The journal

Mental Health and Longevity

Dr. Albert’s writing on mental health and longevity: what the evidence supports, and what still needs more study.

33 articles in Mental Health and Longevity. Showing 25 to 33, page 2 of 2.

A woman presses her temple as a gold and purple storm crackles over her head, opposite a calm meditation scene.

Lifestyle and Wellness ·

Combating Chronic Stress: A Holistic Approach to Improved Health and Well-being

The Detrimental Effects of Chronic Stress In today's fast-paced world, chronic stress has become a pervasive issue affecting people from all walks of life. The constant pressure from work, family obligations, and various other sources can take a significant toll on our physical and mental health. Research has shown that chronic stress is linked to…

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Two cross-country skiers racing in red and white suits

Mental Health and Longevity ·

Pushing the Limits: What Science Reveals About Human Endurance

Introduction Human athletic achievement continues to advance, with runners, cyclists, and swimmers repeatedly surpassing barriers once thought insurmountable. Yet what truly sets the limits on human performance? Is it simply the capabilities of our muscles, lungs, and hearts? Or is there more to the story? Recent research suggests that the brain plays a far more…

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A woman in profile with a lit nervous system, bare branches over a bleak city, green leaves over a thriving one.

Functional and Integrative Medicine ·

Unraveling the Roots of Illness: How Trauma and Society Shape Our Health

In the field of medicine, there is a growing recognition that our physical and mental well-being is profoundly influenced by factors beyond our individual biology. Increasingly, researchers and healthcare professionals are exploring the complex interplay between trauma, social conditions, and health outcomes. This article delves into the fascinating science behind these connections and examines how…

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Man standing by a window with a hand on the back of his head

Mental Health and Longevity ·

Navigating the Pitfalls of Cognitive Dissonance

The Mental Discomfort of Contradiction Cognitive dissonance refers to the psychological discomfort caused by holding two contradictory ideas or values. When our behaviors don't align with our beliefs, it creates an unpleasant internal tension. To resolve this, we unconsciously justify our actions through selective thinking and denial of contradictory evidence. The theory originated in the…

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White pills spill from a prescription bottle across a lit map of the United States toward figures walking into sunrise.

Emerging Therapies and Research ·

Revisiting the Roots of the Opioid Crisis and Paths Forwards

Tracing the Origins of OxyContin and the Role of Purdue Pharma The opioid crisis unfolding over the past few decades has had devastating consequences, with over 500,000 lives lost to opioid overdoses. While the crisis today involves illicit drugs like heroin and synthetic opioids, many traces the origins back to the introduction of the prescription…

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Small amber vial labeled Ketamine on a wooden surface

Emerging Therapies and Research ·

Ketamine: A Novel Antidepressant With Promise and Caution

The Origins and Effects of Ketamine Ketamine was originally synthesized in the 1960s as an anesthetic agent, valued for maintaining blood pressure and respiratory drive. However, clinicians soon noticed it could cause hallucinations and "out-of-body" sensations. While concerning, these psychedelic properties led researchers in the 2000s to explore ketamine as a rapid-acting antidepressant. In the…

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Hands holding overlapping red sad-face and green smiling-face cards

Lifestyle and Wellness ·

A Path to Emotional Balance: Understanding Dialectical Behavior Therapy

The Origins of DBT Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) was developed in the 1970s and 80s by psychologist Dr. Marsha Linehan, who struggled with severe mental health issues herself as a teenager. DBT builds on the techniques of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) by incorporating a focus on dialectics – recognizing inherent tensions and seeking balance between…

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Transparent blue figure holding its head with a glowing pink brain

Functional and Integrative Medicine ·

Unraveling the Intricate Biology of Stress: Insights from a Leading Neuroscientist

The Intricate Physiology of Our Stress Response When we face stressful situations, our bodies kick into high gear through the activation of two key systems: the sympathetic nervous system (aka the "fight or flight" response) and the HPA axis which controls release of stress hormones called glucocorticoids. Adrenaline and norepinephrine come online within seconds, mobilizing…

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A woman's profile with a glowing brain and a sprout in her chest, city stress on one side, nature and sleep on the other.

Mental Health and Longevity ·

Natural Approaches for Anxiety and Depression: A Comprehensive Guide 

Understanding the Roots of Anxiety and Depression Anxiety and depression are increasingly common conditions, driven by modern lifestyle factors and environmental stressors. However, conventional treatment options often fail to address underlying causes. According to medical experts, most cases of anxiety and depression can be traced back to a few key underlying mechanisms in the body: HPA…

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