Latest news with #Bipolar
Metro
07-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Iconic TV trio reunite after years and fans couldn't be happier
Former Holby City stars David Ames, Camilla Arfwedson and Rob Ostlere have reunited and omg, our hearts. The trio played the roles of Dominic Copeland, Zosia March and Arthur Digby in the BBC One medical drama. They characters all arrived at Holby City Hospital in 2013, playing friends who faced plenty of drama all while training as doctors. Arthur Digby's life sadly came to an end in 2016, after being diagnosed with melanoma, a type of skin cancer. In the final part of his story, Arthur, known by friends as Diggers or Digby, was discharged from Darwin Ward and announced he was going travelling with partner Morven. The beloved character then collapsed and was placed back in hospital. Having fallen unconscious, viewers saw him speak to Chantelle, Zosia and Dom before hearing some beautiful last words from Morven who, in a devastating scene, let him go. And no, we're not over it. Arthur's friend Zosia was a passionate and enthusiastic doctor, seemingly always five steps ahead of everyone else. Viewers began to see a different side to Zosia, however, when her father Guy Self (John Michie) arrived. It was then revealed that Zosia has Bipolar. A powerful storyline saw the character struggle with her mental health, while continuing to work at the hospital. Zosia also had a complicated relationship with Oliver Valentine (James Anderson), a journey that was hugely loved by fans. In 2017, Zosia left Holby City Hospital. She then returned in 2018 for a guest appearance, and then again in 2019. Finally, in 2021, as part of the show's final few months on air, Zosia appeared on a video call to Oliver. She was looking after their son, who they called Arthur. Dominic Copeland featured in the finale episode of Holby, which means he's technically still in Holby-verse today. The character was involved in a narrative that saw him abused by his partner Isaac, played by EastEnders' Marc Elliot. In 2021, Dom's life changed again when he was involved in a car collision. As a result of the life-changing injuries he sustained when Jodie (Sian Reese Williams) crashed into him, Dom was fitted with a stoma bag. Despite the Digby, Zosia and Dom trio no longer being a thing now, Rob, Camilla and David still remain the best of friends. Just recently, they reunited again, with David sharing an adorable snap of them on his Instagram. 'It's been 12 years of gorgeous friendship and we still make each other cry with laughter. Beautiful catch up with these two. Love you both.' Fans were completely devastated when Holby's cancellation was announced in 2021. A petition was launched by them to try and save the show but ultimately, their efforts weren't enough. At the time, the BBC said this in a statement: 'We sometimes have to make difficult decisions to make room for new opportunities and as part of the BBC's commitment to make more programmes across the UK, we have taken the difficult decision to bring the show to a close in order to reshape the BBC's drama slate to better reflect, represent and serve all parts of the country.' Three years on, the fact many people still talk about Holby City proves alone that axing it was a mistake. It's widely known that shows like Holby were the perfect place for newbies in the industry to develop their craft. In 2024, I revealed that Rosie Marcel had retired from the acting industry as a result of a multitude of aspects, but one of them was that no-one had offered her another acting role since Holby's end. It was becoming clear in 2021 that the way we watch TV was changing. With this in mind, and the fact other broadcasters and shows have adapted to the changes in the years after (uploading episodes to YouTube before they air on TV etc), it certainly proves that the BBC should've considered other options before axing Holby City. That being said, if the show was brought back in 2025 but aired through a different medium away from the BBC, fans will absolutely flock to watch it and discover what their beloved characters have been up to. It's been three years, but I'm still hopeful. Plenty of Holby fans commented on the post, with many saying that they still really miss the medical drama, three years on from the axing. 'Tuesday nights haven't been the same since they cut Holby', a fan wrote. Echoing the view the BBC was wrong to cancel the show, Alison Coombes said: 'Miss holby bbc made a big mistake.' This user wrote a sweet message: 'Started watching Holby in 2012 and fell in love with this trio! Now a registered nurse (inspired by holby) and this warms my heart.' Want to be the first to hear shocking EastEnders spoilers? Who's leaving Coronation Street? The latest gossip from Emmerdale? Join 10,000 soaps fans on Metro's WhatsApp Soaps community and get access to spoiler galleries, must-watch videos, and exclusive interviews. Simply click on this link, select 'Join Chat' and you're in! Don't forget to turn on notifications so you can see when we've just dropped the latest spoilers! Holby City's cancellation was announced in June 2021. The final ever episode aired in March 2022. View More » It featured characters including Sacha Levy (Bob Barret), Fletch (Alex Walkinshaw) and Elliot Hope (Paul Bradley) say goodbye to Jac Naylor (Rosie Marcel), who died following a brain tumour diagnosis. MORE: BBC Breakfast's Charlie Stayt 'under review after string of complaints' in fresh scandal MORE: Strictly fans 'gutted' as star announces they won't compete in upcoming season MORE: Destination X has made a big mistake that could cost its success
Indian Express
28-07-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
Living in the age of diagnoses
