Medications and Mental Health

MEDICATIONS YOU’RE TAKING MAY NOT ONLY AFFECT YOUR BODY BUT MAY ALSO BE RADICALLY ALTERING YOUR PERSONALITY TO THE POINT OF MENTAL ILLNESS -- by G. Grider

Medications been linked to road rage, pathological gambling, and complicated acts of fraud. Some make us less neurotic, and others may even shape our social relationships.

We would never tell you to stop taking medicine that a doctor has prescribed for you, but we are telling you that you need to take full advantage of the research power of the Internet and find out exactly what it is you are taking, and what serious mental side effects it could be causing you. As you will see today, there are untold thousands of people across the world who are taking prescription drugs for a physical ailment and are actually causing themselves to develop mental illness.

“And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk: Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts.” Revelation 9:20,21 (KJB)

If you are a student of the Book, you might find it interesting to know that our word ‘pharmaceutical’ meaning medicine, where we derive the term ‘Big Pharma’ from, comes from the Greek word ‘pharmakeia‘. In the book of Revelation where it talks about sorcery and witchcraft, that same word ‘pharmakeia‘ is used. Pharmakeia means ‘the use of medicine, drugs or spells’. Pharmakeia shows up in Exodus 7:11, 7:22, 8:18, Isaiah 47:9, Galatians 5:20, Revelation 9:21 and 18:23. Just thought you might find that interesting. He who has ‘ears to hear’ and all that, you know.

 We live in a period of time where Big Pharma is saving lives, yes, but also destroying the lives of countless others. In the early stages of my graphic design career, I worked for two of the largest Big Pharma companies in the world, and I heard some very interesting things in closed-door meetings. One meeting in particular where the CEO of the company was boiling mad because the new drug they had spent $400 million on killed all the test patients. Killed them dead. So what did the CEO of this massive Big Pharma company want his people to do? He wanted them to repackage it with a new name and find some kind of condition it could be attached to. That’s who you’re dealing with at these drugs companies, thought you’d find that interesting as well.

The medications that change who we are

FROM BBC FUTURE: It turns out many ordinary medications don’t just affect our bodies – they affect our brains. Why? And should there be warnings on packets? “Patient Five” was in his late 50s when a trip to the doctors changed his life. He had diabetes, and he had signed up for a study to see if taking a “statin” – a kind of cholesterol-lowering drug – might help. So far, so normal.

But soon after he began the treatment, his wife began to notice a sinister transformation. A previously reasonable man, he became explosively angry and – out of nowhere – developed a tendency for road rage. During one memorable episode, he warned his family to keep away, lest he put them in hospital.

Out of fear of what might happen, Patient Five stopped driving. Even as a passenger, his outbursts often forced his wife to abandon their journeys and turn back. Afterwards, she’d leave him alone to watch TV and calm down. She became increasingly fearful for her own safety.

“Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” 3 John 1:2 (KJB)

Then one day, Patient Five had an epiphany. “He was like, ‘Wow, it really seems that these problems started when I enrolled in this study’,” says Beatrice Golomb, who leads a research group at the University of California, San Diego. Alarmed, the couple turned to the study’s organizers. “They were very hostile. They said that the two couldn’t possibly be related, that he needed to keep taking the medication, and that he should stay in the study,” says Golomb.

RESEARCH INTO THESE EFFECTS COULDN’T COME AT A BETTER TIME. THE WORLD IS IN THE MIDST OF A CRISIS OF OVER-MEDICATION, WITH THE US ALONE BUYING UP 49,000 TONNES OF PARACETAMOL EVERY YEAR – EQUIVALENT TO ABOUT 298 PARACETAMOL TABLETS PER PERSON – AND THE AVERAGE AMERICAN CONSUMING $1,200 WORTH OF PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS OVER THE SAME PERIOD. AND AS THE GLOBAL POPULATION AGES, OUR DRUG-LUST IS SET TO SPIRAL EVEN FURTHER OUT OF CONTROL; IN THE UK, ONE IN 10 PEOPLE OVER THE AGE OF 65 ALREADY TAKES EIGHT MEDICATIONS EVERY WEEK.

Research into these effects couldn’t come at a better time. The world is in the midst of a crisis of over-medication, with the US alone buying up 49,000 tonnes of paracetamol every year – equivalent to about 298 paracetamol tablets per person – and the average American consuming $1,200 worth of prescription medications over the same period. And as the global population ages, our drug-lust is set to spiral even further out of control; in the UK, one in 10 people over the age of 65 already takes eight medications every week. READ MORE

5 Prescription Medications That Destroy Your Health

You’re probably thinking that there is no way the pharmaceutical industry would sell harmful products. Unfortunately, you would be naïve if you thought that. The pharmaceutical industry is one of the most powerful industries in the world. They have sole control over what drugs and medications are released and sold to the public.

A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength.

**

Meds May Alter Personality

  **

Study: Conservatives and a Meaningful Life

CONSERVATIVES BELIEVE THEIR LIVES ARE MORE MEANINGFUL THAN LIBERALS, STUDY FINDS (independent.co.uk)

A new study suggests liberals may spend more time seeking meaning in life than conservatives, according to the Independent

This is not the first study to conclude that conservatives are generally more content with life. In his study, Cape Breton University psychology professor Stewart J.H. McCann found a link between “higher conservatism and lower neuroticism.”

What is the meaning of life?

If you struggle to come up with an answer to the age-old conundrum, you could blame your left-leaning political ideologies, as new research claims that conservatives are more likely to have an established sense of their life purpose than liberals.

According to the University of California study, which analysed a series of surveys across 16 countries, those with liberal beliefs are more likely to be in a perpetual state of searching for meaning than their right-wing counterparts.

pc: independent.co

"Finding meaning in life is related to the sense or feeling that things are the way they should be, and that there is a sense of order," commented co-author David Newman.

"If life feels chaotic, then that would likely dampen your sense that life is meaningful."

Researchers examined data acquired from five studies looking at how liberals and conservatives rate their lives in terms of meaning and purpose in a dataset spanning four decades.

Participants were asked to rate their political beliefs on a spectrum, ranging from “extremely conservative” to “extremely liberal” and were subsequently asked to respond to statements questioning the extent to which they felt their lives had purpose such as “I understand my life’s meaning”.

The study’s authors accounted for religious beliefs when analysing the responses and still found strong links between those with conservative ideologies having a stronger sense of purpose compared to liberals.

However, Newman stressed the findings are by no means necessarily applicable to all.

"It doesn't mean that every conservative finds a lot of meaning in their life and that every liberal is depressed," he clarified, adding that there are a number of other factors which may influence a person’s feelings towards whether their life has meaning.

"These factors range from various personal characteristics such as how religious someone is to situational influences such as one's current mood," he said.

Newman was inspired to look into the links between political leanings and perceptions of a meaningful life after various studies claimed that conservatives generally boasted higher life satisfaction than liberals.

“Much of the research has focused solely on just one indicator of well-being, namely evaluations of life satisfaction,” he told PsyPost.

“I was a bit surprised no one had expanded the research to include other measures of well-being, and I am interested in learning more about differences between hedonic forms of well-being (e.g., life satisfaction, positive emotions) and eudaimonic forms of well-being (e.g., meaning in life).”

Newman added that further research is necessary in order to fully establish the links between conservatives and feelings of a meaningful life.

“A question that still needs to be addressed is why conservatives find more meaning in life than liberals,” he added.

“Our results showed that it can’t be completely explained by the fact that conservatives are more religious than liberals and religious people find more meaning in life than non-religious people.

“But the results suggest it is more likely related to social conservative issues (e.g., views on abortion and gay rights) than economic conservative issues.

******

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:6 )

More Meaning in Life than Liberals

NEUROTICISM

Study of Conservatives

**

List of Habits to Be Ridiculously Likeable or Darn Irritating

Too many people succumb to the mistaken belief that being likable comes from natural, unteachable traits that belong only to a lucky few — the good looking, the fiercely social, and the incredibly talented. It’s easy to fall prey to this misconception.

When I speak to smaller audiences, I often ask them to describe the most likable people they have ever worked with. People inevitably ignore innate characteristics (intelligence, extraversion, attractiveness, and so on) and instead focus on qualities that are completely under people’s control, such as approachability, humility, and positivity.

These qualities, and others like them, describe people who are skilled in emotional intelligence (EQ). TalentSmart research data from more than a million people shows that people who possess these skills aren’t just highly likable, they outperform those who don’t by a large margin. Ninety percent of top performers have high EQs, people with high EQs make $29,000 more annually than people with low EQs, and a single-point increase in your emotional intelligence adds $1,300 to your salary. I could go on and on.

Being likable is under your control, and it’s a matter of emotional intelligence. Unlike innate, fixed characteristics, such as your intelligence (IQ), EQ is a flexible skill that you can improve with effort.

To help you improve your EQ, I did some digging to uncover the key behaviors that emotionally intelligent people engage in that make them so likable.

1. They are genuine. Being genuine and honest is essential to being likable. No one likes a fake. People gravitate toward those who are genuine because they know they can trust them. It is difficult to like someone when you don’t know who they really are and how they really feel.

