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  • Fortnite: What is it and what to do if you suspect your child is addicted

    fornite

     

    Fortnite is one of the most popular internet games played by over 40 million worldwide.

    Battle Royale is an incredibly popular game among the young with gamers spending several hours playing with online friends.

    Several parents have voiced concerns over how long their children are playing Fortnite especially as gaming addiction is becoming a real problem of today’s generation.

     

     

     

    What is Fortnite?

    Company maker Epic Game’s Fortnite is the number one played game (console and PC) of 2018.

    The game follows a Hunger Games style format of Battle Royale. 100 players are put into an ever-shrinking map with the aim of collecting weapons and resources to be the last survivor.

    The rounds are hectic and fast-paced with grenades, assault rifles and rocket launchers making play in open spaces risky:  An ever-shrinking storm which wounds players encroaches upon the island reducing the map size forcing players to interact to the death.

    More than 40 million players a month compete. Typically, there are three million online at this very moment.

    A round of the game can be as little as 30 seconds or as long as 10 minutes. Gamers can spend hours going from game to game.

    The phenomenon took off after several internet celebrities took to live streaming themselves playing the game.

    Parents have raised serious concerns over the amount of time their children are playing this game. There have been stories in the press and on television regarding the struggles parents are facing in getting their children off the game.

     

    fornite

     

    What are the symptoms of video game addiction?

    • Spending a lot of their free time gaming.

    It may have started at an hour or two but noticing that they spend most, if not all, of their free time playing the game.

    • Neglecting their education or work.

    Staying home from school or phoning in sick to work is a sure sign of a problem. Taking time off work is not a bad thing but skipping school or work to play is.

    • Ignoring friends and family.

    Choosing to game over spending time with those they care about is a sure sign of addiction. Eating only in their room and ignoring social events should raise red flags.

    • Reduction in personal appearance.

    If gaming is taking up all their time, they will not be spending much time on personal hygiene or presentation. The more they let things slip the easier it becomes to just give up washing.

    • Health issues.

    Staying up all night to play, mood swings and irritability are signs that they are neglecting themselves. Avoiding social events especially outside preferring to stay inside.

    • Spending money on games over necessities.

    For a person with a gaming addiction, spending money on the latest game or console is vastly more important than food, rent, and bills.

    What can you do?

    If you think your child is addicted to Fortnite it is best to seek professional advice. Gaming addiction is a new and developing category in mental health but that does not mean there aren’t specialists out there that can help. Talking therapies such as Counselling, CBT, and Hypnotherapy can help breakdown reasons, logic, and understanding.

  • Do you know what Reiki is?

    Reiki

    You will see Reiki advertised at many alternative and complementary health clinics/centres. Its popularity is growing as more practitioners are offering the treatment.

    According to The International Centre for Reiki; Reiki is a Japanese technique used for the reduction of stress, relaxation, and promotion of healing. It is administered by the laying of hands and is based on the idea that unseen life force energy flows through each of us.

    Reiki works as an intuitive tool that helps clear blockages and fixes the leaking of energy in the body. These blocks can be emotional, spiritual, physical and mental. A good example of a physical blockage is the manifestation of pain.

    The main system in which Reiki works with is the Chakra system. This system has 7 main energy centres. These Chakras are responsible for different personality traits, emotions, mental statement, skills and physical development. It is these systems that can be over or underactive.

    Reiki is consistent with the concept of healing energy. Each practitioner brings intuitive guidance to each session.

     

    Every Reiki session is unique and different

     

    Reiki

     

    During a session, you can lay on a massage table or sit on a chair. Some do hands-on-touch, but this is not required. Sessions typically last one hour. Many practitioners play calming music during these sessions to reinforce relaxation.

    There are short and long-term health benefits of this Japanese healing technique. It reduces stress on every level, releases the body of physical pain, increases intuition and self-confidence.

    Common experiences during treatment can include; twitching, involuntary movement, head and body tingling, dry mouth, visual memories or feelings of, light-headedness and a heightened sense of awareness.

     

    Reiki is complementary and non-invasive beneficial to both humans and animals.

     

    When you hug your child or a friend, you are giving them Reiki when you touch. If someone was hurt and you place your hand on that area, you a subconsciously trying to heal them with your hand/s.

