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Digital overload and the freeze response with Karla Pretorius

Digital overload and the freeze response with Karla Pretorius

Feeling constantly 'on' and exhausted? Psychotherapist Karla Pretorius explains that without relief from the news cycle, our bodies can shift from fight or flight into 'freeze': https://patient.info/features/mental-health/why-our-brains-are-hooked-on-bad-news

Design, video and audio production: Victoria Raw

#NervousSystemHealing #SelfCareTips #DigitalHyperarousal #FightorFlight #StressAwareness #KarlaPretorius

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Patient picks

Tension headache

Patient information leaflet

Tension headache

Tension headache is the most common form of headache. Painkillers, taken only when needed for the pain, work well in most cases. Attention to lifestyle factors, such as stress, posture and exercise, may help to prevent headaches. You have low immunity - for example, if you have HIV HIV and AIDs , or are on oral steroid medication or medicines.

Why our brains are hooked on bad news

Feature

Why our brains are hooked on bad news

In a world where every global and local event is amplified by social media and 24-hour news cycles, switching off feels nearly impossible. Our brains are evolutionarily programmed to prioritise potential threats ove... Karla Pretorius, psychotherapist and Clinical Health Lead, Orli, London, UK explains that humans have evolved to prioritise.

Headache

Patient information leaflet

Headache

Headaches are very common and can affect people of all ages, often triggered by everyday factors. Most are not serious and improve with rest, fluids, or simple pain relief. However, some headaches can be more serious and may need medical attention. Key points Headaches are common and are usually harmless. The main types of headaches are tension.

Are older adults missing out when it comes to digital healthcare?

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Are older adults missing out when it comes to digital healthcare?

The NHS has committed to digitally enabled care going mainstream. Despite this, there has been progress in the last five years in gettin... "Increasing internet use amongst older people has been a decade-long trend and it's a good thing, since being online can help people access information, public services and cheap deals," says Caroline.

Medication-overuse headache

Patient information leaflet

Medication-overuse headache

Medication-overuse headache is a cause of frequent headaches caused by taking painkillers or triptan medicines regularly for headaches or migraine. What is medication-overuse headache. Medication-overuse headache (medication-induced headache) is a type of headache that is caused by using headache-relief medications (pain relievers or triptans) too.

How remote mental health services have helped the LGBTQ+ community

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How remote mental health services have helped the LGBTQ+ community

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the way we access healthcare changed. For the LGBTQ+ community, the move to remote mental health services also resulted in more people using them. We explore how this has improved LGBTQ+ mental health support in a post-pandemic world. LGBTQ+ mental health It's hard to quantify the increase in the number of LGBTQ+.

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Disclaimer: The views expressed in the community do not represent medical advice. For any health concerns, consult your GP or healthcare provider.