Stress
Cerebral Haemorrhage: Signs, Reasons, Treatment, and Prevention
Cerebral haemorrhage is often referred to as intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) or hemorrhagic stroke. It is a critical medical condition characterised by bleeding within the brain tissue. This condition requires immediate medical attention. This article delves into some basic knowledge about ICH to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.
What is Cerebral Haemorrhage?
Cerebral haemorrhage or ICH, is a type of stroke that occurs when a blood vessel in the brain bursts and bleeds into the surrounding brain tissue. This bleeding disrupts the blood supply to the brain and damages brain cells.
According to research, cerebral haemorrhage is the second most common cause of stroke. Research also shows that ICH is the deadliest type of stroke, with a mortality rate of around 40%-50% within the first month.
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Types of Cerebral Haemorrhage
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Intraparenchymal Haemorrhage
Intraparenchymal haemorrhage (IPH) is a type of bleeding that occurs within the brain tissue. According to Wikipedia, IPH is the most common type and accounts for around 8-13% of all strokes and can arise from various underlying conditions. IPH may lead to death or significant disability This is why it is an urgent medical situation requiring immediate attention.
Intraventricular Haemorrhage
Intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH) is caused by bleeding in the ventricles, which are fluid-filled cavities in the brain. These produce and circulate cerebrospinal fluid, a protective cushion for the brain and spinal cord. It can arise from physical trauma or as a result of a hemorrhagic stroke.
According to Wikipedia, around 30% of IVH cases are primary, while 70% are secondary. It has been observed that IVH occurs in approximately 35% of moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries. Consequently, IVH typically accompanies extensive associated damage, leading to unfavourable outcomes in most cases.
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What Causes Cerebral Haemorrhage
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Head Trauma
Head injuries from accidents or falls can damage blood vessels in the brain. It may lead to brain haemorrhage in individuals under the age of 50.
High Blood Pressure
Untreated hypertension can weaken blood vessel walls. It increases the likelihood of a brain haemorrhage.
Aneurysm
Abnormal bulges in blood vessel walls are known as aneurysms, which occur when blood vessel walls weaken and swell. It potentially leads to a burst and subsequent brain bleeding and can result in a stroke.
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Blood Vessel Abnormalities
Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) cause weakness in blood vessels in and around the brain, often only detected when symptoms arise.
Amyloid Angiopathy
This blood irregularity is typically seen in older adults with high blood pressure. It can lead to small unnoticed bleeds that may eventually result in a larger brain haemorrhage.
Blood Disorders
Conditions like haemophilia and sickle cell anaemia contribute to lower blood platelet levels and clotting. These increase the risk of brain bleeds.
Blood Thinner
While essential for some conditions, blood thinners can increase the risk of bleeding, including cerebral haemorrhage.
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Liver Disease
People with liver conditions have an elevated risk of bleeding issues, including brain haemorrhage.
Brain Tumours
Individuals with a history of brain tumours are at a heightened risk of developing cerebral haemorrhage.
Symptoms and Signs of ICH
Key symptoms of cerebral haemorrhage may include:
- Sudden and severe headache- Nausea and vomiting- Weakness or paralysis on one side of the body- Difficulty speaking or understanding speech- Vision problems- Loss of consciousness- Seizures- Dizziness- Loss of coordination- Difficulty balancing- Abnormal sense of taste- Difficulty swallowing- Difficulty writing or reading- Loss of fine motor skills.
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How to Diagnose and Treat ICH
To diagnose a brain bleed, a healthcare provider conducts an immediate physical and neurological examination, alongside reviewing the patient's medical history and symptoms. Following this, they may order imaging tests such as a CT scan, MRI, or MRA to assess the location, extent, and potential cause of the bleeding.
Additional tests, including an electroencephalogram, chest X-ray, urinalysis, complete blood count (CBC), eye exam, lumbar puncture (spinal tap), or angiography, may also be utilised to detect underlying causes.
The treatment for a brain bleed varies depending on the severity and location of the bleed. Healthcare providers strive to halt the bleeding and tackle the root cause. Treatment options may encompass surgery and medication.
Prompt medical intervention can minimise brain damage, enhancing the prospects of recovery. Additionally, patients may receive supplemental oxygen through a ventilator, nutrients and fluids intravenously or via a feeding tube, and close monitoring in an intensive care unit to ensure stable vital signs.
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8 months ago
Why are Suicide Rates Higher Among Men?
