to Recognize the Disorder

A person with obsessive-compulsive disorder usually knows that their obsessive thoughts and/or compulsive acts are excessive and unreasonable. They cannot stop them, though. Reasons to get professional help include:

* The obsessions or compulsions cause a lot of distress

* The behavior prevents the person from living life the way they would like or causes problems with family, friends, school or work

* Excessive behavior puts the person’s health at risk

* More than 1 hour a day is spent on obsessive or compulsive behaviors

Treatment

* Medication. Certain antidepressants are used.

* Therapy. Behavior therapy and cognitive behavior therapy are used. Traditional talk therapy is not effective.

A combination of medication and behavioral therapy is often most effective. Guidance for family members should be a part of a complete treatment plan.

What You Can Do to Help Someone

* The most important thing you can do is to get your friend or relative to seek professional treatment from a provider who is experienced with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Their illness, especially if it is severe and has persisted for a long time, will not go away on its own. Try to give positive feedback to the person about their seeking help.

* Be supportive. Take their obsessions or compulsions seriously. Telling them they are being “silly” or “childish” will not help them. It will only serve to increase their feelings of anxiety and alienation.

* If your friend or relative is being treated for this disorder, remind them to do the things their health care provider has advised.

* Know their medication. You may need to be aware of the types of medication the person needs to take and when they should take it. You should also alert their physician about any side effects that you notice when they take medication.

* Some mental health practitioners have the person keep a journal to gauge the extent and changes in compulsive behaviors. Remind your friend or relative to write in their journal, if they have one.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Anger

Mental Health

Anger is a natural response to frustration and/or events that cause displeasure. Too much or pent up anger can play a role in mental and physical problems. Chronic anger can lead to illnesses, drug and alcohol problems, headaches, domestic violence, etc. Anger turned inward can result in depression. Anger can also be a symptom of depression.

Studies have found that anger and depression can increase the risk for heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke.

Angry outbursts can cause relationship problems with others. On the other hand, learning to manage anger and frustration can enhance emotional well-being and lead to a healthier, happier life.

Signs & Symptoms

Anger can range from mild displeasure to outright rage. Symptoms of anger include:

* Feeling restless.

* Teeth clenching. Trembling of the lips or hands.

* Increased heart rate and blood pressure.

* Yelling, slamming doors, etc.

* Being less productive.

* Sleeping problems.

* Violent outbursts.

Causes

Unmet expectations can cause anger. So can feeling frustrated and disrespect from others. Physical pain and discomfort from heat, noise, crowds, etc., can provoke an anger response. Low blood sugar can do this, too.

Treatment

Self-care measures can help in most cases. When these are not enough, an evaluation from a doctor or mental health care provider may be needed. Treatment will depend on the cause.

Questions to Ask

Self-Care / Prevention

* Don’t ignore anger. Express it in a healthy way.

– Share your angry feelings with a person you trust and feel safe with, such as a friend, partner, teacher, etc.

– Get the anger “off your chest.” Do this calmly and without being cruel. Tell persons you feel angry with how they have upset you. You will likely start to feel better.

– If you can’t express your anger out loud, write it down.

* Express your wants, needs, and feelings, in ways that do not offend others. Doing so can keep you from feeling that you were taken advantage of and getting angry as a result. Use “I” rather than “you” statements. For example, say “I get angry when I feel put down by your comments in front of our friends.” Don’t say, “You make me angry when you put me down in front of our friends.”

* List reasons and times when you have too much anger. Note if there are any patterns to your anger and if they can be changed.

* Channel the energy from anger into something positive or creative. Clean out drawers. Take a short walk or do other exercises. Paint, write poems, etc.

* Distract yourself. If you’re stuck in traffic, try to accept the delay and that it is beyond your control. Instead of clenching the steering wheel, play pleasant music on the radio or listen to tapes or CDs that are calming.

* To lessen anger outbursts, think of what will happen as a result of your anger.

* Find humor in situations that result in anger.

* Practice learning to lighten up.

* Use stress management techniques on a routine basis.

* Think before you act or speak. Try to understand your anger. Plan how you want to react or respond.

* Eat healthy foods. Eat at regular times.

Resources

Mental Health America (MHA)

800.969.6642

www.mentalhealthamerica.net

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Paranoia

Mental Health

A person who is paranoid has fears, such as being watched, harmed or poisoned. He or she does not trust others and is suspicious that others are “out to get” him or her. It is normal to wonder if people are talking about you when you hear them whispering as you walk into a room. These thoughts are usually passed off and not dwelled upon for most people. A person who is paranoid, however, dwells upon suspicious thoughts. He or she goes out of their way to prove their suspicions even though no evidence exists to confirm their thoughts.

Symptoms

* Use and/or withdrawal of certain drugs, such as crack cocaine and angel dust (PCP)

* Alcohol withdrawal

* Deafness or problems with hearing

* Illnesses that affect the central nervous system, such as Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias, a stroke, a brain tumor

* Mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia

* Paranoid personality disorder

How to Recognize the Disorder

A person with paranoia may:

* Appear cold and aloof

* Be withdrawn and anxious in social situations

* Act stubborn and combative

* Appear “on guard” at all times, out of fear of being harmed

A paranoid person also:

* Complains about his or her health and often feels vulnerable and inferior to others

* Holds grudges easily

* Displays bitterness and resentment toward others

* May be easily drawn into religious cults or other groups with strict beliefs

* Can have delusions of being persecuted

Treatment

Treatment for paranoia depends on its cause. If it is a symptom of another condition, treatment for the condition will often take care of or lessen the paranoia. Paranoid personality disorder is treated with counseling, support therapy and sometimes with medication. Treatment for this disorder is not easy, though, due to the nature of paranoia. Persons who are paranoid often do not trust others including doctors, therapists or family members trying to help them get treatment.

What You Can Do to Help Someone

* The most important thing you can do is to encourage your friend or relative to get professional help. Be aware that you may need to make the initial appointment with a professional. You may also need to take them to the appointment and stay with them.

* Be supportive. Paranoia requires patience, understanding, love and encouragement of the person’s loved ones and friends.

* Be aware of the types of medication your friend or relative takes and when they should take it. You should also alert their physician or psychiatrist to any side effects that you notice when they do or do not take their medication.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026