Meant to Live: October 2016

In the last couple months, I've watched the movies "Psycho," "Nightmare on Elm Street," "Scream 1," and "Scream 2" for the first time.

I know what you're thinking. "What took you so long to watch these classics?"

I was the little girl who was terrified of Ursula the Sea Witch as a kid. So, honestly, I put off watching these movies because I was scared.

But upon watching them, I realized something I never knew before. That, while watching horror flicks, my anxiety dissipated.

Any thoughts that would normally stress me out would completely vanish and instead, the only thought that would consume my mind was, "Oh my god! Is Johnny Depp's character going to die?" or "Is Norman Bates or his mother the murderer?" And something about this was welcoming, even therapeutic, compared to thinking about real life stressors.

I have since found that this feeling is common.

As one Reddit user said, "It creates a different anxiety, an anxiety that isn't about me, ya know?"

Researchers have actually found that scary movies can help reduce the anxiety of people who suffer from the disorder.

Psychology Today reports that adrenaline created by an abrupt blast of stress, like by watching scary movies, "sends a flood of oxygen-rich red blood cells through your body, boosts your immune system, and signals your brain to start releasing painkilling dopamine and endorphins."

Abby Moss, writer for Broadly, interviewed Dr. Mathias Clasen from Aarhus University in Denmark, who has been studying the psychological effects of horror movies for 15 years. He told Moss, "Exposure to horror films can be gratifying when the negative emotions caused by the film are manageable. ... We know it's not real. "

"The genre allows us to voluntarily—and under controlled circumstances—get experience with negative emotion."

There are many different treatments for anxiety. Medication. Exercise. Being outdoors. And even scary movies. There is no wrong way to cope. Just find the therapy works for you.

How horror films can help people suffering from anxiety

In the last couple months, I've watched the movies "Psycho," "Nightmare on Elm Street," "Scream 1," and ...

The movie "Swiss Army Man," which was released on DVD earlier this month, opens with Hank (Paul Dano) alone on an island, standing on a crate with a noose around his neck.

Then, he notices the dead body of Manny (Daniel Radcliffe) washed up on shore.

And seeing Manny laying there in the sand is, ultimately, what keeps Hank from killing himself. (Note: This isn't really a spoiler considering it happens in the first two minutes of the film)

Like a humanized version of Wilson from "Cast Away," Hank imagines that Manny is actually alive and having conversations with him.

To me, this movie shows that we need other people.

I can personally attest to this. At work, I was the first of my co-workers to move offices. So, for a month, I spent almost everyday alone in the office, sitting in my cubicle with no outside noise. I didn't have the buzz of co-workers talking or typing on their keyboards or people to say "Good morning" to. And I felt like I was going insane.

We need human connection. We cannot do this life alone.

For instance, did you know that studies show that human touch decreases disease and increases overall well being?

In a study of 509 adults, people who were "affection-deprived" were reportedly less happy; more likely to experience mood or anxiety disorders; and, in general, were in worse health, reported Psychology Today. According to the results of a study by the University of North Carolina, "Hugs strengthen the immune system...The gentle pressure on the sternum and the emotional charge this creates activates the Solar Plexus Chakra. This stimulates the thymus gland, which regulates and balances the body’s production of white blood cells, which keeps you healthy and disease free.”

One in four Americans report not having anyone to talk to about their personal problems. Social isolation could be tied to longer work days, further commutes, dependence on technology and lack of societal support to talk about emotions.

But there's nothing wrong with asking for help or talking about how you feel. This doesn't make us weak. On the contrary, I believe it takes true strength to realize you need help and to not be afraid to open yourself up and ask for it.

As Radcliffe's character says in the film, "If my best friend hides his farts from me then what else is he hiding," so should we stop hiding who we really are from the people we care about. Sure, having alone time is great. But it's also necessary to have a support system. And the world is missing out on a great human being if you don't let anyone see the real you.

