Why We Watch Scary Movies

There are many reasons why we watch scary movies.

Psychological research finds a strong correlation between the desire to watch suspenseful or scary entertainment and the viewer’s high need for physical arousal or excitement. So some of us watch scary films for the thrill of it. It's safe, so to speak, because we are watching it, not living it. The great master of horror, Alfred Hitchcock said, "People like to be scared when they feel safe."

Others may watch horror movies to root for old-fashioned virtues of morality and justice.

Or to problem solve, by figuring out ways to escape terror.

Or to revisit a trauma without having to relive it in real time.

Then there are those who might watch to release their own aggressive or violent wishes in a more socially approachable way. By just watching it.

Research at King's College in London said that the key to a great scary movie is the balance between suspense and gore. If little is shown on screen it allows one's mind to invent the fright. According to the researchers, JAWS was the perfect scary movie because, "Steven Spielberg reached the optimum level perfectly allowing the viewer to see just enough blood to be scared of the Great White Shark, but not so much that it repulsed us."

Yeah, I agree. "Jaws" is at the top of my scariest movies list - and I haven't been in the ocean since seeing it in 1975.

So in the spirit of Halloween, what is your favorite scary movie?

Lifestyle Matters

I take medication for chronic depression, but endorse consideration of other treatment modalities that can offer symptom reduction. In fact, many of the following tips, I do regularly.

Blog-colleague, Dr. Steve Ilardi at Psych Pundit , says that lifestyle change can help bring us to a greater emotional and physical balance. Ilardi’s treatment calls back the habits of our hunting and gathering ancestory and argues that our brains and bodies aren’t designed for our 21st century lifestyles. "We were never designed for the modern sedentary, socially isolated, sleep-deprived, fast food-laden, indoor, frenetic pace of modern life."

The approach is called Therapeutic Lifestyle Change (TLC) , and the preliminary results noted that 76% of TLC patients experienced a favorable treatment response compared to 24% of subjects who received traditional medication and psychotherapy.

There are six essential aspects to TLC:

■ Aerobic exercise

Exercise is a potent antidepressant. Elevate your pulse between 120 to 160 beats per minute for 35 minutes three times a week.

■ Adequate sleep
Chronic sleep deprivation is a risk factor for depression. Sleep 7 to 8 hours nightly.

■ Natural sunlight
The brain needs 2,500 lux for 30 to 60 minutes per day. Spend 30 minutes outdoors on a sunny day or in front of a 10,000 lux light box on overcast days.

■ Omega-3 fatty acids

Omega-3 intake (particularly the molecular form known as EPA) has been shown to relieve depression. Research recommends a daily dose of 1,000 milligrams of EPA, typically in the form of highly concentrated fish oil.

■ Social interaction
A social support network helps prevent depression when we suffer major losses in life. Separation from friends and family is a common trigger for depression.

■ Reduce negative thoughts
Loneliness can lead to a tendency to dwell on repetitive, negative thoughts. Interact socially and learn to redirect attention to more engaging activities when alone.

For more on TLC and Dr. Ilardi, read here

In Defense of Defenses

Defenses are psychological operations that maintain equilibrium when a person cannot manage emotions that stem from conflict or trauma.

Defenses are something we ALL employ in our lives and can be divided into two categories.

"Adaptive defenses" which lead to smooth psychosocial functioning

or

"Maladaptive defenses" which lead to psychosocial troubles.


Defenses are largely unconscious, although insight into one's defensive structure can be obtained with psychoanalysis.

Defense mechanisms are amazing and should be regarded as exceptional feats by the psyche. I believe that analyzing defenses helps bring light to one's life and greater understanding of a person's uniqueness. Learning why certain kinds of defenses operate makes room for new adaptive defenses to grow.


For more about defense mechanisms link to Mental Help Net or check out this book here .




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Life's Little Instructions

I read this the other day while sitting in a waiting room in my physician's office. It's by author H. Jackson Brown, Jr. He wrote this poem for his son who was leaving home and heading out in the world. But I think it has wider applications for us all - don't you?

Sing in the shower.

Treat everyone you meet like you want to be treated.

Watch a sunrise at least once a year.

Leave the toilet seat in the down position.

Never refuse homemade brownies.

Strive for excellence, not perfection.

Plant a tree on your birthday.

Learn 3 clean jokes.

Return borrowed vehicles with the gas tank full.

Compliment 3 people every day.