I am writing about something that has been on my mind for a long time. There are questions that have churned me, kept me awake at night and knocked around in my head. What is wrong with our culture that there is so much yearning for psychiatric diagnoses? How did we reach this stage? Who does it harm and how? Can we be innocent bystanders in this, or do we need to question this idea or trend, a potentially dangerous one, that has become the zeitgeist of how we live, relate and understand ourselves and each other? Let me step back a little and give a little context. Mental health has a dark history, and I will cite a few examples. Many celebrated psychiatrists played a significant role in carrying out the atrocities of eugenics in Nazi Germany. The pioneer of frontal lobotomy (a discredited and damaging neurosurgical treatment that spanned over 40 years) was awarded the Nobel Prize. More than 30 years ago, when I began my journey as a clinical psychologist, homosexuality was considered a sexual deviance and conversion therapy was standard practice. I am sure variations of these dark practices still persist. I got into trouble for questioning then, and despite the ripples it has created, I persist in questioning to date. Because, as the French philosopher, Michel Foucault commented, 'People know what they do; frequently, they know why they do what they do. But what they don't know is what what they do does.' I am sure, unwittingly, I have participated and gained in building of this 'mental health industrial complex' (an idea I borrow from child & adolescent psychiatrist, Sami Timimi). I heard an astute young man recently comment, 'Nowadays everyone has some 'thing'. … It is as if we are seeking labels as a way to fit in a world that is so broken.' What happens when we or our children do not fit into the normative measures of worthiness, success or productivity? We find solace in diagnoses, as then we can explain why we are not measuring up to some unreasonable standards. We cannot even point a finger as we are all part of the policing system – mental health professionals, social media, academia and so on. We are surveilling each other and ourselves. The high yearning for self-diagnosis is a clear sign that the 'industry' is thriving. 'I am Borderline Personality Disorder. I also have Bipolar, PTSD, Generalised Anxiety disorder, and maybe Autism,' Shania counts them on her fingers while sharing this with me. Something in the way she shares it with me makes me wonder if this is something she has had to do multiple times. After all she has been to so many psychiatrists and therapists. Each one adding a new diagnosis to the list. 'They have all given up on me. There is no hope for me.' After understanding some of her struggles, I was curious to know, 'What would it be like if there were no diagnosis?' Head bent down, deep in thought, she sighed and said, 'Without them, I would have no excuse for being such a failure in life.' Shania had been sexually abused as a child. She lived in silence about it for years, and finally, when she did share with her parents, they tried their best to get her help. She was in Grade 12 and struggling to manage her academics and navigate the complexities of high school life. Her teachers had declared that she would not pass her boards, and no college would accept her. Recently, she had taken to cutting herself and raging against her parents. Shania's distress is real. She is not failing the system; the system is failing Shania. Every time I ask a young person, 'How does getting a diagnosis help?', their answer ranges from 'It is such a relief that it is not my fault,' or 'I finally have a label for what I am going through,' or 'I feel seen and understood.' Imagine if we lived in a culture where children and young people did not need diagnoses to be seen, understood or believed in. Where they could access help or get accommodations without first getting a diagnosis. Where they could opt out of the rat race without internalising it as their failure. As Suzanne Sullivan puts it in her book, Age of Diagnoses, 'Wellness culture has made us expect a lot from our bodies and our minds…Perhaps what they need from a diagnosis is a permission to do less in a world that only values a particular type of success.' How can Shania believe that she has the ability to influence her own life, make decisions with confidence when she sees herself as an assortment of all these diagnoses? In therapy, we gently unpacked Shania's belief that 'something is inherently wrong with me.' And how diagnoses rarely change, but humans do. We could zoom out and look at the gender politics behind the diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder, and that maybe the rages and self-harm were responses to the abuse and adversity she had experienced and not due to 'mental illness.' We worked together as a team, along with her family, to support her through her board exams. As she claimed agency of her own life, she decided to take a gap year and work in an animal rescue centre. I marvel at the robustness of the human spirit that shines through every time she talks about her work with sparkling passion. I would also like to clarify that it is fine if you are living with a diagnosis that works for you. My only hope is that you will not take it as the ultimate truth about yourself. Maybe you could poke holes in it, let it sit beside you as you carry on with your life and not let it define you or make predictions about your future. Keeping history in mind, today's so-called science can be dismissed as quackery tomorrow. Resistance is building, change is happening, and there is a movement that is growing across the world against pathologising, dehumanising 'doings'. Narrative practice, Power Threat Meaning Framework, Soteria Model, Open Dialogue, and in India – Mariwala Health Initiative and other organisations are questioning the dominant and expert-led 'mental health industry'*. We have to question the system that makes us believe we are sick. I often think of Jiddu Krishnamurti's quote, 'It is no measure of health to be well-adjusted to a profoundly sick society.' Composite stories and pseudonym are used to maintain confidentiality.