If you don't have anyone you feel comfortable talking to, there are 24-hour helplines you can call for help. In Michigan, call Common Ground at 800-231-1127. Nationwide, text "Go" to 741741 or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

'Swiss Army Man' teaches that human connection can save your life

The movie "Swiss Army Man ," which was released on DVD earlier this month, opens with Hank (Paul Dano) alone on an island, stand...

About two-thirds of people with major depression never seek treatment, WebMD reports. It often times goes undiganosed or untreated because people don't address it or recognize the signs.

So, if you've ever thought to yourself, "Am I sad or am I depressed?" I would encourage you to take advantage of National Depression Screening Day today. On the first Thursday of October each year, Mental Health Screening offers large-scale, anonymous and free mood disorder screenings to the public.

Untreated depression is a serious problem that can last weeks, months and even years. It's not something you can "pull yourself out of." Symptoms may become more severe if left untreated and could even contribute to or worsen other medical problems. Other possible side effects include a higher risk of suicide, increased risk of substance abuse, problems maintaining relationships and problems at work.

With a diagnosis, a doctor can advise you on treatment options, such as medication or psychotherapy, that will help reduce or eliminate your symptoms.

To find a depression screening near you, visit http://www.helpyourselfhelpothers.org. Locally, Easter Seals Michigan, 2399 E Walton Blvd, Auburn Hills, is providing screenings. Their online screening can be found at screening.mentalhealthscreening.org/eastersealsmi. Upon completing the questionnare, you will be immediately provided with results.

October 6 is National Depression Screening Day

About two-thirds of people with major depression never seek treatment, WebMD reports . It often times goes undiganosed or untreated becaus...

Two years ago, I started taking birth control for the first time. And I didn't understand why, all of the sudden, I felt like I was going crazy (a fact that my then-boyfriend didn't fail to mention). I had spent the last several years getting my anxiety under control. And all of the sudden, I was back to square one.

Now, FINALLY, there is proof that, alas, I was not going crazy.

The results of a recent University of Copenhagen study have confirmed a link between hormonal contraceptives and depression.

The Guardian reports that the university tracked one million subjects for 13 years. Results of the study show that those taking the combined oral contraceptive were 23 percent more likely to be diagnosed with depression and those using progestin-only birth control (the "minipill") were 34 percent more likely. Teens in the study were 80 percent more likely to be diagnosed with depression. The study also found that those with pre-existing depression may find that the pill worsens their symptoms.

Nicole Lennox, Holistic Health Professional

I first heard about this study from Nicole Lennox, owner of Hello Baby Birth Services and a member of The Mind Body Collective. She was on the combination birth control pill from age 17 to 22, when she found out she was pregnant.

“Upon discovering I was pregnant, I stopped taking the pill along with my other medications (under care of my doctor). Amazingly, my mood was more stable when pregnant than had been in the previous 4.5 years,” Lennox, a Goodrich resident, told me.

“After (my daughter’s) birth, despite postpartum depression and resuming antidepressant and anti-manic medications, I still did not experience the drastic mood swings that had occurred while I was on the pill.”

Lennox now has a Mirena IUD (intrauterine device) and said the experience has been a good one. But Lennox stresses that, although it may work for her, doesn't mean it will work for everyone. Different users see different side effects. Depression is also a side effect for some Mirena IUD users as well considering Mirena IUD also changes hormones.

“As a holistic health professional, I encourage all uterus-owning people to explore their contraceptive options,” she said.

Some alternatives to hormonal contraceptives are:

• Barrier methods (condoms, cervical caps, Today Sponge, diaphragms, etc.)
• Paragard (copper, non-hormonal IUD)
• Fertility awareness methods (FAM)
• Tubal ligation (if you do not want to have children or do not want more children)
• Vasectomy for your male partner (if you do not want any or more children)

“Decide what is best for you and your situation. If the BC pill is for you, then great. If it is not, you have plenty of other options,” said Lennox.

For more information on reproductive health and fertility, Lennox recommends reading "Taking Charge of Your Fertility" by Toni Weschler or visiting www.tcoyf.com.