You Had a Baby Girl Because You Were Stressed as Hell, Study Says

File this one under Studies We Don’t Exactly Know What to Do With:

A study from Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons and New York–Presbyterian claims that maternal stress during pregnancy may actually affect fetal and child development — including the sex of your baby. Hey, there are currently studies out there searching for the “gay gene” too, so just go with it.

The study appeared online in PNAS, the journal of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Catherine Monk, Ph.D., is a professor of medical psychology at Vagelos College as well as director of women’s mental health at the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology at New York–Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center. Monk served as the study leader.

“The womb is an influential first home, as important as the one a child is raised in, if not more so,” Monk said of the reasoning behind the study. We beg to differ with Monk, as the womb is a short-term rental, more like an AirBnB stay for baby. The family one is born into is, well, a life sentence, if we’re being frank. But we get the idea: The stress levels of a mother-to-be may affect a fetus more than previously realized.

Monk and her colleagues studied in depth 27 indicators of stress — including physical, emotional, psychosocial, lifestyle — in 187 healthy pregnant women between the ages of 18 and 45. We were surprised to find that only 17% (that’s just 32) of the pregnant women were psychologically under stress, showing diagnosable levels of anxiety and depression. Another 16% (30 women) presented with high blood pressure or high caloric intake and were considered physically stressed. The rest of the women were considered to be healthy (67%, 125 women).

So what of these numbers? Well, the research was intriguing: The sex ratio of male births to female births in the stressed subsets of women showed more females born.

“Other researchers have seen this pattern after social upheavals, such as the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York City, after which the relative number of male births decreased,” Monk explained. “This stress in women is likely of long-standing nature; studies have show that males are more vulnerable to adverse prenatal environments, suggesting that highly stressed women may be less likely to give birth to a male due to the loss of prior male pregnancies, often without knowing they were pregnant.”

So…that double X chromosome is a powerhouse, is our takeaway. (Can’t say we’re shocked, exactly. Have you met any women?)

The study offered other insights as well. For instance, physically stressed moms were more likely to experience premature labor and birth than unstressed moms. And fetuses showed “reduced heart rate—movement coupling, an indicator of slower central nervous system development—compared with unstressed mothers.”

Interestingly, the amount of social support offered to a mother seemed to make it more likely that the mother would give birth to a male child. But again, that would suggest that the mother-to-be was already receiving plenty of everyday support before she presumably got pregnant — and the sex organs of the baby were formed. A baby shower and spa day at 12 weeks pregnant does not magically revert a female fetus to a male fetus, in other words. (Duh.)

So if all women are waited on hand and foot and screened daily for depression, are we risking a planet full of men? Because, uh, it already feels like we’re living ON A PLANET FULL OF MEN. I for one am happy to take some hard knocks during pre- and early pregnancy to ensure a planet gets all the females it needs.

Thirty percent of pregnant women in the study reported job stress or mental illness issues, and that sort of stress is linked to premature birth, which in turn is linked to higher rates of infant death and ADHD and other issues in childhood.

“We know from animal studies that exposure to high levels of stress can raise levels of stress hormones like cortisol in the uterus, which in turn can affect the fetus,” Monk explained. “Stress can also affect the mother’s immune system, leading to changes that affect neurological and behavioral development in the fetus. What’s clear from our study is that maternal mental health matters, not only for the mother but also for her future child.”

Yeah, but it also matters if Dad has been pounding too many IPA microbrews. Let’s just say there’s still a whole lot to unpack when it comes to understanding fetal development, and this is yet another study we’re taking lightly. No one wants stress raining down on pregnant women, but maybe the human race has found way to reset itself after wars and terrorist attacks and other violence perpetuated (primarily) by men — by creating stress that actually limits how many more males can enter the world. Not hard science, but definitely food for thought.

How I'm Learning Not to Fear Recovery From Depression

I saw a post on Instagram that said, “I am happy, hurting and healing at the same time. Don’t ask me how I’m doing it because I don’t know, but I’m doing it and I’m so proud of myself.”

Living without depression these past few years has been extremely confusing. When I was severely depressed, all I wanted was to feel better and to not struggle with it every single day. I wanted to feel happy to be easier. But for a long time, I didn’t let myself learn how to be fully happy. I was afraid of the change because having depression was what I knew and what I had become comfortable with. There was a part of me that thought if I got better, I wouldn’t be the same person I built myself to be and people wouldn’t value me as much as they did when they knew I was fighting.

