Can we make ourselves happier?

Alright, I've been on an extended vacation, so I haven't kept up to date with mental health :>/ . Let's get things rolling again!

This is a neat article about happiness. Studies show that indeed we can make ourselves more happy, but happiness may not be where we are looking for it!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-23097143

Inside the Teenage Brain

Great little link Helena Dayal sent me: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/teenbrain/

Learn about how the teenage brain is wired differently which helps explain some of the behavior patterns you see during adolescence.

Here's the link for the Online Video Program:
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/video/flv/generic.html?s=frol02p392&continuous=1

Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder

This is one of the better blogs I've come across. It gives you some insight into OCPD, a personality disorder. It is not the same as OCD! The writer sheds light on this commonly misunderstood personality with an interesting, yet unconventional way of looking at this condition.

giftofocpd.com

How to Avoid a Late- Life Crisis

From BBC news: 

It appears that 'mid-life' might not be the only time people suffer a crisis in their lives according to new research.

Psychologists have found that many people in their sixties also find themselves questioning their worth and place in the world, often following personal illness or the loss of friends.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-22130907

An Overview of Mental Health Therapies

Here's a great clip made by Diane Bederman!
http://www.dianebederman.com/the-many-voices-of-mental-illness-podcasts/podcast-episodes/6-episode-2-mental-health-therapies

Here you learn about the different talk therapies from cognitive behaviour therapy to psychoanalysis, drug therapy, and spiritual care.

Diane has a number of great clips on her website, so check it out!

From the DSM-5: Binge Eating Disorder

Here's a neat article from the APA. The DSM-5 is coming out with several changes. Binge eating disorder was previously categorized as a "diagnosis for further study." Read the article to find out why this change was made!

http://apahealthyminds.blogspot.co.il/2013/02/raising-awareness-for-binge-eating.html

Mental Illnesses share common DNA roots

The biggest study yet into genetics and mental health has come up with a stunning result: The five most common mental illnesses -- autism, attention deficit disorder, bipolar disease, schizophrenia and major depression -- all have a common genetic root. Read the article for more!

http://vitals.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/02/27/17121643-mental-illnesses-share-common-dna-roots-study-finds?lite