Quote:
Originally Posted by Frankbtl
ToeJam, YEEEEEYYYY!! : "and on Wednesday I'll endeavour to go in with it as it is... and sod what happens after". Keep that thought!!!! 
And if you're feeling bad, that's OK, you're entitled to, and it matters!! It isn't always an easy ride going through what you're going through/to come out the other side. Let them know it matters, it is what it is. And you deserve support/help.
The book: Yes that sounds tough to pick up on feeling how you feel. Sounds a demanding thing even if you weren't feeling depressed, so good idea in giving yourself a break. Perhaps see it as something you'll try to pick up on in one/two (?) months. It's not something you aren't going to return to, just not right now.
But I know things are really hard for you, don't push yourself more than is comfortable, give yourself real credit for what you actually are achieving/managing, and don't fault yourself!!
Here for you......
Alison
P.S. Apologies for no response to your first message about the sections of the brain, really out of my depth there. Sorry!! |
Thanks again Alison!
I don't think I'll leave it a month or two as that could make it harder for me to return.. and on the + side, some ideas and thoughts did crop up in my head while I pottered around on my lunch break... so added notes with a feeling of optimism.
As for the brain issue... I decided to go with the advice I usually give others - "when in doubt, wiki it!" and was not disappointed... helped my understanding a bit and refreshed some long lost memories (part of my degree did involve biological psychology):
Quote:
Stress[edit]
The hippocampus contains high levels of glucocorticoid receptors, which make it more vulnerable to long-term stress than most other brain areas.[71] Stress-related steroids affect the hippocampus in at least three ways: first, by reducing the excitability of some hippocampal neurons; second, by inhibiting the genesis of new neurons in the dentate gyrus; third, by causing atrophy of dendrites in pyramidal cells of the CA3 region. There is evidence that humans having experienced severe, long-lasting traumatic stress show atrophy of the hippocampus more than of other parts of the brain.[72] These effects show up in post-traumatic stress disorder,[73] and they may contribute to the hippocampal atrophy reported in schizophrenia[74] and severe depression.[75] A recent study has also revealed atrophy as a result of depression, but this can be stopped with anti-depressants even if they are not effective in relieving other symptoms.[76] Hippocampal atrophy is also frequently seen in Cushing's syndrome, a disorder caused by high levels of cortisol in the bloodstream. At least some of these effects appear to be reversible if the stress is discontinued. There is, however, evidence derived mainly from studies using rats that stress occurring shortly after birth can affect hippocampal function in ways that persist throughout life.[77]
Sex-specific responses to stress have also been demonstrated to have an effect on the hippocampus. During situations in which adult male and female rats were exposed to chronic stress the females were shown to be better able to cope.[78]
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link:
Hippocampus - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Independent Mental Health Advocate (IMHA): UK