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
"My Mom Almost Died From It": 21 Common Medical Conditions That Can Be Much, Much More Serious Than You Think
When it comes to our health, sometimes seemingly small things can have big consequences. Recently, on Reddit, people shared common medical conditions that can be much more serious than people realize, and it was really eye-opening. Here are some of the top comments: 1."Sleep apnea." —SwiftBilly "I was diagnosed 12ish years ago, but couldn't stand the CPAP they gave me, so I pretty much ignored it. About eight months ago, I was diagnosed with seizures. Turns out they're a secondary condition of untreated sleep apnea. I got an updated CPAP about four months ago, and it works so much better than my first one." —epicenter69 Related: 2."High blood pressure. We don't call it 'the silent killer' for nothing." —JoMoBloMo "Oof, for real! I left my hypertension undiagnosed and untreated for numerous years. No one thought it was true for me because I was 'so young to have high blood pressure' in my early and mid-20s. But heart problems run in my family, and I had all the high-risk behavior. When I got on meds, it was a game changer, and I feel so much better." —Secure-Persimmon-421 3."Autoimmune disease. It's painful, silent, and not easy to diagnose." —Teeeeeeeenie "It takes, ON AVERAGE, years to get diagnosed after the onset of symptoms. In the meantime, doctors are completely dismissive of your symptoms. You are tired because you are 'depressed.' Your hair is falling out because of 'stress.' Meanwhile, you feel like you're going crazy." —johnstonb "It took 11 years for me to get diagnosed with Hashimoto's disease. I also have vitiligo. I honestly feel like if the vitiligo hadn't shown up, I would still be fighting for a diagnosis. Once I had an autoimmune disorder that showed on my skin and couldn't be ignored, doctors started taking me more seriously." —Opening-Interest747 "I lost six years of my life, was put on every anti-depressant/anti-psychotic medication, was diagnosed as Bipolar, and was eventually locked up in a mental institution. All because it never occurred to my doctors to check my thyroid." —ChefCarolina 4."Migraines. They can be totally debilitating and increase the likelihood of other serious neurological disorders." —Quickhurryupslowdown "I had to take FMLA seven years ago for a migraine that lasted day and night for 2.5 months straight. MRI showed I had suffered four mini strokes on my left temporal lobe. That was miserable. Wake up, light and sound hurt, and pass out from pain. I ate once every other day at best." —ozzies09tc "My husband has had chronic, almost daily migraines for almost 20 years. It's debilitating! His life revolves around how his head feels. It's the worst during the summer months, he spends days to weeks in our bedroom with blackout curtains drawn and an eye mask on. I feel so horrible that I can't help him. He's tried numerous medications, injections, supplements, diet changes, etc, and nothing helps. He's seen all different types of doctors to try to nail down the cause, but no one can figure it out. I can't imagine being in the amount of pain he is in most days, but he is still the nicest, most positive person I know." —takethepain-igniteit 5."Dehydration. It can impair brain function and cause organ failure and death. It's also easier than you think to become dehydrated." —notade50 "After a bout of gastro managed to get dehydrated. Couldn't remember certain details, such as where I was and what day and date it was. Couldn't remember a special holiday and whether it had happened or was about to happen. Scary, and yet nobody thought I should get to the ER. I've said to those close to me that if that happens again, get me an ambulance. Really sucks not to have the same concern shown to me that I show to others." —CEO_of_my_life "Had kidney stones twice and was hospitalized for dehydration twice. Drink lots of water, my friends." —Without_Portfolio 6."Having chronic pain. People just can't imagine never having a break from being stuck with pain, and how it affects basically anything in daily life. Directly and indirectly. From systemic sleep deprivation to a full-blown depression and all sorts of other health risks." —Ortofun "Agreed, never-ending pain, daily... and as you mentioned, all the depression, hopelessness, and more creep in over time. I have had severe Rheumatoid Arthritis since I was 12 years old and have had it for almost 30 years. The older you get, the more difficult it becomes to keep up with life as a whole. Can't even tie my own shoelaces. Keep strong and all the best." —PampoenKoekie "It affects everything: sleep, diet, daily routines, mental health. Because I am in pain, I don't want to move. Because I don't move, I get more