Never waste an opportunity to tell someone you love them.

Leave everything a little better than you found it.

Keep it simple.

Think big thoughts but relish small pleasures.

Become the most positive and enthusiastic person you know.

Floss your teeth.

Ask for a raise when you think you've earned it.

Overtip breakfast waitresses.

Be forgiving of yourself and others.

Say, "Thank you" a lot.

Say, "Please" a lot.

Avoid negative people.

Buy whatever kids are selling on card tables in their front yards.

Wear polished shoes.

Remember other people's birthdays.

Commit yourself to constant improvement.

Carry jumper cables in your truck.

Have a firm handshake.

Send lots of Valentine cards.

Sign them, "Someone who thinks you're terrific."

Look people in the eye.

Be the first to say hello.

Use the good silver.

Return all things you borrow.

Make new friends, but cherish the old ones.

Keep a few secrets.

Sing in a choir.

Plant flowers every spring.

Have a dog or cat

Always accept an outstretched hand.

Stop blaming others.

Take responsibility for every area of your life.

Wave at kids on school busses.

Be there when people need you.

Feed a stranger's expired parking meter.

Don't expect life to be fair.

Never underestimate the power of love.

Drink champagne for no reason at all.

Live your life as an exclamation, not an explanation.

Don't be afraid to say, "I made a mistake."

Don't be afraid to say, "I don't know."

Compliment even small improvements.

Keep your promises no matter what.

Marry for love.

Rekindle old friendships.

Count your blessings.

Call your mother.

For more of Life's Little Lessons, go to the author's website

Conflict Resolution Is Key

In a meaningful relationship with someone?

Then you know that arguing is a part of the couple experience.

Many research studies, like this recent one from the journal of Psychosomatic Medicine , report that how a couple fights and the subject with which they argue are not really as important as HOW resolution occurs.

Healthy conflict is good for building awareness of each person's needs in the relationship. It helps to define each person's uniqueness and deepens the couple bond. But when problems arise, communication, compromising and conflict resolution are what best predict a solid relationship.

Problogger has a great post entitled, "10 Steps To Conflict Resolution" here

Hat tip: Enrico

World Mental Health Day

World Mental Health Day has been celebrated annually on the 10th of October since1992.


This year's campaign is: Mental health in a changing world: The impact of culture and diversity.


Culture can influence many aspects of mental health - including how individuals from a given culture communicate and manifest symptoms, coping style, the kind of family and community supports - and their willingness or reluctance in seeking treatment.


The goal of World Mental Health Day is to address stigma and to show that mental illness is neurobiological - not a scarlett letter with which to be ashamed or a weakness of someone's character. And this year's theme highlights the importance of culture and diversity among us all.



Here are a some worldwide links to check out:

Africa
Asia Pacific Region
Australia
Canada
India
Ireland
New Zealand
Russia, Ukraine & Belarus
South Africa
South America
South East Europe
Western Pacific Region
United Kingdom
United States



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Anorexia Advertisement: Trigger Alert

The Italian fashion label "No-l-ita", which features the slogan "No to Anorexia" as a backdrop, has stirred debate by featuring a naked, anorexic model on billboards across Italy's countryside in an effort to raise awareness of anorexia during Fashion Week.

Isabelle Caro, age 27, has suffered with anorexia for 15 years and weighed just 31 kilograms (approximately 71 pounds) at the time of the photo. The actress from France told Italian Vanity Fair that she began starving herself as a child to please her mother, who disapproved of her escalating weight. Now in recovery, she wants to bring this issue to the masses.

Most people think depression has the highest death rate among mental illnesses. But in truth, anorexia has the highest mortality rate. If this graphic image can help save a life, it's worth all the controversy the media campaign is generating.


I know many will have mixed feelings about this photo. Is it too graphic? Will it set the bar "higher" for those suffering with the disorder?


I feel that it casts a necessary light on the issue beauty, body image and society. But I do hope it does more good than bad.

Click here for a personal view from blogpal, Lynn, on anorexia.

Pareidolia: Faces in Trees

Astronomer Carl Sagan claimed that the human tendency to see faces in "things" is an evolutionary trait. Do you see the faces?

This tree face looks a bit tipsy to me.

This one looks like a creature from the movie "Alien".

This tree is totally sticking its tongue out!

Hey, this one looks like my hubby when he's mad.

Spooky face, just in time for Halloween.

Click the link for more on pareidolia - - or see my posts on the subject here and here