When Chuck Mullin began to suffer from anxiety and depression aged seventeen, she turned to drawing comics as a way to make sense of her experience. She soon found that pigeons were the perfect subjects through which to explore the complexities of living with mental illness, and several years later, her funny, quirky birds have won legions of fans online. From Bad Times to Positivity, the comics in Bird Brain use humour to provide a glimpse of what's going on in Chuck's head: dissociative episodes; cycles of anxiety; her struggle to accept she's not alone; and the power of optimism on the days it's possible.

Diabetes and its complications take the lives of over 3.2 million people worldwide every year. Thousands of people have succeeded in reducing their risk by using the first edition of "The Joslin Guide to Diabetes". Reflecting the vast range of new research and treatment options that have emerged in the ten years since the bestselling first edition of "The Joslin Guide to Diabetes" was published, this timely and authoritative second edition is far and away the most complete and up-to-date guide to diabetes self-care available anywhere. Drawing on the expertise of a team of internationally recognized experts, the authors address every important issue people face in diabetes management. Written in straightforward, easy-to-understand language and featuring numerous charts, the book covers how to develop a workable meal plan, how and when to monitor and treat blood glucose levels, how to administer insulin, the wide range of oral medications, the importance of physical activity in managing diabetes, strategies to reduce the risk of complications, and other vital information.

In late 2018, Michael Harding was in a hotel room in Blanchardstown experiencing severe pains in his chest. He eventually phoned an ambulance and was admitted to hospital, suffering from an acute heart attack. Here, in Chest Pain, he looks at the months before the heart attack when he kept the signs of failing health from his beloved and instead retreated into solitude -- and with his own inimitable style and humour takes us with him through the months after a stent had been inserted in his heart, where he travels the roads of Donegal in a camper van in a journey back to the beloved, and to himself. Chest Pain is a thought-provoking, spell-binding memoir about togetherness and what it means to be alive.

What you should know about the Covid-19 vaccines from top experts in the field. As the SARS-Cov2 virus emerged and spread globally in early 2020, unprecedented international efforts began to develop and test vaccines to control the devastating pandemic. This book focuses on the remarkable progress in developing vaccines, the amazing effectiveness of the early vaccines, and the challenges of delivering them to the population. To put this extraordinary progress into perspective, the history of other vaccines is presented and their roles in individual protection and protection of the community, "vaccines that protect the unvaccinated," are outlined. The rigorous processes whereby vaccines are evaluated in distinct phases and the steps that must be met prior to obtaining regulatory approval for both vaccine safety and effectiveness are highlighted. Multiple vaccine approaches are reviewed, including new approaches such as "messenger or mRNA vaccine" that may revolutionize future vaccine development. The comprehensive models used to provide recommendations and priorities for vaccination of groups of people at risk are summarized. The book also focuses on the questions that remain unanswered after the vaccines are approved. These include duration of immunity, risk factors for vaccine failure, impact of viral evolution and variant strains, and assessment of both immediate and long-term safety. The authors also address concerns about vaccine acceptance including roll-out, access, and detailed and trusted sources of information.

This is a complete guide to Parkinson's disease, from a patient advocate who founded a successful Parkinson's support group. This comprehensive guide provides detailed information on the medical, emotional, financial, and practical aspects of Parkinson's Disease from two of America's leading advocates for people with the condition. The tone is conversational, pragmatic and personal: the authors offer practical suggestions on handling everyday challenges such as buttoning a shirt or rolling over in bed, explore how PD affects relationships, discuss the role of diet, supplements, rest and relaxation, and the mind-body connection, and offer strategies for navigating professional life.They not only explain what PD is, but unlike other books they show how PD feels, sharing anecdotes and reflections from their own experience and from dozens of people who are living well with PD. This compassionate and inspiring book offers knowledge and wisdom from those who understand the challenges of dealing with PD each day.

Even in the middle of brokenness and overwhelming pain, God has a plan and a purpose for your life, and he is ready to heal you in ways you never thought possible. Join Shawn Johnson, lead pastor of Red Rocks Church, as he gives a searingly honest portrait of anxiety and depression and shows readers how to fight back and live free. Shawn Johnson was the lead pastor of a thriving, fast-growing church. He was supposed to have it all together. But he was also struggling in silence with anxiety and depression, suffering from debilitating panic attacks that told him the lie that this would never end, that he'd spend the rest of his life in excruciating pain. In Attacking Anxiety, Shawn vulnerably shares about this dark time and offers those familiar with that same struggle everything he's learned in his battles with anxiety, depression, and hopelessness. Join Shawn as he: Exposes the lies that lead to isolation and replace them with the truths that are essential to survival Reveals the things that most of us don't realize are adding more anxiety and depression to our lives and replace them with the wisdom and support that lead to true freedom Explains what to do when you, or someone you love, is in the middle of a panic attack Guides you through what you need to know in order to start attacking anxiety and depression Praise for Attacking Anxiety: "In our current culture where depression and anxiety are at an all-time high, Attacking Anxiety comes at just the right time. This book is the perfect resource to read if you, like me, have battled anxiousness, loss of control, or even the inability to cope. Pastor Shawn dives into how we can live a life where anxiety isn't our label or our future. He shows us that we don't have to just sit back and let it attack us, we can choose to fight back--with the weapons of God's Word--and overcome the anxiety monster once and for all and live the life God always intended for us to live: free." --Madison Prewitt, bestselling author of Made for This Moment