pain. Activity means more pain. Inactivity means more pain. There is no winning. Chronic pain causes severe fatigue. Fatigue means less exercise. We don't get better from fatigue if we don't exercise. But too much exercise can also give us more fatigue. Getting food means pain. Eating and digesting mean more fatigue. Food is as important as exercise. So, eating well is a must, if only we had the energy for it. It is a battle with no end. Depending on the reason for the pain, we can add some lovely side dishes like migraines, food intolerances, allergies, sensitivities, temperature dysregulation, sleep disorders, emotional dysregulation, social isolation, depression, anxiety, grief, and whatever else. When we consider the side effects of the medications... well... May the odds be ever in your favor." —StrikeExcellent2970 Related: 7."Diabetes." —dee-three "I was diagnosed type 1 when I was 22, I'm coming up on my 10-year diaversary… I can't tell you how many times I was hospitalized in the beginning. Even now with an insulin pump and continuous glucose monitor, I struggle some days. It can be very unpredictable. The worst so far for me has been slow healing and ridiculous wounds. I currently have no skin on my heels, all because I got a blister. It'll be a year tomorrow since I was first hospitalized for that." —mvachino67 8."Heartburn." —DoubleSunPossum "Yep. My mom had GERD, then Barrett's Esophagus, then malignant neoplasm of the esophagus. She's alive still, but I think only because they caught it early and could actually see damage." —Puzzleheaded-Diet-46 9."Epilepsy. People think my life isn't being impacted just because I'm not currently having a seizure. That's not the only symptom. It's so common, yet people generally know nothing about it." —LadyPickleLegs "Not to mention injuries, SUDEP [Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy], and status epilepticus, people can get brain damage, and some can even die from a seizure. I never knew that there were all different types of epilepsy or how dangerous some types can be before my daughter had her first (which was clusters for 30 minutes before paramedics arrived). Also, side effects from medicine affect day-to-day life and require extra caution with activities like swimming." —ScreenSignificant596 10."Changes in bowel habits — don't delay investigations." —sprinklywinks "Seriously! And if your doctor doesn't take you seriously, find someone else. I nearly died from fecal impaction throughout my entire large intestine, and even into my small intestine. My doctor actually had a go at me for 'complaining about symptoms that were just annoying but not serious' for YEARS before referring me to a GI specialist. I would have saved myself a lot of pain and malnutrition if I'd just gotten a second opinion earlier." —ImpactFlimsy5376 Related: 11."HPV can cause cervical, uterine, ovarian, and esophageal cancer. But it's commonly looked at as 'most people get it at some point in their life, it'll go away on its own in a few years.' And HSV (herpes/cold sores) can be deadly for babies." —Ask4Answers_ "Agreed. It's such a silent thing in your body. I was 33 when the regular smear test turned out to be a CIN III, the stage before it became cervical cancer. I had a review appointment with a hospital, not knowing they would do a treatment to remove a certain amount of my cervix right away. I was shocked how close I was to getting cancer there." —Common-Extension8892 12."Pediatric asthma. We've been to the PICU twice, and she's only 3. It's scary how rhinovirus can trigger respiratory distress. " —External-Ad-5642 "I was one of those kids, way back before the treatments and meds we have now. I was hospitalized 16 times between the ages of 5 and 16 with pneumonia. Had a collapsed lung once. Missing so much school alone had a profound effect on my life. I'm so lucky we have inhaled steroids and rescue inhalers now. I can't imagine how it was for my parents, watching their child gasp for air like a fish out of water. If I caught a cold, it almost always ended in pneumonia. I feel for you and your child, but know we're in a much better position to treat this disease now. Hang in there." —DarthFoofer 13."Endometriosis." —flaminhotcheetah "I battled endometriosis for years; it was debilitating. I felt like I got no freaking break from it, I was hurting before, during, and after period, and it started all over gain next month. I couldn't do it any longer and finally had a partial hysterectomy at the age of 27." —Successful-Love6146 14."Sepsis. Many think it's just a bad infection, but it's a life-threatening response to infection that can lead to organ failure and death if not treated quickly. Early signs like confusion, rapid breathing, or extreme chills should never be ignored." —ColdAntique291 "My mom