People admire fighters. They admire people who have countless obstacles in front of them but keep pushing through them. So when I finally discovered how to deal with my issues in a healthier way that could potentially lead me away from depression, I was a bit freaked out. The possibility of being happy was so close and yet the idea of not being a fighter anymore was scary. But I realized people also admire survivors. People who have previously struggled are just as strong as people who are currently struggling. And it wasn’t until I accepted and understood this that I could still embrace my past in a healthy way that would leave me and the people around me with the knowledge and support and experience that I recovered from my depression.

I’m still struggling to figure out the line between depression and sadness. I understand sadness so well that when it elevates, I become paranoid my depression is returning and I give into it. I tell myself the world doesn’t want me to be happy. It’s hard to understand not being depressed doesn’t mean I won’t be sad. Having depression is like the one streak of sunshine in a sky full of clouds while recovering from depression is one cloud in a sky full of sunshine. It doesn’t mean I won’t ever be sad. It doesn’t mean everything’s going to be good all of the time. It simply means I will have more good days than bad.

Right now, I’m hurting. There are a lot of things going on in my life that often leave me in tears. I’m not doing as well as I would like. But overall, I am happy. I am no longer struggling with depression. I spend time with the people I love. I’ve learned to appreciate the little things and not take life for granted. So, I’m happy. But at the same time, I’m healing. I’m trying to overcome the obstacles in front of me while also digging through the unresolved issues of my past and finally accepting that I have to deal with them. I’m doing it and I’m proud of myself.

This is the exact age when the joy gets sucked out of your life

If you’re unhappy in your 40s, you’re not alone

The middle of life may be a time of unhappiness and stress.

The middle-age is miserable.

At least, that’s the implication of a new survey of 2,000 people from U.K. theater chain Cineworld, which found that life is “least fun” at age 45. Additionally, more than half of people say that finding fun in everyday life gets harder the older you get.

Previous research supports the idea that middle age is rough. Data from the U.K.’s Office of National Statistics (ONS), which looked at the well-being of more than 300,000 adults over three years, found that people ages 40-59 were the least happy and most anxious. And a working paper distributed by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that there is “much evidence” that “humans experience a midlife psychological ‘low’.”

In fact, there is a “happiness curve,” and it bottoms out in midlife, Jonathan Rauch, author of “The Happiness Curve,” explained to MarketWatch’s Alessando Malito. “The happiness curve is how aging, independent of other things, affects your happiness and it is U-shaped,” Rauch said. “It turns out the aging process drags your happiness down through your 40s, bottoms out around 50, and then aging increases your happiness for the rest of your life.”

So what causes this midlife slump? The ONS researchers suggest that the juggling of the multitude of responsibilities in middle age could be to blame, including “the burden caused by having to care for both parents and children at the same time.” Some 23% of American adults balance caring for their kids and their parents, and they often face financial challenges as a result, a 2015 Pew Research Center report found.

Midlife doldrums could also be related to the struggle to balance careers and personal lives, the ONS researchers wrote, explaining that while younger people might still be in school, “those in their middle years may have more demands placed on their time and might struggle to balance work and family commitments.”

How to Improve Mental Health With Safe and Natural Methods

With the increase in stress, depression, dementia, etc. in our society today how we work to improve mental health is important. We quickly look for prescription drugs and other similar methods to solve this problem. But there are often serious side effects from those methods. Are there natural and safe methods that can help? Yes, but you have to be willing to implement them.

We are a society of quick fixes, but sometimes things don't always resolve that easily. To get mental health help can be challenging and sometimes frustrating for those suffering from issues like depression or dementia. Stress is another one that no matter how much we talk about it as a society, we still can't seem to get it under control.

People quickly turn to doctors and therapists to improve mental health. There is some value in this and counseling can be wonderful in helping people resolve buried issues, but there seems to be a tendency to rely on things like drugs to combat these issues. However, this usually only deals with symptoms and not root causes which are not the most beneficial thing. The side effects of drugs and other similar methods are also problematic. Sleep issues, nausea, sexual issues can all come as a result of using various prescription drugs making them almost as bad as what they are supposed to cure.

Even if therapy, drugs, etc. work the cost can be quite high. While there are a time and place for these things in dealing with mental illness, the issue is really their overuse when perhaps other more basic methods could help.

