Recent research in the field of neuroplasticity has demonstrated that you can change your brain chemistry by changing how you think.
Neuroplasticity basically means that your brain is shapeable and moldable, that you can actually change it’s structure, how it functions and your brain chemistry by engaging in Therapy like CBT- (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy).
People often assume that because mental illness like depression and anxiety show up in the body, that they are caused by a biological factor, but in many cases that is the effect rather than the cause of mental illness. And medication isn’t the only treatment option for these biological differences, changing how you act and how you think actually physically changes the brain. Don’t make any changes to your medication without discussing it with your primary treatment provider.
In this video excerpt from my Udemy.com course I explain the basics of neuroplasticity and how we can use that to better understand and treat depression and anxiety.
You can change your brain! Check out my online course “Change your Brain: 10 alternatives to medication to change Brain Chemistry” it’s packed with ways you can improve your mental health through simple changes that take minutes a day:
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Coping Skills and Self-Care for Mental Health Course:
How to Help: Practical Skills to help Loved ones with Mental Illness:
My Favorite Books for Mental Health:
The Anatomy of Peace:
Anxiety/Depression: Get out of your Mind and Into Your Life:
Trauma- Healing Trauma:
Marriage- The 7 Principles for Making Marriage Work:
Anxiety/Depression-Get out of your mind and into your life for Teens:
Social Anxiety- Painfully Shy:
The Worry Solution:
A Calm Brain:
Therapy in a Nutshell, and the information provided by Emma McAdam, is solely intended for informational and entertainment purposes and is not a substitute for advice, diagnosis, or treatment regarding medical or mental health conditions. Although Emma McAdam is a licensed marriage and family therapist, the views expressed on this site or any related content should not be taken for medical or psychiatric advice. Always consult your physician before making any decisions related to your physical or mental health.
If you are in crisis please contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at: or 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or your local emergency services.
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Some references:
Modifiable factors that alter the size of the hippocampus with ageing. Nat Rev Neurol. 2012 Mar 13;8(4):189–202. doi: 10.1038/nrneurol.2012.27. Fotuhi M1, Do D, Jack C.
Moustafa, A. A. (2013).
Increased hippocampal volume and gene expression following cognitive behavioral therapy in PTSD. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 7, 747.
Weinhold, B. (2006).
Epigenetics: The Science of Change. Environmental Health Perspectives, 114(3), A160–A167.
Echolocation:
