Portable Hugs
Brian Mullen, a doctoral mechanical engineering student at The University of Massachusetts Amherst, has developed a portable hug vest - also known as a "deep-pressure” vest.
The vest, available for children and adults with sensorimotor issues or mental illness, delivers a “portable hug” via Deep Pressure Touch Stimulation (DPTS).
DPTS has been around a while, helping to reduce anxiety and harmful behaviors by providing a calming sensory experience. It has been shown to improve the lives of individuals with Autism, Alzheimer's, Asperger's, ADHD, PTSD and other neuropsychological illnesses. And FYI, blankets, sleeping bags, other clothing and accessories are available in weighted forms.
It's always so cool when technology enhances lives.
Social Anxiety & "Lars & The Real Girl"
Social Anxiety Disorder is characterized by overwhelming anxiety and excessive self-consciousness in everyday social situations.
The anxiety can occur in limited situations — such as a fear of speaking in front of others - writing on a blackboard in front of the class - eating in front of others, just to name a few. It can, however, be quite broad in its scope, leaving an individual so anxious around other people that they seek to be alone. Total avoidance.
Lars & The Real Girl explores aspects of Social Anxiety Disorder and other mental illness in a meaningful way. It is a beautiful, sensitive and smart movie about the origins of mental illness and how to work them through.
If you get the chance, check it out. And if you've seen it, let me know what you think.