Likable people know who they are. They are confident enough to be comfortable in their own skin. By concentrating on what drives you and makes you happy as an individual, you become a much more interesting person than if you attempt to win people over by making choices that you think will make them like you.

2. They ask thoughtful questions. The biggest mistake people make when it comes to listening is they’re so focused on what they’re going to say next or how what the other person is saying is going to affect them that they fail to hear what’s being said. The words come through loud and clear, but the meaning is lost. A simple way to avoid this is to ask a lot of questions. People like to know you’re listening, and something as simple as a clarification question shows that not only are you listening, you also care about what they’re saying. You’ll be surprised how much respect and appreciation you gain just by asking questions.

3. They don’t pass judgment. If you want to be likable you must be open-minded. Being open-minded makes you approachable and interesting to others. No one wants to have a conversation with someone who has already formed an opinion and is not willing to listen.

Having an open mind is crucial in the workplace where approachability means access to new ideas and help. To eliminate preconceived notions and judgment, you need to see the world through other people’s eyes. This doesn’t require you believe what they believe or condone their behavior, it simply means you quit passing judgment long enough to truly understand what makes them tick. Only then can you let them be who they are.

4. They don’t seek attention. People are averse to those who are desperate for attention. You don’t need to develop a big, extroverted personality to be likable. Simply being friendly and considerate is all you need to win people over. When you speak in a friendly, confident, and concise manner, you will notice that people are much more attentive and persuadable than if you try to show them you’re important. People catch on to your attitude quickly and are more attracted to the right attitude than what—or how many people—you know.

When you’re being given attention, such as when you’re being recognized for an accomplishment, shift the focus to all the people who worked hard to help you get there. This may sound cliché, but if it’s genuine, the fact that you pay attention to others and appreciate their help will show that you’re appreciative and humble—two adjectives that are closely tied to likability.

5. They are consistent. Few things make you more unlikable than when you’re all over the place. When people approach you, they like to know whom they’re dealing with and what sort of response they can expect. To be consistent you must be reliable, and you must ensure that even when your mood goes up and down it doesn’t affect how you treat other people.

6. They use positive body language. Becoming cognizant of your gestures, expressions, and tone of voice (and making certain they’re positive) will draw people to you like ants to a picnic. Using an enthusiastic tone, uncrossing your arms, maintaining eye contact, and leaning towards the person who’s speaking are all forms of positive body language that high-EQ people use to draw others in. Positive body language can make all the difference in a conversation.

It’s true that how you say something can be more important than what you say.

7. They leave a strong first impression. Research shows most people decide whether or not they like you within the first seven seconds of meeting you. They then spend the rest of the conversation internally justifying their initial reaction. This may sound terrifying, but by knowing this you can take advantage of it to make huge gains in your likability. First impressions are tied intimately to positive body language. Strong posture, a firm handshake, smiling, and opening your shoulders to the person you are talking to will help ensure that your first impression is a good one.

8. They greet people by name. Your name is an essential part of your identity, and it feels terrific when people use it. Likable people make certain they use others’ names every time they see them. You shouldn’t use someone’s name only when you greet him. Research shows that people feel validated when the person they’re speaking with refers to them by name during a conversation.

If you’re great with faces but have trouble with names, have some fun with it and make remembering people’s names a brain exercise. When you meet someone, don’t be afraid to ask her name a second time if you forget it right after you hear it. You’ll need to keep her name handy if you’re going to remember it the next time you see her.

9. They smile. People naturally (and unconsciously) mirror the body language of the person they’re talking to. If you want people to like you, smile at them during a conversation and they will unconsciously return the favor and feel good as a result.

10. They know who to touch (and they touch them). When you touch someone during a conversation, you release oxytocin in their brain, a neurotransmitter that makes their brain associate you with trust and a slew of other positive feelings. A simple touch on the shoulder, a hug, or a friendly handshake is all it takes to release oxytocin. Of course, you have to touch the right person in the right way to release oxytocin, as unwanted or inappropriate touching has the opposite effect. Just remember, relationships are built not just from words, but also from general feelings about each other. Touching someone appropriately is a great way to show you care.

11. They balance passion and fun. People gravitate toward those who are passionate. That said, it’s easy for passionate people to come across as too serious or uninterested because they tend to get absorbed in their work. Likable people balance their passion with the ability to have fun. At work they are serious, yet friendly. They still get things done because they are socially effective in short amounts of time and they capitalize on valuable social moments. They minimize small talk and gossip and instead focus on having meaningful interactions with their coworkers. They remember what you said to them yesterday or last week, which shows that you’re just as important to them as their work.