     

    Preparing for a session

    It is advisable to wear comfortable clothing and not to plan anything strenuous straight after. It is also important to let go of your expectations for the session as these will only hinder you and the practitioner. Just remember, there are no negative effects of Reiki.

    The point is to exchange universal love and energy, to transfer this to another person reminding them at a cellular level, that they are capable of receiving it as well.

     

    If you would like to experience Reiki for yourself, please contact The Devon Clinic where we will be happy to guide you through a relaxing session.

     

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  • 5 Common Misconceptions About Anxiety

    Anxiety

    Anxiety disorder, like any disorder, can be debilitating, but it is manageable. Sadly, there are still many misconceptions out there surrounding the disorder. This is surprising considering the level of media coverage encouraging people to share their stories and to seek support. Whilst this shift in attitude is positive and has increased awareness of the devastating impact of the illness there is still a long way to go in normalising the condition.

    Often the term anxiety is thrown around with little regard to meaning. Misconceptions are held about what it means to have an anxiety disorder and what devastating impact it can have on a persons life. For those suffering, this only worsens the plight.

    Top 5 misconceptions:

    1. Feeling stressed is the same as having an anxiety disorder.

    Everyone has feelings of anxiety at some point-it maybe over an exam, job interview, or medical appointment. Whilst feelings of anxiety are perfectly normal it does not mean that you have an anxiety disorder.

    2. You can just ‘snap out of it’.

    It is not something you can just ‘snap out of’. The most unhelpful things people say when in the midst of an anxiety attack is to ‘just don’t think about it’ and ‘its all in your head’. Telling someone with anxiety to stop is no different from telling a person with a broken leg to go running.

    3. There is not always a reason.

    Anxiety disorders are complex and often very difficult to make sense of. Sometimes you can be sitting quietly with yourself and suddenly be drowning in fear, trepidation, dread and horror through no logical reasoning. Anxiety does not always require a trigger and just because it isn’t there doesn’t mean anxiety won’t rear it’s ugly head.

    4. Anxiety is both a mental and physical illness

    Symptoms of anxiety can vary widely and take the form of nausea, headaches, palpitations, changes in appetite, thirst, stomach ache, sweating, muscle tension, to name but a few. Each person experiences the physical effects differently and each time. Just because you can’t see it, does not make it any less real.

    5. There are treatments for anxiety

    Even today some believe that anxiety will just sort itself out. For a few this might be the case but it doesn’t always work, some require ongoing support to manage their symptoms.

    There is no need to suffer in silence when there is help available.

    Remember, everyone is different and no two cases are the same.

    If you would like advice and support regarding anxiety please contact us.

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  • Protecting Your Brain From Stress

    Stress Management Can Protect Your Brain

    Typically, related to cognitive problems and a higher risk of developing Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease

     

    brain

    It is not uncommon to feel forgetful and disorganised when stressed but over a long period of time stress may change your brain which can affect memory.

    Studies in both animals and animals show clearly that stress can affect brain function. Scientists have seen changes in how the brain processes information during a period of real-life and manufactured stress. (In the latter, researchers challenge participants to perform difficult tasks such as counting backwards in 13s whilst being graded on performance).

    Either type of stress interferes with cognition, memory, and attention. – Dr Kerry Ressler, chief scientific officer, McLean Hospital and professor of psychiatry, Harvard Medical School.

    Stress not only affects memory as well as other brain functions like moods and anxiety but also promotes inflammation which adversely affects heart health, says Jill Goldstein, professor of psychiatry, at Harvard Medical School. Thus, stress has associations with chronic diseases of the brain and heart. The effects are different for men and women.

     

    Stress And The Brain

    brainTo understand why stress affects our brain, it is important to understand how the brain works. The brain is not a single unit, but a group of different parts that each performs different tasks, says Dr Ressler.

    Researchers believe that when a part of your brain is engaged other parts may not have much energy to perform their own vital tasks. For example; If you are in a dangerous situation, the Amygdala – the part that governs survival instincts, may take over leaving the parts of your brain that store memories and perform high order tasks with less ability to perform their role. The logic behind this is that the brain has switched into survival mode thus is shutting down non-essential resources (including memory). Therefore, after a traumatic event or prolonged high stress, you may become more forgetful.

