How to Cope With Spouse With Anxiety and/or Depression

Now there's help for those coping with
a spouse who has depression and anxiety.

Anxiety and depression often go hand-in-hand and is very common for an individual to be diagnosed with both. For those who have a spouse who is suffering from one or both of these issues, life can be difficult. Many times those who are affected have a hard time holding together relationships and jobs. They get so wrapped up in their own feelings, they are unable to look outside themselves and see the world and people around them.

People with depression have the perspective that everything is negative, and that there is little hope for improvement. People with anxiety think negatively about specific situations, and can see at least some positives some of the time.

People with depression see the future as hopeless, and largely out of their control. People with anxiety generally see some hope for the future, but feel anxiety about how to accomplish what they need to do to achieve that improvement.

People with depression see their shortcomings as evidence that they are “bad,” or “defective,” or “broken.” People with anxiety also have negative views of their mistakes, but feel that they can be overcome, even if they are not sure how.

People with depression avoid routine tasks because they take too much energy, are too overwhelming, or because they believe doing them is not going to make a difference anyway. People with anxiety avoid specific tasks that make them anxious because of their fear of failure or being unable to cope or being ridiculed if they do it wrong.

People with depression expect failure, and often give up without even trying. For example, if a depressed person wakes up in the morning and feels tired, she may say, “I won’t be able to do anything today….it’s not even worth trying….I might as well stay in bed all day.” People with anxiety take the view that yes, the day may be challenging, but it hasn’t happened yet. Bad things could happen, such as messing up a presentation at work, and that does provoke anxiety, but it might not necessarily stop the anxious person from trying.

The automatic thoughts of a depressed person focus on overall sadness and loss, such as, “I’ll never be as capable as I once was,” or “It’ll never get better.” The automatic thoughts of an anxious person are more specific to performance, such as “I won’t know what to say when I talk to him,” or “I won’t have enough time to do a good job.”

It is important to know that there is help for people who are anxious and depressed that don’t include brain-altering drugs. These people can be trained to take control of their own brains and change their thinking and their behavior without drugs.

Click here to find out more about depression and anxiety.

Remember...Workshops start this Thursday!

Can Lumosity Cure All Brain Issues?

Brain training is more than games.

We’re seeing lots of television advertising these days on how you can create perfect brain function just by using software games such as Lumosity. The facts are that if all you need is a little boost to your thinking skills, these programs might be just the ticket for you. But if there are other issues masking as brain issues, these programs won’t cure the underlying cause. How can you tell? Most people have a pretty good idea if their memory loss is more than just a few forgotten names or if they have difficulty with sound discrimination in a crowded room or being over-sensitive to sound and/or light. Even if your not sure, having a thorough assessment is essential. Looking at processing issues (how well your brain interprets the information coming in from your ears and eyes, and areas of the brain with abnormal function can give us information about what training will actually work on the root issues.

Call 714-269-7990 or 949-276-8704 or come in today for afull assessment to see just how your brain can be working to its full potential.

BrainAdvantage is offering 20% off all testing for the summer. Just mention it at the time of service.

Neurofeedback and ADHD

The Executive Brain is in the frontal lobes.

Many people ask us why we use HEG neurofeedback instead of the more the traditional EEG neurofeedback. Our answers are simple.

Faster results: 
HEG vs EEG neurofeedback in continuous performance tests: HEG showed a 1 point gain per session, compared to a 1/2 point gain per session of EEG neurofeedback on the TOVA test (Test of Variable Attention). This means HEG works in half the time.

Ease of training the frontal lobes of the brain: 

EEG neurofeedback is not typically used on frontal lobes because of eye blinks or facial movement which cause distortion in the signal. Therefore EEG training must be done on other parts of the scalp away from the areas that most need training. HEG can be used directly on the areas where training is most needed, the frontal lobes, without sticky electrodes. HEG uses a simple headband with lights that can be tolerated even by autistic children.

Importance of Frontal Cortex:
The frontal cortex (frontal lobes) is often called “The Executive Brain” for good reason. It is the control center and has neuronal connections to, and exerts some control over, all other parts of the brain.

Sensory input gets filtered in the frontal cortex to determine what is important to pay attention to (or not).

Sequential processing, including using language and executing tasks in proper order, takes place in the frontal cortex. Increased blood supply helps the brain accomplish these tasks.

The frontal cortex is in charge of inhibiting impulses, when appropriate. If the frontal cortex is not functioning well, a person will show increased impulsive behaviors.

The frontal cortex is important in the function of working memory. Working memory is important for reading comprehension and carrying out tasks.

Low frontal cortex blood flow affects:
Frontal cortex hypoperfusion (low blood supply) has been shown to be a factor in Autism, ADD / ADHD, memory loss, depression, schizophrenia and more.

For more information about how we can help you, call 714-269-7990 or click here for more information.

Thyroid and Your Brain

Thyroid imbalance might be the true

Thyroid hormones are essential for brain maturation, and for brain function throughout life. In adults, thyroid disease can lead to a variety of brain disorders. Hypothyroidism (or low thyroid) for example, can cause lethargy, poor reflexes and motor coordination and is often associated with memory impairment. Hypothyroidism is also associated with bipolar affective disorder, schizophrenia, depression, and loss of cognitive functions, especially in the elderly.

On the other hand, Hyperthyroidism (or too much thyroid) causes anxiety, irritability, and increased reflex action. Both, hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can lead to mood disorders, dementia, confusion, and personality changes. Most of these disorders are usually reversible with proper treatment. Call BrainAdvantage at 949-276-8704 or 714-269-7990 or click here today to find out more information.

Remember! Brain Workshops from BrainAdvantage Starts This Thursday!

Come see how you can improve your brain and your life!

Back by popular demand, BrainAdvantage will be giving its Brain Workshops at The Center for Spiritual Living Capistrano Valley on Thursday evenings. Come and learn about your brain and what to do about ADHD, Memory Loss, Depression, Anxiety and more. We are offering these workshops on a donation basis so all can come. Free yourself from those things holding you back from being your best!
Call 949-276-8704 or 949-240-6463 for more information.