I'm amazed at the number of people who are willing to take the time and the expense of going to therapy to get mental health help for stress and depression, but who claim they don't have time and/or money to exercise. While that may be true regarding money if insurance is covering the therapy, that still doesn't account for the time.

However, numerous studies have shown that exercise is a powerful tool in reducing stress and its effect on the body. It also has been shown to improve mental health for those with mild to moderate forms of depression. It really doesn't take any more time to do this than it does going to the shrink but has all sorts of other benefits for the body as well. Longer life, reduced risk of heart disease, cancer, dementia and Alzheimer's are just some of the possible benefits of regular exercise.

Diet is another area that can be a tremendous mental health help. We all are aware of the importance of diet on heart health and cancer, but it also plays a huge role in our mental state. Even making some of the changes necessary for your heart will help. Reducing bad fats, getting more Omega 3 fatty acids from fish, increasing fruits and vegetables, getting more B complex vitamins, Vitamin E, etc. all work to improve mental health.

The ability of your brain to function properly and cope with stress, depression, etc. depends on getting the proper amounts of these nutrients. Our diets are usually insufficient to get us what our bodies and minds need. In fact, we tend to be heavy on fats, sugars, and carbs which in some cases can actually make symptoms worse for people already struggling with these issues.

Both of these areas mentioned are natural, safe and can have a definite impact on mental health. The issue is really more one of motivation and education than time or money. However, changes in these areas can help and may even keep people from needing to spend time and money on more expensive and potentially dangerous treatments like drugs.

Finally, one of the more interesting tools available for mental health help is that of supplements. Many are familiar with supplements for joints or fighting colds, etc. Increasingly more people are using natural herbs to combat common issues like those just mentioned. However, not everyone knows (or believes) that there are valid supplements out there that can have a significant impact on your mental health.

Supplements that contain Ginkgo, Ginseng, Bacopin, Vinpocetine, huperzine A and Gotu Kola have been shown to improve cognitive function, improve mood, reduce stress effects and a host of other effects on the brain. Some of these herbs even gave prescription drugs a run for their money in recent studies on stress and depression. Yet they have relatively few side effects or issues compared with drugs. They also tend to offer a range of benefits as opposed to drugs which tend to target a specific issue.

There are safe, natural and effective means for fighting stress, depression, dementia, and other mental ailments. The ability to improve mental health through these methods has been tested and retested. However, you need to be willing and motivated to use them and follow-through with them to better mental health.

Basic Needs Of Mental Health

There are distinct facts about mental health, which are not aware of people. However, the basic needs of mental health are not adhered to. It has revealed that the mental health and the physical health of a person are interrelated. And Thus the mental health of the body might also be given equal importance like physical health. In medical terms, the mental health of a person is commonly referred to as an individual's emotional or psychological well-being. Hence, this is a term that has no precise or single official definition according to the World Health Organization.

There are different professionals and medical experts who believe that mental health is measured by an individual's ability to remain capable and competent. These also hold aspects like handling normal levels of stress, maintaining happy and healthy relationships along with the ability to lead an independent life. Mental health also touches on the capability of being able to quickly recover from difficult situations. Which may be both physical and mental. There are many individuals who have been diagnosed with a mental illness and thus they need to improve on the same.

The people who have not been diagnosed with mental health problems still, have time to indulge in activities for nutritional health promotion. Also, it has been seen that mental health problems can affect anyone at any time and there are various reasons for the same. Hence it might be remembered that everyone has mental health needs, including those who have no illness. Some of the best methods to solve the problems of mental health are through understanding, love, care, and support.

For people who are suffering from mental health illnesses, consulting a psychiatrist should be consulted for a professional evaluation. This is advised because in many cases, regular discussions with the same can help to cure the illness at the early stage. But there are instances where other kinds of medication may be required or even hospitalization in extreme cases. But most of the troubles of mental health can be easily solved with the proper treatment. The people who have stronger minds are the ones who can easily recover from such kinds of problems.

Again the difference between positive mental health status and one that may be indicative of illness is vital. As usual, people lead life through stressful situations, tears, and problems that must be overcome. In these cases, the best way to gauge mental health is by assessing an individual's aptitude to handle these situations appropriately. There are no stereotypes or universal symptoms or sign of a mental health illness but these are defined as the person's inability to operate or deal with everyday situations in healthful and productive manner.

All human beings have innate biomedical factors that influence health functions and thus each person also has different mental needs along with a different combination of characteristics. It is these needs and characteristics that help them to adapt to different types of psychological behaviors and nutrient needs. Thus some people also benefit by changing their diets because they are genetically suited for vegetarian-based diets and others are not.