    The effects of stress on the brain and body may differ depending on when it occurs during a person’s life, says Goldstein. Gonadal hormones are secreted in large amounts during fetal development, puberty, and pregnancy and depleted during menopause and may play a role in how stress affects individuals.

    For example; Reductions in the Gonadal hormone Estradiol during menopausal transition may change how the brain reacts to stress, Goldstein.

     

    Protecting Yourself From Damaging Stress

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    To better cope with stress, consider factors that can minimise stress. Here are some tips that can help you better manage stress levels and hopefully prevent some of the damaging effects it can have on the brain:

     

     

    • Establish Some Control

    If stress is not predictable, focus on the things that are. Having a routine is not only good for development but also for health. Predictability combats stress, says Dr Ressler.

     

    • Sleep Well

    Stress can result in poor sleep which, in turn, can make stress even worse. Sleep deprivation makes sections of the brain that handle high order functions less efficient. Healthy sleep habits can help the brain function better. This includes good sleep hygiene and going to bed/waking up at the same time, avoiding caffeine, removing screens, and creating a relaxing bedroom atmosphere free from distraction.

     

    • Be Organised

    Have strategies in place to manage your workload. For example, create a daily, to-do list of tasks you need to accomplish. This way, you won’t feel so overwhelmed. Creating lists also give you clear direction from start to finish. Laying tasks out like this helps reduce feelings of bombardment, says Dr Ressler.

     

    • If You Need It, Get Help

    Reaching out can help you build resilience and better-coping strategies, which ultimately protect the health of your brain. Early intervention may reduce disability caused by stress-related complications in later life.

     

    • Change Your Attitude

    A life without stress is not only impossible but would also be incredibly uninteresting in fact, a certain degree of stress is vital for growth says, Ressler. Rather than aiming for zero stress, strive for healthy responses to stress.

     

    • Long-Term Brain Changes

    According to Ressler, there is evidence that chronic or persistent stress can rewire your brain. Scientists have learned that animals under prolonged stress have less activity in areas of the brain that control high order tasks; for example, the Prefrontal Cortex and more activity in areas of the brain that focus on survival the Amygdala. To simplify; if you were to exercise one part of your body it would become stronger than the non-exercised parts which inevitably would become weaker. This is what appears to happen in the brain when under continuous stress.

     

    These changes, in some circumstances, can be revered according to Ressler. Whilst stressful childhood experiences seem to take more of a toll on the developing brain, research has found that many who demonstrate resilience in the face of previous trauma have developed new brain mechanisms to compensate. It is thought that these new pathways aid in recovery from stress-related brain changes that were formed in early life.

     

    Is stress Created Equal?

    brain

    While the effects on the brain are well documented, it is less clear on what type of stress is more damaging and therefore could lead to health problems in later life.

    Do brain problems occur when under a small amount of stress or is it only long-term stress that affects the brain?

     

     

     

    It is a tough question because stress is a broad term used to describe many things. The stress you experience before an exam is different from the stress of being involved in a car accident. Certainly, more stress is likely worse, and long-term even more so, says Ressler.

     

    There are further factors that make stress more harmful:

    • Unpredictable Stress

    Research on animals shows that they could anticipate a stressor if receiving a shock after a light was turned on were less stressed than those receiving shocks at random. The same can be applied to humans. If a person anticipates stress it is less damaging than random stress.

     

    • No Time Limit On Stress

    If you are stressed about work or an exam, the stress you experience has an endpoint. If the stress has no endpoint, for example, chronically stressed about finances‚ it may be more challenging to cope with.

     

    • Lack Of Support

    Feeling supported during periods of stress enables a person to whether it more successfully than those who do not.

     

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    Is it time we talked about stress?

    If you or someone you know would like to know more about stress management please contact us on

    01803 500300 | reception@devonclinic.co.uk

     

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  • Alternative Treatments for Asthma

    Asthma is a common inflammatory disease that affects the air passages of the lungs. Symptoms vary; episodes of wheezing, coughing, tightness in the chest and shortness of breath.

    With the constant increase in environmental pollution, the number of diagnosed cases of asthma worldwide is on the increase.

    Modern medicine treats the condition with an array of orally administered medication. The centre of treatment is relieving the symptoms, or at best, reducing the frequency in which they occur.

    Research suggests that more and more sufferers are turning to alternative treatments to address underlying causes. Complimentary approaches range from dietary, breathing exercising and psychological, to acupuncture and homoeopathy.

    *It is important to point out that you must discuss treatments you wish to undertake with your doctor first.

    • Clean Up Your Diet:

    As with any inflammatory problem, diet is important.

    • Avoid foods that irritate the immune system (dairy, wheat, preservatives, and additives.)
    • Eat more antioxidant-rich foods (vegetables, fruits, and berries), and drink natural (water, natural fruit juice, herbal tea and coconut water).
    • Up your intake of Magnesium and vitamin D (A good multivitamin will help).
    • Clean Up the Environment:

    Asthmatics need to optimise the cleanliness of the air they breathe. Air-borne pollutants are found in every place we go it; house dust, smoke, animal hair/skin, exhaust fumes, chemical sprays, etc. Where possible it is best to avoid these as much as is possible.

     

    • Breathing Exercises:

    Breathing techniques are commonly used in the treatment of asthma. Belly or deep breathing involves breathing through your nose rather than the mouth and using abdominal muscles.

    Two specific techniques are Butekyo and Pranayama (yoga). Many studies have shown that these exercises improve symptoms.

     

    • Acupuncture:

    Originating in China thousands of years ago, Acupuncture involves the insertion of very fine needles into the skin at specific points of the body. Some studies show that this treatment, when performed by a qualified practitioner, is very safe and effective.

     

    • Herbal Treatments:

    Used for centuries, herbs are still a primary asthma treatment in many countries. Herbs used include; Ephedra, Green Tea, Ginger, Rosemary, Schizandra, Ginkgo Biloba and Boswellia. Generally, more than one herb is used as this has proven more effective.

    *Some herbs can interact with prescription medications. Do consult your doctor before taking.

     

    • Homoeopathic Cures:

    Homoeopathy stimulates self-healing using a dose of substances. For asthma, homoeopathic remedies are made from substances that generally trigger asthma reactions (pollen, weeds, etc). The amounts used are so small that they will prevent rather than trigger an attack.

     

    • Relaxation Therapy:

    Meditation, Hypnosis and muscle relaxation are typical therapies used to treat asthma. These techniques reduce stress, relieve symptoms and promote a sense of well-being. In Psychogenic asthma (emotionally induced), these methods have been proven highly effective.

  • Struggles to stay asleep can be draining in more than one way

    asleep

    If you struggle to stay asleep for the entire night you know how that can drain you both physically and mentally.

    Insomnia is not uncommon these days with many struggling to fall asleep -but there are ways you can get a restful night’s sleep. Some find that their issue is remaining asleep rather than going to sleep. If this sounds like you, we have some suggestions to combat those early hour awakenings.

    There are three recognised stages of sleep; deep, REM and light. Depending on when we experience each of these stages that result in us waking during those early hours.

    Deep sleep tends to be the first 1-3 hours of sleep, following this we enter REM or rapid eye movement, in which we enter a lighter sleep. Typically, REM sleep comes in 90-minute cycles, this means that you are more likely to wake up at the end of a cycle.

    Dr Neil, a sleep expert, says that natural sleep rhythms are to blame and that during REM stages we often find ourselves a lot more easily disturbed by our surroundings.

    It is also during this stage that the likes of birds chirping, a partner snoring, a phone vibrating or the bin men will launch us into consciousness-thus making the return to slumber the most difficult. Laying in bed feeling frustrated will not aid you back into the land of nod, and it is advised that you get up to distance yourself from your bed.

     

    “If you are still awake after 20 minutes, get up and do something like reading. When you are tired enough to sleep again, you will.” Dr Stanley

     

    It has been revealed that sharing a bed is the biggest disruption to sleep, followed closely by the light coming through the windows in summer.

    Using your screens in bed before sleep is a no-no due to the emitted blue light which affects the brain’s ability to switch off for the night.

    asleepIt is not advisable to check your phone if you wake during the night.

     

    Another key suggestion that has been proven to work is reducing the time spent in your bedroom, reserving this only for dressing and sleeping. This does also mean avoiding long lay-ins, watching television or reading the paper in bed.

    The more you associate your bedroom with sleep, the more your brain will recognise that when you are in there it is time to switch off for the night.

     

    If you or someone you know would like to discuss stress and sleeping problems please do get in touch with us.

