The Phenomenon of Ringxiety

Do you have the sensation that your cell phone is ringing when it's not?

- or - you hear a ringtone that sends you and others into a frenzy to see whose phone it is?

Welcome to the phenomenon called RINGXIETY.

Dr. David Laramie, from California's School of Professional Psychology, is the originator of the term and experiences "Ringxiety" as well. According to Dr. Laramie, people have grown emotionally dependent on cell phones for feelings of self-worth or for needing to be connected. Sound experts, however, believe hearing similar tones to a telephone's ring sends your expectant brain into action. In the psychological field, that's called a conditioned stimulus response.

Whatever the origin, research says that Ringxiety is here to stay.

I'm a tech geek with everything but my cell phone, so I don't experience Ringxiety. It's never on....and I don't even know my cellphone number.

Do you have Ringxiety?

Avvannavar, M., Kumar, N.S., Shrihari, S., & Babu Are, R. (2008). Mobile Phones: An Anthropological Review of Its Evolutionary Impact The Journal of International Social Research, 1 (5), 81-103

Mental Health Blog Party

In honor of today's Mental Health Blog Party hosted at the American Psychological Association here are some quotes on the benefits of psychotherapy. So, read on and let's stomp the stigma!

"I've seen psychiatrists in my time, so songwriting hasn't always worked. It's not a bad idea to have someone to talk to." ~ Musician, Sir Paul McCartney

"Counselling saved Bill and me." ~ Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton

"Talk therapy and antidepressants jump-started me out of my blackness." ~ Musician, Sheryl Crow

"Talking matters." ~ Political Journalist, George Stephanopoulos

“I believe in therapy. I think it’s an incredible tool in educating the self on the self.” ~ Actor, Jennifer Aniston

"I love being in therapy. It's just constantly fulfilling for me. " ~ Actor, Jennifer Jason Leigh

"You know, I think that going into therapy is a very positive thing, and talking about it is really helpful, because the more you talk the more your fears fade, because you get it out. " ~ Actor, Fran Drescher

"Therapy saved my life. " ~ Actor, Mickey Rourke

“I’m big on therapy." ~ Actor, Eva Mendes

"I know a lot of people think therapy is about sitting around staring at your own navel - but it's staring at your own navel with a goal. And the goal is to one day to see the world in a better way and treat your loved ones with more kindness and have more to give." ~ Actor, Hugh Laurie

"I've been in group therapy. I'm always keeping my mental health in check." ~ Actor, Halle Berry.

"I was almost 50 before I felt able to face the things that lay at the heart of my [troubles], but all the therapy I've had subsequently has been of help." ~ Musician, Joan Baez

"Go talk to a psychiatrist. And when you get the help you need, you're going to wonder why you didn't do it a long time ago." ~ NFL Football Player, Terry Bradshaw.

"My dreams are pretty vivid. I talk about them in therapy." ~ Actor, Robin Williams

“Therapy is great, therapy just works. " ~ Actor, Robert Downey, Jr.

What is "Alexithymia"?

People who experience Alexithymia are unable to recognize emotions and their subtleties and to understand or describe thoughts and feelings. Sometimes Alexithymia makes it hard for them to tell a story or understand the emotional experience of others.

Alexithymia was coined from the Greek word LEXIS, (word) and THYMOS (feelings), and literally means "a lack of words for feelings". Alexithymia is not a disorder, but is seen as a trait. Some characteristics are:

*Difficulty identifying different types of feelings

*Difficulty distinguishing between emotional feelings and bodily feelings

* Limited understanding of what caused the feelings

* Difficulty verbalizing feelings

* Limited imagination

* Functional, constricted style of thinking

* Physical complaints

* Lack of enjoyment and pleasure-seeking

* Stiffened posture and/or facial expressions

Many individuals who have Alexithymia engage in counterproductive non-verbal activities to communicate their feelings. Activities like cutting, or breaking things, drinking or dabbling in drug use, for example. Learning to recognize feelings, verbalize and communicate them is the goal here. Alexithymia has a strong involvement in mental illness and personality development - but it's not something to be afraid of. If you experience Alexithymia, or know someone who does, there are ways to learn how to strengthen skills.

Psychotherapy can help to show you the way.

Lee, Y. et al. (2010). Direct and indirect effects of the temperament and character on alexithymia: A pathway analysis with mood and anxiety Comprehensive Psychiatry, 51 (2), 201-206 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2009.06.001

May Is Mental Health Awareness Month

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Research shows that the number one obstacle in seeking treatment for mental illness is stigma. Negative stereotypes and improper understanding of mental illness keep spinning the vicious circle of stigma. To counter this paradox, professional and grassroots organizations, schools, communities, hospitals and even media outlets have joined together in an effort to raise the awareness about mental health.

On the media front, Discovery Health Channel is broadcasting PsychWeek: Six Nights of Understanding. This series takes you into the world of people who experience Anxiety, Rage, Dissociative Disorder, Schizophrenia, Addiction, Bipolar Disorder, Hoarding, and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. These individuals and their families give us a glimpse of their life, of their struggles and triumphs. Their courage will help educate about mental illness - and chip away at the stigma that surrounds it as well.

This is what I call "Appointment Television". So clear your schedule or set your DVR. This promises to be a very important series. Click here for complete programming.

If you, or someone you know is struggling, remember, there's no shame in having a mental illness.

Byrne, P. (2010). Challenging healthcare discrimination: COMMENTARY ON ... DISCRIMINATION AGAINST PEOPLE WITH MENTAL ILLNESS Advances in Psychiatric Treatment, 16 (1), 60-62 DOI: 10.1192/apt.bp.108.006106