Suicide is a tragic and complex phenomenon that affects individuals and communities worldwide. Mental health negligence, particularly concerning men, has become a pressing concern. Despite increasing awareness of mental health issues, men often face unique challenges that make them more vulnerable to suicide. This article delves into the various factors contributing to this troubling trend.
Global and Local Statistics of Suicide: Male vs Female
Females, especially those under 25, exhibit higher rates of non-fatal suicidal behaviour and suicidal ideation, and attempt suicide more frequently. But, in reality, males have a significantly higher rate of completing suicide than females. This phenomenon is commonly known as the gender paradox in suicide.
Around the world, more men than women die by suicide. According to Wikipedia, in 2008 and 2015, the number of male suicides was about 1.8 to 1.7 times higher than female suicides globally. In Western countries, men are three to four times more likely to die by suicide compared to women. In 2015, around two-thirds of global suicide deaths (representing about 1.5% of total deaths) were among men.
Data from The National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS) in the USA for 2016 revealed that for every female suicide, there were about 3.5 male suicides. However, in China, the rates of suicide between men and women were almost the same. The male vs female suicide ratio is 9.1:10.3.
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In 2019, the rate of suicide deaths among males was over 3.5 times higher than that among females. By 2021, this disproportionate rate increased to over 3.9 times higher.
According to the CDC, in the USA, men experienced a suicide rate four times higher than that of women in 2021-2022.
In Bangladesh, the scenario is quite the same – more men than women commit suicide here. In 2017, there were over 11,000 recorded suicides. The average age for male suicide victims was about 28.86 years, while for females, it was about 25.31 years old.
In 2019, 3.70 people took their own lives out of every 100,000 people in Bangladesh. The male suicide rate was 5.70 while the number is 1.70 for females. Also, the police records indicate a rising trend in suicides over the years. At the same time, psychologists estimate that around 11,000 people end their lives annually in Bangladesh.
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9 months ago
Workplace Burnouts: Causes, Symptoms, Signs, and Remedies
Do you often feel anxious and stressed out due to work pressure? If such mental status continues for long, it can lead to burnouts and impact on your health. The term burnout refers to emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion from prolonged stress.
In today's hectic settings, individuals are gripped in job or career pressures that slowly depletes motivation – leaving them overwhelmed and drained.
Burnouts may occur due to personal life and job related issues. This article unravels the reasons behind burnout in the workplace, addresses its subtle symptoms, and advocates for preventive measures for a balanced lifestyle.
Types of Burnouts at Work
Overload Burnout
Overload burnout is a familiar and prevalent type. It occurs when individuals strive relentlessly for success at the expense of their health and personal lives.
Often affecting dedicated employees, this burnout stems from working at an unsustainable pace, driving individuals to physical and mental exhaustion. Coping mechanisms involve venting emotions and overcommitting to problem-solving, adding to stress levels.
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Under-Challenged Burnout
Contrary to overload, under-challenged burnout arises from doing too little. Individuals experiencing this type feel bored and unstimulated in their roles, leading to a lack of motivation.
The absence of learning opportunities, growth prospects, and meaningful connections can result in frustration and a sense of being underappreciated. Adaptation strategies include avoidance tactics like distraction or dissociation.
Neglect Burnout
Also known as worn-out burnout, neglect burnout emerges when individuals feel helpless in the face of workplace challenges. It results from a lack of structure, direction, or guidance, making it difficult to meet expectations.
Over time, this leads to feelings of incompetence, frustration, and uncertainty. Coping through learned helplessness, individuals believe they cannot positively impact their circumstances. Eventually, it becomes passive and disengaged when faced with challenges at work.
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10 months ago
Good Stress: What Are the Benefits of Eustress?
Nowadays everyone is talking about the goal to get a stress-free life. Stress is a familiar term in today's busy world. We often associate it with negative effects on our mental and physical health. But actually, not all stress is detrimental. There is a positive side to moderate stress. This is known as good stress and this can be beneficial for us.
What is Positive Stress or Eustress?
Good stress, known as eustress, is the kind of stress that makes people feel excited and motivated. It is like a little challenge that helps one do one’s best.
Eustress can encourage an individual to try a new hobby, learn a new language or skill, and even step outside one’s comfort zone.
For instance, a school student, Mina, had to participate in a spelling competition. She felt a bit nervous but also eager to do her best. The stress motivated her to study hard and concentrate. During the competition, her heart was racing, but she remembered the words and won! The good stress she felt had pushed her to succeed.
Another example, giving a speech at a seminar might make an individual nervous, but it is also exciting for him or her.
This mix of feelings is good stress or eustress. It pushes people to prepare and focus.