Bringing It All Together

Likable people are invaluable and unique. They network with ease, promote harmony in the workplace, bring out the best in everyone around them, and generally seem to have the most fun. Add these skills to your repertoire and watch your likability soar!

Please share your thoughts in the comments section, as I learn just as much from you as you do from me.

Follow Dr. Travis Bradberry on Twitter: www.twitter.com/talentsmarteq

6.07.2020

**

Live Long and Prosper: Secret to Longevity by 5 Oldest Siblings in the World

So far in the year 2018, my 2 sibs and I have a combined age of 172 years.  We'd like to catch up with the Mangham Sibs ^_^ 

The secret to their longevity:

Read the full article --- >  H E R E

The World's 5 Oldest Siblings





******

Healthy Monday: Encouragement for the Sick and Worried (It Will be Alright)

There was a recent post on FB by a gal who ridiculed the idea of God caring enough to hear people's prayers during troubled times. She strongly implied that there is no God - no way, no how - so there!

So-called friend knows it all and is soooooooo very smart (in her estimation).  Do I believe her words; and overlook her hatred and self-absorption; or do I believe these rock-solid promises that are just the tip of the [God-given] iceberg?

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. Ephesians 3: 20,21

Now we know that God heareth not sinners:

 but if any man be a worshipper of God, 

and doeth his will, him He heareth.

John 9:31

These smart gentlemen know to feed people's souls with encouragement through song:

"It Will be Alright" sung by Dr Francois

Medicine for the soul:

When you’re feeling low

And there’s no one around

When it looks like it’s over

And life’s got you down

Hold on to me brother

I’ll be there when you need

Because there’s a brighter tomorrow...

This I truly believe

Everything———Everything

Everything is gonna be alright

So dry those eyes....it’ll be....alright....

——
Before he retired the legendary Dr. Franklin Sim once told me...."As a surgeon, it is your responsibility to bear the burden of worry with your patients.....”
——
As healthcare providers, we often meet people at their greatest time of need....and sometimes the best gift you can give is a simple reminder that everything will be alright...
——
Much love to my brother Dr. William Robinson on the keys, he’s phenomenal. Much love Dr. Bayard Carlson for recording the video. Both are fellow Orthopedic Surgery co-Residents

And much love to the truly inspirational Mike Yung for writing this original piece...check out his story and support his kick start campaign #nevergiveup

-- Dr Elvis Francois

Mayo Clinic Docs Singing

Docs Sings: Lean on Me

********

Albert Einstein's Wisdom Pays Off Bigtime in Auction!

Wise words from Physicist, Albert Einstein who passed away 63 years ago (April 18, 1955).


Usually, when workers are looking for tips, they don't mean advice.  But sometimes it can prove quite valuable.

In November 1922, Albert Einstein was traveling for a lecture series, during which he'd been awarded the Nobel prize in Physics.  While staying at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo, he received a delivery, but didn't have money to tip the courier.  So he jotted a message, written in German, signed it, and handed it to the messenger:  "A calm and humble life will bring more happiness than the pursuit of success and the constant restlessness that comes with it."

Last year at auction, the handwritten note sold for $1.56 million.

-- Have a Good Day, March 2018

Auction in Jerusalem

******

Paralyzed But Not Crippled in Soul

Wow, just WOW...

This is our friend Freya at our wedding reception! I met her at the intersection of Berry Rd and Franklin Pike on April 27, 2016. She was the driver who paralyzed me on my bicycle.
.
I woke up in the hospital not knowing what had happened. When I was told that someone had ran a red light and hit me, but was very shaken up and distraught, I wanted to reach out, to say that I was surrounded by family and that I was going to be OK. That I forgave her.
.
I didn't hear from her for 5 months, until one day I received a long, poetic text message about how devastated she was...
.
It was honestly really good closure to hear from her. To know it was a real person that cared and was deeply troubled by what had happened.
.
I sent her a video of me walking in a harness... Said it would be OK. A few months later I was back in Nashville in audio school, and we coordinated a time to meet in person.
.
It was like a movie. The name of the coffee shop was, ironically, The Red Bicycle. I walked in, she expected me to roll in. I said "bring it in", and we embraced for a solid 30 seconds. It was one of the weightiest moments of my life... The significance of that act.
.

I had every right to sentence her to jail time. To make her pay for her mistakes. She deserved it. And she knew it. She had cried every day.
.
I chose light. I chose life. And instead of a jail cell, she now has freedom from drug addiction, she's reconnected with her mother, and has turned to God. All I did was extend forgiveness, and look at the result!
.
Give someone something they don't deserve today, you just might change their life.

Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, 

are forgiven;  for she loved much: but to whom little

 is forgiven, the same loveth little.

Luke 7:47

Driver Who Paralyzed David

**************