nearly died from sepsis. She got a UTI and had zero symptoms until she developed the symptoms you describe. If my dad didn't notice her confusion, she might not have gone to the hospital in time. She now has to regularly take home UTI tests because she continues to get asymptomatic UTIs." —justlkin "Spent weeks in the hospital this past fall with sepsis. I'm positive that the only reason I survived it is because I wasn't septic until AFTER I checked in. I arrived with four different severe infections, and they flagged me as a high sepsis risk. Lo and behold, about 12 hours after I got into my room, my skin felt like it was on fire, and I started projectile vomiting every 5 minutes, and I shivered so hard I cracked two ribs." —ready_set_cry 15."Alcoholism. In A LOT of circles, getting completely hammered every single night of the week is seen as commonplace and even amusing. The physical health aspect alone is disastrous, not to mention the mental health piece is completely nightmarish. I got out of it before things got too bad for me, but I was easily heading down a road you don't want to be on. Quitting drinking 100% saved my life in more ways than one." —eggflip1020 "I'm watching one of my daughter's friends slowly drink herself to death as we speak. She's 22. She's been in multiple car accidents she doesn't remember, she's urinated on herself while sleeping, she's bloated, and she HAS to drink every day at this point or she starts going through withdrawal. She realized she needed to change when she was blacking out every time she was drinking- turns out, she's reasoned that this 'change' was that she needed to stop drinking hard liquor. Her parents are quite literally drinking themselves to death as we speak, so it's no wonder she's on the path she is. I wish I could do something to help." —Yabbos77 16."Pregnancy." —nomcormz "It seems like people forget that women still regularly die while pregnant and during childbirth." —creepyging923 Related: 17."Anemia. Not only are there very serious types, like sickle cell, that can be extremely painful and life-threatening. But even plain old iron deficiency anemia can be extremely debilitating and difficult to treat." "I have regular old iron deficiency anemia. It's caused by extremely heavy and constant menstruation from a combination of uterine fibroids and bilateral ovarian masses that are quite literally the size of small melons. I am scheduled for surgery in September, but I need to manage as best I can until then. The fatigue and tiredness I feel are beyond description. Some days, I can barely even make myself get up to go to the bathroom. Most days, I can only muster up enough energy to be functional for a couple of hours. I can't drive long distances anymore. I'm worried it's not safe. I'm always cold, my hair is falling out, and my skin is dry and itchy. I also get sores in my mouth and bruises that never heal. I take supplements, eat an iron-rich diet, and have infusions, but it's slow going to actually see improvement. The anemia and the treatments I've undergone to help fix it have caused a cascade of other vitamin and mineral deficiencies that have their own side effects. I can't be out in the sun, or I break out in hives. Some of my issues have been caused by the bleeding itself, like dehydration and hypovolemia. People, even some doctors, don't understand that severe cases of anemia can be debilitating. My whole life is more or less on pause right now because of these issues." —kmill0202 18."PCOS. While it's not disabling, the symptoms have dominated my life since puberty and into my 30s and foreseeable future. It's not just irregular periods and intense pain when it comes. It's been nearly two decades of battling with acne that is more than 'you need to wash your face and use topicals.' It's endless frustration being told that to get rid of it, I must lose weight. Not understanding why the same diet and exercise regimens weren't working for me as for my friends, only to learn at 30 that PCOS gives me insulin resistance and I have to eat less and completely differently." "A battle to look normal. And I don't even have the infertility struggles and hair growth issues that other PCOS sufferers have to endure." —Majestic_Frosting316 "Most doctors only give a shit about PCOS in regards to infertility, not any of the debilitating or humiliating symptoms that can wreck one's life." —littlecactuscat 19."Urinary tract infections. Lots of elderly people end up with broken hips or even blood infections that begin as UTIs." —Emergency-Economy654 "My gramps died earlier this year from a UTI that was symptomless but got into his bloodstream." —1800twat "The symptoms it causes in elderly people are also different from the ones exhibited by younger people. One of the main symptoms, other than pain, is