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  • Are You Addicted To Your Smartphone?

    smartphone A team of psychologists from the University of Derby and Nottingham has conducted an online study to discover the association between smartphone use and personality traits. The study consisted of 640 smartphone users aged 13 to 69 in the UK.

    It was found that those who have mental health issues are more likely to use their smartphones as a form of distraction therapy.

    Anxiety correlates directly with smartphone use, supporting past research of not only these devices changing how we perceive the world but also on how we perceive ourselves relying on likes and shares to validate human existence.

    The study found that people were more closed off and secretive when engaging with their phones.

    Paranoia surrounding allowing another person to use their phone was very prevalent in the study. Many users who allowed this eagerly overlooked every detail of actions taking place on their phones despite having nothing to hide. It was commented that allowing another person to use your phone was like loaning out your firstborn.

    In addition to the findings it was found that the top three applications used were; social networking at 50%, followed by instant messaging at 53%, and music applications at 19%.

    Our anxiety levels increase the more we engage in these devices:

    As demonstrated on Panorama (4th June 2018, 7.00 pm BBC One), separation anxiety causes the user’s heart rate to rise dramatically when a person is separated from their device. The experiment showed a woman attached to a heart rate monitor watching a video whilst her smartphone (placed behind her) was bombarded with messages. At the end of the short experiment, it was clear to see that her anxiety levels rose dramatically each time a message was received. The participant commented that she felt she was missing out each time her phone made a noise, which made her feel anxious and somewhat isolated.

     

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    Apps are deliberately made to be addictive:

    Social media company insiders have said that they make their apps addicting so they can sell our time. The longer we spend on these apps the more time they can sell and the more money they can make.

    “It’s as if they’re taking behavioural cocaine and just sprinkling it all over your interface and that’s the thing that keeps you like coming back and back and back.”

    Former Mozilla and Jawbone employee Aza Raskin

    In another part of the program, it was suggested that social media is very similar to slot machines in America. It is cheap, flashy and everyone can easily access it. The business model is simple yet ingenious; entice the world in with an app, keep them hooked with bright colours and noises, and sell their time to advertisers.

    Facebook said their goal is solely to “bring people closer to their friends, family and the things they care about”.  At no point has Facebook ever mentioned their platform being addictive or the need for it to be so in order to remain profitable but it is clear that selling space, and your time is a huge factor in its continued success.

    In Brittan, teenagers spend on average over 18 hours a week on social media:

    With the ease of access comes the desire, even addiction, of checking social media platforms for the latest news. It is easy to see the correlation between these platforms and an overall decline in mental health amongst teens and young adults. Many admit that they feel down if something they have posted does not get as many likes or shares as their peers. Sadly, this desire to be popular online has led some to take their own lives.

    Addiction experts and therapists have seen a dramatic increase in clients with smartphone addictions over the past ten years. Typically, they come in with;

    Stress | Anxiety | Depression | Anger | eating disorders | Self-harming.

     

    All of which is related to the use of mobile phones.

    Many professional experts including medical and digital, say that a smartphone is no different from giving a person a gram of coke.

    Although much research is needed, and smartphone addiction is not officially recognised, it is clear that we have a problem and the sooner we accept this the better it will be for us and future generations.

     

    Do you, or someone you know struggle with an addiction? Contact us today to discover how hypnotherapy, counselling and massage therapies can help.

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  • Work Stress can have a large impact on home life

    stressWe all must deal with stress at work but, left unchecked stress can cause not only mental but physical harm to your wellbeing.

     

    Trouble sleeping | Moodiness | not feeling yourself | headaches |chest pains | dizziness | racing heart | eating too much/too little | short temper | blurred vision | difficulty concentrating | sleepy | angry.

    Sound familiar? These are all signs of stress.

     

    If left untreated stress festers and can turn into physical symptoms, not all we easily recognise as stress-related. Stress can affect your blood pressure, create heart problems, and rapid fluctuation in moods.

    Most do not need telling when they are stressed but may need direction on how to deal with it in the workplace.