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Difference between Good Stress and Bad Stress
Good stress, like starting a new job or preparing for a race, is like a little push that makes you excited. It helps you to focus and do your best. It is like a friend cheering you on!
Bad stress, on the other hand, is like a big heavy weight on one’s shoulders. It is when things feel tough and overwhelming, like money troubles, anxiety regarding academic performance or worrying about career issues, etc. Such stresses are also called negative stress or distress. Distress can make one feel tired and worried all the time.
Therefore, the difference between good stress and bad stress is obvious. Eustress is like a friendly nudge that helps you, while distress is like a big rock that's hard to carry. It is important to manage bad stress, maybe by talking to someone, getting counselling, finding ways to relax, doing yoga, or similar stress-relieving activities. It should be ensured that negative stress does not weigh anyone down too much.
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1 year ago
Digital Detox: Unplugging for Stress Relief and Mental Wellbeing
In today's hectic urban life, stress has become a constant companion, affecting our mental wellbeing. Research suggests that information overload, constant digital connectivity, unlimited screen time and heavy use of tech devices can lead to issues such as sleep problems, depression, and increased stress levels. Amidst such situation, digital detox can help to refresh the mind and help find moments of tranquility.
A digital detox is a personal choice to temporarily disconnect from digital devices and social media. Taking a break from screens and unplugging from the online world can provide a much-needed escape from the overwhelming digital noise. Let's explore the ways of embracing a digital detox for a rejuvenated mind.
11 Ways to Unplug Temporarily from the Digital World
Set Screen-free Zones
Consider setting up designated screen-free zones in your home. Like the dining table or bedroom, as peaceful havens for unwinding and enjoying precious moments with your close ones. By creating these spaces, you can foster relaxation, encourage meaningful connections, and cherish quality time without the distractions of screens. Let these areas become sanctuaries of togetherness and tranquility in your home.
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Prioritize Real-world Connections
You can schedule frequent face-to-face meetings and outings with your loved ones. These moments hold immense value in nurturing deep connections and decreasing our dependence on virtual interactions. Engaging in real-life interactions allows us to have authentic conversations, shared experiences, and a sense of closeness that cannot be replicated online.
Set Tech-free Hours
You can try to set aside specific hours each day for complete disconnection from digital devices. During this time, give yourself the opportunity to engage in activities that bring you joy, such as reading a book, exercising, or pursuing your favorite hobbies. You can create a space for personal growth, and the fulfillment that comes from offline experiences. You can embrace this valuable time to nourish your mind, body, and soul.
1 year ago
What's Hair Transplant and What are the Most Popular Methods?
Who doesn’t love a head full of healthy, smooth, and shiny hair? Losing a few strands of hair every day is normal, but many experience severe hair loss. People of different age groups and genders can go through hair fall problems for diverse reasons. Excessive hair fall may lead to thinning hair, bald patches, and even baldness. Thanks to advancements in medical science, those suffering from baldness can now regain their hairline. Let’s take a look at the causes of hair loss and effective hair transplant solutions.
Common Causes of Hair Fall
An individual can experience excessive hair fall for different reasons. Here are the most common ones:
Genetics
Family history plays a crucial role in determining hair health. If one’s parents or grandparents experienced hair loss, one may be genetically predisposed to the same condition.
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Hormonal changes
Hormonal imbalances caused by pregnancy, menopause, thyroid disorders, or other health conditions can cause hair fall. Hormonal changes can cause hair follicles to shrink, resulting in thinner hair or bald patches.
Stress
Chronic stress can cause an increase in the hormone cortisol, which can affect the hair growth cycle, leading to hair loss.
Nutritional deficiencies
A lack of essential vitamins and minerals, such as iron, vitamin D, or biotin, can lead to hair loss.
Medications
Certain medications used to treat health conditions like cancer, depression, arthritis, or high blood pressure can cause hair fall as a side effect.
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Excessive use of hairstyling products
Frequent use of heat styling tools, tight hairstyles like braids or ponytails, and chemical treatments like coloring or perming can damage the hair shaft and cause hair fall.
Medical conditions
Health conditions like scalp psoriasis, alopecia areata, or fungal infections can cause hair loss.
What is Hair Transplant?
Hair transplant is a surgical procedure that involves moving hair follicles from one part of the body, typically the back or sides of the scalp, to a balding or thinning area. The procedure is primarily used to treat male pattern baldness, but it can also be used to restore hair loss due to injury or burns. The transplanted hair follicles are usually harvested in groups of one to four hairs and transplanted into tiny incisions made in the recipient area. Over time, the transplanted hairs grow and blend in with the existing hair, creating a natural-looking hairline.