confusion/dizziness. The symptoms can manifest almost like a stroke or hypoxia." —Yabbos77 20."ADHD. It's definitely commonly recognized and treated, but I don't think most non-ADHD people truly understand how frustrating it is to live with it. Your whole life revolves around it, because unless you're always keeping it in check, you can't live in normal society, and it's fucking exhausting having to always be hyper aware of everything you do. Your productivity, your memory, your sensory perception, all of that, is, by default, hindered permanently compared to a neurotypical person, but unfortunately, most things are built around neurotypical capabilities (working 9-5, etc.), and it's so mentally draining to force yourself to adapt to that culture. "Meds and good habits help, but they can only do so much. No matter what you do or take, you will sooner or later fall into a cycle of procrastination, of forgetfulness, of 'ADHD paralysis,' of sensory overstimulation, and it fucking sucks because it's so difficult to explain to people. It's become so normalized that most people, at least the ones I've talked to, think you're overplaying it or that it's not that big of a deal." —Frysken finally, "Impacted wisdom teeth. I almost died from mine. One day, I woke up with a toothache and went to the ER. They sent me home, said you have a toothache, go see a dentist. The next day, it was swollen, and the pain was worse, so I went to a different ER. They gave me painkillers and told me to go see a dentist. The next day, I woke up, and my eye was swollen shut." "My throat was swollen, and I had trouble breathing. Went to a third ER where they told me I had an abscess from impacted wisdom teeth, and the swelling was very close to my brain. If I had waited another hour, I'd be dead. So I went from a minor toothache to almost dead in about three days. So any time I hear someone question whether or not to get their wisdom teeth out, I insist they do!" —MeggyGrex Is there anything you would add? Tell us about it in the comments or via the anonymous form below: Also in Goodful: Also in Goodful: Also in Goodful:
Boston Globe
03-07-2025
- Boston Globe
How to enjoy Madrid like a local during the deep sizzle of summer
Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up The Madrid summer schedule is glorious; if you do it right, it feels like an actual vacation. Advertisement Hear me out: Madrid has a lot going for it. The common refrain among travelers is that Madrid lacks the panache of Barcelona. True, Madrid does not have an abundance of Antoni Gaudí architecture, beaches, or Las Ramblas. Want to know what else it lacks? Locals who Advertisement The mural "Isabelita," by artist Fin DAC, adorns the side of the Mercado de Antón Martín. Christopher Muther/Globe Staff But don't waste your time comparing the cities. Madrid has a unique flavor. There are incredible museums, restaurants, shops, and a 350-acre park where you can escape under the trees and relax. JetBlue has a new non-stop flight between Boston and Before I arrived, I was fretting over the forecast. It called for sunny weather with a daily high temperature of 95 to 100 degrees. I looked at my itinerary, the forecast, and my itinerary again. I then Googled 'What are the signs of heat stroke?' Heat or no, I was determined to conquer Madrid. On my first night, I dressed up for dinner and set out for a charming restaurant called The evening thunderstorms subsided, and I was ready for dinner. Unfortunately for me and my new pants, the sidewalks were still wet and slick. In my rush to get to dinner, I slipped and fell in a spectacularly unflattering fashion. Bam! Think giraffe on ice skates. While sitting on the muddy sidewalk, I took inventory. I was sore, my hand was scraped up, but nothing felt broken. Two kind individuals sitting in a bar across the street witnessed my fall (ugh) and ran over to see if I was OK. They helped me to my feet and asked if I needed to go to the hospital. I assumed they were there to steal my phone or wallet. I brushed myself off as best I could, told them I was fine, and escaped to Bipolar for my mini pork belly ciabatta, which I recommend, along with the steak tartar and the lemon pie. Advertisement Don't judge. The stress of the fall made me hungry. While walking back to my hotel, I heard familiar voices. I realized I was in front of the open-air bar where the kindly potential thieves had watched me fall. '¿Estás bien?' one of them asked as she looked over my muddy pants. These two caring, non-theiving locals, Sofia and Miguel, were not trying to fleece me; they were generally concerned for my well-being. While I was eating at Bipolar, they were having pre-dinner cocktails and speculating on my condition. I assured them I was OK. They bought me a glass of wine, the best medicine