    There are many ways to deal with stress, some better than others, but it is always advisable to speak to someone you trust. It is time to see your doctor when you feel constantly worked up and/or if you develop physical signs such as tightening of the chest and trouble sleeping.

    stress

    Common symptoms of stress include;

     

    Tension and irritability / Fear and anxiety about the future / Difficulty making decisions / Feeling numb / Loss of interest in normal activities / Loss of appetite / Nightmares / Anger / Increased use of alcohol and drugs / Sadness / symptoms of depression / Feeling powerless / Crying / Sleep problems / Headaches/ back pains/ stomach problems / Trouble concentrating.

     

    Top tips for self-care:

     

    Often the best way to manage stress is to take time for yourself and indulge in a little self-care.

     

    • Avoid the use of drugs and alcohol:

    They may seem tempting or as a quick fix but in the long run, they can create more problems and increase your stress levels.

     

    • Seek Support:

    Talk to people, be it your partner, a friend, college, counsellor, doctor, therapist, anyone you feel you can trust. Having someone there with whom you can openly talk to and share can really lighten the load.

     

    • Connect socially:

    After a stressful event, it can be all too easy to isolate yourself. Make sure you are spending time with those around you. Perhaps consider planning an activity or a meet-up.

     

    • Take care of yourself:

    Ensure that you remain hydrated and eat a balanced diet. Regular exercise and rest-including sleep will help you feel better about yourself. Go for a relaxing massage as this will not only help you unwind but will also help with muscle tension.

     

    • Keep to your routine:

    A key factor in self-care is having a routine. Ensure you go to bed and get up around the same times, eat at regular intervals and allow yourself time to relax before bed in the evening. Remember routines do not have to be set in stone.

     

    • Stay active:

    Exercise is not only good for you physically but mentally too. This does not mean hitting the gym like you never have before, it can be in the form of going for a walk or spending the weekend helping a friend out. These are positive ways of coping with stress and burning off those negative feelings.

  • Get Healthy For Summer

    Get Healthy For Summer

    summer

    Summer has arrived and you’ve just tried on your swimsuit for the first time. Oh no! You can hide most things under winter woollies but swimwear is just so unforgiving isn’t it?

    Don’t despair here are a few tips to get you ‘beach ready’ in double-quick time:

     

    1. Avoid the heat with an early morning walk or cycle ride.
    2. Take advantage of the best of summer foods. Think Mediterranean style foods and have a holiday each time you eat.
    3. Remember your childhood: play Hopscotch, skipping and so on. Grab your kids and go walking around your neighbourhood and spot the different coloured insects or play, eye spy as you walk around.
    4. Plant a small garden if you don’t already have one or start growing vegetables if you do. Don’t have a garden? Ask a neighbour if you can help with theirs.
    5. If the weather is too hot to exercise, dance or exercise to a workout DVD indoors. (Take it slow to start if you are new to this type of exercise)
    6. Make sure you strengthen your muscles on alternate days. Use small weights such as bottles of water or tins of beans to start you off. Join a gym or exercise class with a friend for stronger exercises.
    7. Visit local attractions such as the zoo and walk for hours without realizing it.
    8. Visit your local fruit and vegetable shops and add as much variety and colour to each of your meals. Aim to “eat a rainbow of colours” on a daily basis.
    9. As you get slimmer and stronger, take your exercises into the seawater acts as a great resistance and improves the power of the exercise.
    10. Make sure you keep hydrated and drink plenty of water before, during and after any exercise. Ensure you also are wearing the correct sunscreen.

    Note: Please take advice from your GP if you have any health concerns that may affect your ability to participate in any exercise programmes.

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  • Meditation And Mindfulness: What Is The Difference?

    It seems everyone is posting soothing pictures with “be mindful” as the caption in their social media accounts these days. Ok, so wellness has reached the masses but that doesn’t mean everyone knows what it is. What is the difference between meditation and mindfulness?

     

    MeditationMeditation…

    This is when you intentionally set aside time to be with yourself. There are several types of meditation from relaxing to exercise meditation to clear your mind. Meditation increases your awareness of the mind bringing you in touch with your feelings and innermost desires.

     

     

    mindfulnessMindfulness…

    This is just being aware. Mindfulness can be both formal and informal. With informal mindfulness, you are more aware of the things you do. This is often referred to as mindfulness meditation, and this is where the confusion comes from. Formal mindful meditation involves focusing your mind on the present, the here and now. This form has proven to improve mood, decrease stress and boost immune function. The point is to remain in that moment until you feel complete control of your being.