How To Seeking Help for a Mental Health Problem

The hardest part of reducing a mental health disorder is recognizing that you have one. Many people pass through life vaguely aware that something is wrong but ignoring all of the warning signs. Since people with undiagnosed mental disorders have much higher rates of depression and poverty than the general population. It is imperative that anyone seeing signs of mental illness seek help. But many are afraid to go to a doctor or psychiatrist, fearing expenses, judgment or even the loss of their sense of self. However, medical help is often the only way to return to normal function.

If you suspect you're having mental health problems, you should first assess how long you have been showing them. If, however, the symptoms have been persistent since young adulthood, it is likely a mental disorder and will need psychiatric evaluation. Patients feeling anxious should remember that seeking help is not an admission of weakness, but more an attempt to improve daily life. You may need to shop around for a local psychiatrist who takes your insurance. If you have no insurance, call a few offices and ask them about programs for the uninsured. You may be surprised by your options.

Most psychiatrists have a working general knowledge but specialize in certain topics such as abuse or anxiety disorders. If you can't find someone in your area who works with your particular problems, don't despair. A trained psychiatrist should recognize all but the most obscure of mental disorders and know how to treat them. It may be difficult to open up to a stranger at first. It's alright to wait for trust to build up before you begin tackling the big issues, but try to always be truthful with your therapist. You aren't harming anyone but yourself if you mislead him or her.

How Exercise Can Improve Your Sex Life

Candlelight dinners, sweet gifts, and soft music are some things people do to initiate intimate relations. But can exercise work just as well and contribute to a healthy sex life? According to the American Council on Exercise, it can. Heating your sex life can be accomplished through maintaining a good exercise regimen improving sexual function in both men and women. Exercise is not only a physical but mental activity much like sex is. Exercise can enhance sexuality because of the benefits gained in muscle strength, endurance, and cardiovascular functioning. Increased performance of blood flow and increased levels of testosterone levels all lead to a robust and energetic sex life. Studies published in the Electronic Journal of Human Sexuality conclude that people who regularly exercise have a better perception of themselves, and are more confident in their physical abilities, and find themselves more sexually attractive which all add to feelings of competency in lovemaking. They also experience higher levels of satisfaction or may feel more sexually desirable to the opposite sex.

For men, a good healthy body contributes to a good healthy erection and reduction of the risks for impotency. Adding years to a man's life, exercise increases blood flow allowing for better erections with a more than 30 percent lower risk of impotence than men who do not regularly exercise. Because good circulation is necessary for good sexual functioning, it stands to reason that performance is enhanced with better circulation and increased blood flow to organs used when having sex. On the other hand, men who are obese or overweight have mental and physical limitations that interfere with the positive effects of good circulation. They may feel less adequate when having sex, or experience difficulty with the physical demands of sexual activity. Slimming down is a great ego boost, and it gets some of the "extra baggage" out of the way.

For women, a good exercise program could have a positive effect on their sex loves with increase enthusiasm, cardio, and muscular endurance as well. Females may find that they are able to hold positions for longer periods of time and enjoy longer-lasting sex and greater comfort. Greater comfort during sex and increased endurance has the possibility of better ability to achieve orgasms for women who have a problem achieving satisfying orgasms. Conditioning of the body and its muscle groups allow for greater flexibility, making the sexual activity more enjoyable as you are able to try new things that might not have been possible before. I'll let you use your imagination for this one.

Boosting your sex life with physical activity is boosting your overall general health and the healthier you are the better your sex life can be. The psychological benefits such as improved self-esteem, good mood, and increased confidence along with stress reduction benefits are immediately noticeable. The more your health and physical abilities improve the better your sex life can be. Simple exercises like walking briskly at least two miles per day can reap wonderful benefits in the bedroom. So just imagine the benefits you could gain from an overall exercise regime. So, getting healthy and staying healthy only has more benefits than you might have originally thought.

 If you are really interested in getting fit, you should look into a membership at your local gym. You can use their cardio machines and weight machines to gain considerable stamina and muscle mass. You may even skip the gym membership, and go for a run every day. This will get you in great shape as well, it just depends on how much you want to get into the whole fitness thing. Being fit has hundreds of benefits, and better sex is just one of them. So as soon as you can, start doing more research related to how you can get fit, and how it will help you in life