When he was diagnosed with both high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes Dr Kongnyuy was initially shocked and depressed at the life-sentence of ill health, medication and restricted lifestyle he felt he'd been handed. But with the support of his family and his knowledge of medical science, he brought his research training to bear on the problem - if these are lifestyle conditions then can lifestyle not reverse them? Conducting a series of experiments on himself that involved changes in diet and lifestyle over several years, he identified what did and did not work for him. Both his method for finding what suits us individually, and his findings as to what returned him to health, will provide invaluable guidance to all those seeking to reverse type 2 diabetes and hypertension.

'This isn't living, this is just existing.' A long-term physical health condition - a chronic illness, or even a disability - can take over your existence. Battling against the effects of the condition can take so much of your time and energy that it feels like the rest of your life is 'on hold'. The physical symptoms of different conditions will vary, as will the way you manage them. But the kinds of psychological stress the situation brings are common to lots of long-term health problems: worry about the future, sadness about what has been lost, frustration at changes, guilt about being a burden, friction with friends and family. You can lose your sense of purpose and wonder 'What's the point?' Trapped in a war against your own illness, every day is just about the battle, and it can seem impossible to find achievement and fulfilment in life if the condition cannot be cured. It doesn't have to be like that. Using the latest developments in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) which emphasise mindfulness and acceptance, and including links to downloadable audio exercises and worksheets, this book will show you how you can live better despite your long-term condition. It will teach you to spot the ways of coping that haven't been working for you, how to make sure that troubling thoughts and unwanted feelings don't run your life, how to make sense of the changes in your circumstances, to make the most of today and work towards a future that includes more of the things that matter to you. If you stop fighting a losing battle, and instead learn how to live well with the enemy, then - even with your long-term condition - you'll find yourself not simply existing, but really living again.

Shape your way in the world and overcome any challenge

Living on your own for the very first time can be exciting yet nerve-wracking--you'll search for roommates, interview for jobs, manage finances, and form relationships. But adjusting to this new life can seem especially difficult when you're on the Autism Spectrum. Drawing on her experiences, Lynne Soraya, one of ThAutcast.com's Most Inspiring Autistic People and author of "Psychology Today"'s Asperger's Diary, will provide you with valuable advice as she guides you through each step of your transition into adulthood. These real-life strategies will help you cope with the feelings brought on by this change as well as deal with common challenges, like:

• Budgeting and handling bills.
• Finding the right residence and/or roommates.
• Discovering a career path that complements your talents.
• Interacting with coworkers and clients.
• Building relationships with friends and potential partners.

With "Living Independently on the Autism Spectrum," you will gain the confidence, support, and guidance you need to finally experience life on your own.

Do you want to manage your chronic pain and get your life back on track? Are you fed up with being held hostage by persistent pain and want to take action now? This book by chronic pain expert Dr Nicola Sherlock will show you how. Chronic pain is a huge problem. It is estimated that between one third and one half of the adult population in the UK live with pain. In turn, many people struggle to manage their pain; they report that it affects nearly every aspect of their lives, and that they feel held captive by it. Furthermore, the emotional impact of pain has been increasingly recognised, and it is recommended that treatments for chronic pain no longer rely on medication alone. However, it is difficult to find relatable, easy-to-understand information on the non-medical aspects of pain management. Master Your Chronic Pain adopts a holistic view of pain. Each chapter looks at a different aspect of pain management, from the benefits of mindfulness meditation to overcoming a fear of exercise to strategies for improving sleep. The emotional impact of pain is discussed, and practical tips for managing stress, worry, and low mood are given. Strategies for managing thoughts and emotions are explored, and the impact of pain on relationships is examined. This book uses principles from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) which has been established as a highly effective therapeutic approach in the management of chronic pain. Through Master Your Chronic Pain, you will be able to take control of your condition. The interventions and techniques detailed have consistently helped to improve outcomes and reduce people's reliance on medication. The techniques help people to live fuller, more enjoyable lives once more. > Understand the nature of chronic pain to manage it better. > Appraise the life values and motivations that underpin your journey away from pain's control. > Boost your energy levels and zest for life by eating smarter, sleeping better, and becoming more active. > Manage the negative inner voices that constrain the life you desire. > Become less rigid in your thinking and grow your self-confidence. > Embrace the benefits of mindfulness to combat persistent pain's obstacles. > Handle stress, anxiety, and low mood to develop a life of increased independence and fulfilment. About the author. Dr Nicola Sherlock has spent 20 years working in a pain service in the NHS, and has worked with thousands of patients who have shared their stories. Using these accounts and applied research from pain management studies, Nicola has helped many people to manage their pain and live better lives. In this book, Nicola shares her knowledge and expertise with compassion and understanding so that readers can master their pain and live better, more fulfilled lives.

