More Illusion Fun

Can you find the man in the coffee beans? This illusion says that it works your right brain, but it's been unproven . It's fun to try to spot him nonetheless.

Oh, and by the way, it took me a long time to find him.

But once you find him, you can't miss him!!


Thanks Mysti

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Chemical Signature of Bipolar Disorder

Genetic research continues to explain mental illness.
Recent news of findings from the University of Cambridge in the UK and the National Institutes of Mental Health in the US found that people with Bipolar Disorder have a distinct chemical signature in their brain.

For those individuals who experience Bipolar Disorder, the origin appears to be in the balance of "excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters", which malfunction in sending signals to the brain. The study also explains why certain medications like Lithium and Depakote work by restoring the balance of these neurotransmitters.

The article is here in the journal of Molecular Psychiatry .

I think in time, mental illness will be renamed something like "Neurobiological Illness".

What do you think?

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The Curse of Ambivalence

Of all the things I've seen in my work, I'd have to say that Ambivalence - the state in which one feels contradictory emotions for a person or a situation - is a rough road. The coexistence of both positive and negative feelings you have toward a person, like love and hate, will draw you in and then push you away. Similarly, the simultaneous approach-avoidance you have with making a decision keeps you in the same holding pattern.

As a result, this rigid cycling pattern never moves you forward. You are constantly moving from one side of the fence to the other. Or you park yourself entirely on the fence.

Ambivalent thinking has been linked to genetic origins akin to obsessive compulsive tendencies, to psychological defensive styles like "splitting" or personality disorders, and underdeveloped cognitive-behavioral styles of problem solving. So if you are ambivalent, there are things you can do to break the holding pattern. Professional help can get you going in the right direction.

If you are involved with someone who is chronically ambivalent, suggest therapy to him or her... and keep an eye on the grains of sand in the hourglass. Sometimes you may have to unhinge from an ambivalent person if the connection is an unhealthy one for you.

PS: Thanks to all for the "E" award.

I nominate all my those on my blogroll as they are totally excellent bloggers!

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