for whatever may be wrong. They were fascinated that I was writing a story about Madrid, and offered to share their knowledge. The muddy, embarrassing fall was one of the best things that could have happened. Miguel and Sofia wanted to play tour guides, and I was happy to absorb their suggestions. Remember, if you fall in Spain and someone comes over to help, don't dismiss them as a thief. King Carlos III and his horse are memorialized in the Plaza de la Puerta in Madrid. Christopher Muther/Globe Staff Some lessons I learned from my new Spanish friends: Don't start your day early in Madrid. This is not a culture of early risers. This city is where people have dinner at 10 or 11 p.m. and perhaps a cup of espresso to finish the night. They also warned me that the hottest part of the day here is not midday, it's usually around 6 p.m. During the summer, the sun rises about 7 a.m. and sets at 10 p.m. These may seem like minor details, but they're essential when planning activities and meals. Advertisement Armed with this information and many bruises from my fall, I constructed a perfect schedule. I left mornings open for leisurely exploring neighborhoods on foot. By midday, when the temperatures began to rise, I sought shelter by spending time in museums or shops. I followed that with a late lunch and then a siesta at my hotel for a few hours. In the early evening, I'd head out again — also, I took many showers. I picked a centrally located hotel and double-checked that it had AC. My hotel, Once I had the routine, the rest was easy. I knew I needed to visit the Advertisement Art lovers beat the heat in the wonderfully air-conditioned Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía in Madrid. Christopher Muther/Globe Staff The Prado is part of Madrid's so-called Golden Triangle of Art. The other two sides of the triangle are the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía is the city's modern art museum with a 20th-century collection of works by prominent Spanish artists such as Dali, Picasso, and Miro. Crowds gathered in front of Picasso's 1937 painting ″Guernica," which is easily the most recognizable painting here. I thought the massive Miro sculpture in the courtyard was equally impressive. Of the three museums, my favorite was the Thyssen-Bornemisza, which spans all decades and styles and fills the gaps left in the other collections. If you have more days and time for museum exploration, try the Advertisement Another favorite post-breakfast activity was shopping. Honestly, it's one of my favorite activities at any time of the day. This will sound a bit predictable, but I recommend checking out the department store Le Integral, a shop in Madrid's Barrio de las Letras, sells everything from records to pillows featuring singer Grace Jones. Christopher Muther/Globe Staff If you're looking for souvenirs, skip the tourist haunts and pick up a T-shirt at The band Air performs as part of the Noches del Botánico concert series in Madrid's Real Jardín Botánico Alfonso XIII. Christopher Muther/Globe Staff The city starts waking up once the sun sinks in the evening sky. One of my favorite bands happened to be performing in Madrid while I was there. Fortunately, for me, they were at Another of my favorite evening escapes was the 325-acre Retiro Park. People called it Madrid's version of Central Park, but I found Retiro to be much more of an escape. You can hide in a shady nook if you want to avoid other people. Or, if you want to be a part of the action, rent a boat at the park's man-made lake. Normally, I would have skipped the Spain's capital may not have a proper beach, but the large, man-made lake in Retiro Park is a popular spot to sunbathe or rent a boat. Christopher Muther/Globe Staff Before dinner each night, I'd meet Miguel and Sofia to talk about the places where I'd been (inevitably, they told me I missed about a dozen places that I should have seen), and then we'd talk about the plan for the night. These daily briefings were held at both small taverns and sprawling rooftop bars. On the last night of my trip, we met at the top of the 'You can't leave tomorrow,' Sofia told me when I reminded her that my flight was the next day. 'You've barely scratched the surface.' The roof deck at Círculo de Bellas Artes in Madrid is filled on a warm June night. Christopher Muther/Globe Staff She was right. I had barely scratched the surface. But a good vacation should always leave you wanting more. And I left wanting to experience more of Madrid. Next time, hopefully, I'll experience it without slipping and falling on a muddy sidewalk. Christopher Muther can be reached at
Time Business News
26-06-2025
- Health
- Time Business News
Charting a Path Through Common Mood Disorders: Medication and Evaluation Insights