At the age of twenty-seven, married, living in New York, and working in book design, Mary Cregan gives birth to her first child, a daughter she names Anna. But it's apparent that something is terribly wrong and two days later, Anna dies, plunging Cregan into suicidal despair. Decades later, sustained by her work, a second marriage, and a son, Cregan reflects on and attempts to make sense of this pivotal experience. Weaving together literature and research with details from her long-buried medical records, she writes of her own ordeal and the still-visible scar of a suicide attempt- while considering it as part of a larger history of our understanding of depression. She investigates the treatments she underwent, from hospitalization and shock therapy to psychotherapy and antidepressants. At once intimate and scholarly, The Scar illuminates a too often stigmatised affliction with compassion and intelligence and offers hope to all those who are still struggling.

Sound techniques for a quiet night's sleep! Get some much needed rest despite a rumbling rester beside you with one of over one hundred creative ideas. Why is it that the first one to fall asleep always snores the loudest? You've tried everything short of using a pillow to drown out that noise! Even the neighbors are mad! Now what? Before you grab that pillow in a fit of rage, try any number of these 101 proven techniques, including: *Get Zippered Pillowcases *Clean Your Room *Use a Humidifier *Try Separate Blankets *Avoid Taking Naps. Here is every trick for dealing with your loud bedmate. Some have been passed down for generations, others recently discovered, and at least one will help you get a restful night's sleep!

Major depressive disorder is a common medical condition that can be disabling and can persist for months, even years. Many people experience depression symptoms that resist treatment. Although they try various combinations of medications, psychotherapy, or electroconvulsive therapy, their symptoms don't improve. What can people who have treatment-resistant depression do to overcome their depression and feel better? In Still Down, Dr. Dean F. MacKinnon, a psychiatrist at Johns Hopkins Medical School, presents nine composite stories drawn from patients he has seen in his twenty years as an expert in treatment-resistant mood disorders. The first section of the book features people diagnosed with depression who have not yet received appropriate treatment. The next section looks at misdiagnosis, focusing on people who feel and appear depressed but who have different mood disorders and need treatment for them. Finally, Dr. MacKinnon describes people who have severe depression that does not respond to any treatment, regardless of how finely tuned the treatment might be. These people, who suffer from true treatment-resistant depression (TRD), can benefit from a variety of treatments to feel better. Dr. MacKinnon provides commentary to explain and extend the discussion of the patients and situations in each case. He also discusses common obstacles to improvement, including overly conservative dosing, problems stemming from not adhering to treatment, antidepressant failure, and high sensitivity to side effects. By identifying aspects of the individual's qualities, behaviors, and experiences that may account for poor response to treatment, Still Down points the way for people with TRD and their families to find appropriate diagnoses and the best possible care.

From 2008, Charlotte Reed suffered from crippling depression. She decided not to take antidepressants and to instead fight her depression by making lifestyle changes such as exercise, diet and acupuncture. In addition, she started an online 'Thought for the Day' - a positive thought she posted on Facebook each day. These daily thoughts became a massive hit among her friends and Charlotte credits them with playing a huge part in her recovery from depression two years later. She went on to publish them in a book, May The Thoughts be With You, which she has sold thousands of copies of at the world-famous Portbello Road Market in Notting Hill, London. My Path to Happy is the story of her illness and recovery. Equally moving as it is hopeful, this beautifully illustrated book will resonate with anyone who has experienced depression - either as a sufferer themselves or as a helpless bystander. Written simply and illustrated appealingly, Charlotte powerfully conveys the nature and experience of this illness and what helped her to ultimately overcome it. At a time when, as a society, we are becoming more and more open about our mental health, this book will appeal to anyone who has experienced depression either first hand or as a helpless bystander. Charlotte has a weekly 'Thought for the Day' in London's Evening Standard. Praise for My Path to Happy: 'Such a moving story! It's heartfelt, honest and incredibly inspiring.' Melissa Hemsley, author of Eat Happy 'Charlotte is so brave to share her story in such an honest and moving way. I love how openly she talks about mental health and how she found help - particularly through acupuncture, family and most of all, self acceptance and self love. A truly beautiful read.'- Vanessa Kirby, actress

When you have diabetes yourself or in your family, you must become your own expert. Equipped with the knowledge, strategies and tips provided in this easy-to-read resource, you will be fully prepared to take the best care of yourself and your diabetes. With over 40 chapters looking at topics ranging from nutrition, pregnancy and travel, to associated conditions, research and new developments, this book digs deep into the practicalities of managing and living with diabetes. This latest edition also contains advice on how to use the new hybrid insulin pump. OTHER KEY FEATURES INCLUDE: Glossary with over 150 medical terms Over 400 illustrations Over 1,000 journal and article references, plus website recommendations for further reading Details of self-help and support organisations, as well as real-life stories from people with diabetes. Medical research has conclusively proved that looking after your diabetes is key to avoiding pitfalls and long-term risks. By understanding your diabetes, you can live a full, healthy and happy life.