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1 year ago
Workplace stress affecting women in Bangladesh needs attention
Nuri (35) starts her day at 6 am throughout the week. After cleaning the home, making breakfast, and preparing tiffin for her husband and children, Nuri starts for office at 7:30 am. After returning from the office, she has to do chores like cooking, feeding the kids, serving food to family members, cleaning dishes, etc. She goes to sleep after 1 am. She never gets a single day for rest throughout the week. Inadequate sleep and the regular pressure of maintaining work-life balance are pushing her into depression.
Samira (28) commutes to the office every day by public transport. As her office does not provide any transport facility, it is a regular hassle to reach office on time, commuting through the overwhelming traffic jam of Dhaka city. While riding heavily congested public transport, Samira feels worried about physical molestation and harassment. She also feels insecure while returning home from work in the evening. These regular anxieties are hampering her performance at work.
Farin (25) works in a private company in Dhaka city. At her workplace, while protesting unwanted flirting and intimidation, she has been threatened by a senior male colleague. Though she got support from her female colleagues, the office management has more or less ignored the issue. As her company lacks an effective HR department, she didn’t get the scope to file a formal complaint. Furthermore, she has faced judgemental comments from senior colleagues on her “choice of clothing”. She has developed stress-related insomnia.
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When Afrin (40) joined a marketing agency with a female boss, where close to 80% of the workforce are also women, she expected a safe environment. However, her professional growth has induced jealousy among some colleagues. Though she works hard and often goes the extra mile to achieve the sales targets, her male colleagues label her success as a product of “flattery and favoritism”. She finds the environment demotivating.
Mahin (32) is a working mother with an 18-month-old son. As her office has no day-care facility for children, she finds no alternative but to leave her son with a relative or domestic worker during her office hours. Sometimes she feels stressed at work when her child is unwell. Though she looks after her son before and after work, her in-laws often talk about her “negligence” in maternal duties – directly and indirectly putting pressure on her to leave her job and stay home. The constant stress and disagreement at home are taking a toll on her mental health.
These scenarios are not uncommon for working women in Bangladesh. Women going through anxieties over maintaining a work-life imbalance should not ignore their mental and emotional well-being.
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Why do women feel more stressed at work?
Common sources of work-related stress for Bangladeshi women include:
Sexual harassment: Many institutions and organizations lack strict policies against sexual harassment. Therefore, some people take advantage and tend to harass their female colleagues.
Intimidation: Some men consider themselves superior to female colleagues at work. They often tend to intimidate and dominate their female colleagues at the work, even though no involvement is required.
Unsafe work environment: Sometimes male colleagues tend to make vulgar insinuations to women colleagues. Though it is not direct harassment, women feel abused and insecure.
Prejudice: At work, many professional women go through judgemental attitudes from colleagues and office management for their choice of clothing, ways of living, marital status. Single mothers, and unmarried women are the worst victims of such prejudices.
Read More: Protecting Your Child’s Mental Health: 10 Tips for Parents
Gender discrimination in pay: From entry-level to high positions, women working in different sectors of Bangladesh often experience discrimination in pay. It discourages many bright women from succeeding in their careers.
Professional jealousy: Many women professionals achieve rewards, increments, and promotions at work. However, in some cases, instead of getting encouragement from colleagues they have to go through taunts and negative comments. Such actions are demotivating.
Lack of strong female leadership: Attaining gender equality in the workplace is a challenge. However, there is a clear line between female empowerment and female leadership. In many workplaces, female professionals are leading the organizations, but the rights of all women in said organizations are not ensured.
Insecurity in transport: In Dhaka city, availability of public transport is quite inadequate compared to the population. Though the government has marked some seats for women in public buses, those are very scarce compared to the number of women commuters. Sometimes women experience pushing and physical molestation while on crowded public transport. Many working women cannot afford private transport in Bangladesh.
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Work-life balance: In Bangladesh, women mainly have to carry out the domestic responsibilities of cooking, cleaning, child-rearing, and other chores at home. Generally, men get to relax after work. On the other hand, women bear the pressure of reaching home on time and doing the chores. Men rarely help in cooking, cleaning, or looking after children. Thus, working women are always racing to maintain the balance between work and home.
1 year ago
Interview Anxiety: How to calm your nerves and avoid stress
Regardless of the level of education and professional knowledge, interviews are stressful experiences for most job seekers. Stressed candidates often discover that they cannot articulate their responses to the interview questions properly despite having extensive knowledge or training. Though advanced preparation can make you confident, some tips can help you overcome interview anxieties.