Mental health challenges like depression, anxiety, ADHD, and bipolar disorder are more common than many realize. Understanding the importance of proper evaluation and treatment is key for individuals and parents seeking real solutions. As Gimel Health's precision psychiatry practice in New Jersey demonstrates, combining thorough diagnosis with personalized medication strategies leads to the most meaningful progress. An accurate Depression Evaluation goes far beyond ticking off a checklist. Effective assessments explore: Symptom severity and patterns over time Possible Resistant Depression Co‑existing conditions like anxiety or ADHD At Gimel Health, providers trained in molecular and cellular biology evaluate less‑obvious contributors to depression, such as inflammation or sleep disorders, as part of a holistic clinical review. Such depth avoids 'one‑size‑fits‑all' approaches and helps guide the choice of New Depression Medication or augmentative strategies. First‑line options like SSRIs or SNRIs can be highly effective. But for Resistant Depression, options expand to include augmentation (e.g., bupropion) or novel agents like esketamine. The key lies in careful monitoring and tailoring based on biological markers and patient response—exactly the kind of approach offered at Gimel Health. Recent FDA approvals, Esketamine (nasal spray) and Brexanolone, provide hope for those unresponsive to standard medications. These represent a shift toward faster onset and targeted mechanisms, reinforcing how precision medicine can redefine treatment for resistant cases. Treating Bipolar Depression Medication calls for mood stabilizers (e.g., lithium, lamotrigine) or atypical antipsychotics. Untreated, these phases can spiral into severe depression or mania. Personalized protocols—such as those at Gimel Health—balance efficacy with tolerability and track both mood and cognitive outcomes. Treatment for Mania centers on mood stabilizers and atypical antipsychotics. Providers should adjust dosing to prevent cycle shifts, like rapid cycling or mixed states. Regular evaluation of side effects and mental acuity is vital, ensuring stabilization without cognitive bluntness. ADHD Medications for Adults often include stimulant medications and non‑stimulants (e.g., atomoxetine), paired with behavioral support. Adult ADHD Treatment must be individualized and carefully managed—especially when other mood disorders are present. Gimel Health addresses ADHD within broader mental health contexts, benefiting from providers trained in dual diagnosis. ADHD and Bipolar disorder frequently co-occur—requiring nuanced diagnosis to differentiate attention issues from hypomania. Treatment protocols typically begin with mood stabilization before cautiously introducing ADHD medication. Resistant Depression Management: Some people don't respond to SSRIs or SNRIs. Integrating newer options and precise dosing based on biomarkers is essential. Complex Presentations: When ADHD and Bipolar overlap—or when anxiety and mood disorders coexist—misdiagnosis is common unless providers apply a structured, multidimensional evaluation. Avoiding Unintended Consequences: Introducing stimulants during mania can backfire. A phased, monitored approach is safest. Navigating mental health challenges like ADHD, bipolar disorder, and depression requires more than just symptom management, it demands insight, compassion, and a treatment plan tailored to each unique individual. Whether you're seeking clarity through a Depression Evaluation, exploring options for Medication for Anxiety and Depression, or looking into Adult ADHD Treatment, finding the right support is crucial. At facilities like Gimel Health, patients benefit from a precision-based approach that integrates cutting-edge science with deeply personalized care. From managing Resistant Depression to balancing co-occurring conditions like ADHD and Bipolar, their providers focus on uncovering the root causes and crafting treatment strategies that evolve with your needs. Mental health struggles can feel overwhelming, but they don't have to be a life sentence. With the right support system, accurate diagnosis, and thoughtful care. Whether that involves Bipolar Depression Medication, ADHD Medications for Adults, or Treatment for Mania, transformation is possible. The first step is understanding that progress isn't linear, and healing is deeply personal. What works for one person may not work for another—and that's exactly why precision psychiatry exists. By choosing a provider who sees you as more than your symptoms, you're choosing a future defined not by limitation, but by potential. So if you or someone you love is struggling, know this: real, sustainable change is possible—and it starts with the decision to pursue something better. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