Reasons behind Severe Interview Anxiety
Humans have ventured their way up from a lowly dull-headed origin to the pinnacle of civilization. But when people strip away their sophisticated technology and trendy clothing, they reveal a fragile, insecure creature that still lies dormant beneath. These creatures are still driven by crude animal instincts that determine how they behave.
When considering stressful circumstances, giving in to those impulses is tempting and allowing them to run the show. A job interview may bring forth the most robust stream of emotions, throwing the most level-headed people off balance.
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It is the brain's approach to strengthening the body for defense against unexpected occurrences. The adrenaline produced by the nerve raises the body's blood pressure. While preparing for an uncertain event, this might seem like nervousness.
Feelings of uncertainty, self-doubt, worry and fear might leave you with the impression that you will botch the whole situation. Knowing the fundamental reasons your nerves take over enables you to regain control and use your nerves as positive and productive energy. The trick to easing your pre-interview anxiety is approaching the interview with a confident attitude.
Practical Interview Anxiety Tips to Deal with the Fear of Interviews
Prepare Yourself for the Worst-Case Scenario
Whatever your scariest fear is, there must be a solution.
Before the interview, silly fears might appear in your mind, such as, "do I have lettuce in your teeth?" To avoid such stress, you can carry a tiny mirror and dental floss in your bag.
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Are you afraid of not having a solid answer to a challenging question? It can happen to anybody. Learn how to conceal your discomfort and reply smartly when you do not know the answer.
By planning, you can be confident that even if the worst-case scenario occurs, you are more than equipped to manage it.
Be More Organized
Studying is pointless if you arrive too late to take the exam. Therefore, one of the most straightforward and efficient strategies to reduce anxiety is to be organized.
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Being organized means doing some necessary actions to ensure that your interview goes successfully. These actions include preparing your suitcase or certificate file, arranging your attire for attaining the interview, knowing your precise route to the interview place, obtaining sufficient sleep the night before, getting up early on the interview day, eating a decent meal, and reaching the place on time.
Rehearse Yourself
Find a place in your home or room, where you won't be disturbed by anybody. Now, conduct an interview with yourself. While rehearsing for the interview, you may come across subjects or questions you can’t remember. In this situation, don’t get anxious, keep notes and study later. Thus, with the cooperation of your physical self, you can get mentally prepared for an interview.
If the area where you practice includes a mirror, then stand in front of it to notice your own expressions. Try to notice your facial expressions carefully in order to identify any expressions that are out of place. Some expressions might give the interviewer the impression that you are not maintaining your composure.
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Eat Properly
You can hardly provide convincing replies during an interview with an empty stomach. Therefore, make sure you have eaten properly before attaining the interview.
A good meal is a perfect way to kick off a successful interview. It would be wise to choose the healthier options, which are often high in antioxidants known to enhance energy levels. However, some people may indulge in their favorite comfort foods.
All that matters is finding one that works for you. Try to avoid oily and spicy foods. Avoid drinking too much water or beverages before entering the interview room.
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Train Your Mind to Handle Stress
Not all aspects of human nerves are negative. The spike of adrenaline you experience when you are frightened before a job interview might assist you in being aware and engaged throughout the process.
When you feel nervous during or before an interview, you should tell yourself that you are excited rather than telling yourself that you need to calm down. This is because telling yourself that you must calm down only worsens your nerves. Try to channel all that extra adrenaline towards getting you excited and bringing out your passion for the character you're playing.
Watch Your Body Language
You may display more tension than you would want to express during a job interview. Now, how to prevent it?
Read How to ace a Job Interview?
It is essential to ensure that you will be able to finish the interview without unnatural movement. Try to convey an impression of self-assurance and vitality by sitting in a way that is both comfortable and attentive.
During the interview, it is not acceptable to sit in a reclined position, nor should you perch on the edge of your seat. Instead, it would be the most effective if you work toward striking a balance between the two places by maintaining an upright and engaged posture while avoiding the appearance of being flighty.
Conclusion
The people conducting the interview are aware that job seekers stay nervous during the interviews. Still, you need to learn to minimize interview stress. Severe anxieties during the interview can hamper your power of thinking clearly and make you forget many known answers. To avoid such situations, prepare your mind, body, and nerves to handle the stress.
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So far, we have discussed some efficient and practical tips to handle your pre-interview anxiety and stay calm during the interview session. Hope it helps!
2 years ago
Stress, rumors, even violence: Virus fear goes viral
You might have heard that the fear of a new virus from China is spreading faster than the actual virus.
4 years ago