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heroickseraph · 6 months

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Introduction:

Great philosophers and thinkers have been captivated by the intricate relationship between the mind and the body. The connection between the two remains very enigmatic despite the advancement of science and discoveries. Various philosophical perspectives often offer relatable examples to grasp this complex connection. What's most relevant to me as a doctor is the rising field of "psychosomatics" which I will discuss at the end of the post.

Dualism:

Our dissection begins with dualism, a notion that separates the mind and the body as distinct entities. Dualism suggests that the mind, often referred to as the "soul" or "consciousness," is non-physical, whereas the body is purely physical. To make ourselves very familiar with the concept, we can give the example of a video game character controlled by a player: the character represents the body, while the player's decisions symbolize the mind - thus separate entities influencing one another.

Materialism:

Materialism, on the other hand, suggests that everything, including mental or psychological experiences, can be explained through physical processes. In this view, the mind is purely a product of the brain and its neurological activity. Imagine a computer program running on hardware; the program is entirely dependent on the underlying hardware. Changes in the hardware can directly affect the program's operation, similar to how the mind, according to materialism, emerges from the physical brain's activities. In real-life medical examples, people who suffer from cerebrovascular accidents, whether bleeds or strokes, lose part of their neurological functions once an area of the brain gets damaged.

Idealism:

Idealism turns the tables by suggesting that only the mind or the consciousness is genuinely real. According to this philosophical perspective, the physical world is a construct of the mind's thoughts and perceptions. To simplify that, consider a dream where the dreamer's mind generates an entire world, people, and events. In the idealist view, the external physical world resembles a dream, existing as a projection of the mind.

Neutral Monism:

Neutral monism offers a unique perspective by suggesting a "neutral substance" underlying both mental and physical phenomena. This neutral substance gives rise to the rich combination of experiences that make up our reality. Consider the concept of energy, which can manifest as both physical (e.g., kinetic energy in a moving car) and mental (e.g., the energy of thought and emotion). In neutral monism, this shared concept of energy represents the underlying reality.

Psychosomatics:

Amidst these philosophical views, psychosomatics provides real-world evidence of the mind-body connection. This field explores the interplay between the mind (psyche) and the body (soma) and how mental factors can profoundly affect our physical health. For example, stress-related illnesses, like tension headaches or stomach ulcers, exemplify how our emotional and mental states can manifest physically, leading to serious health issues. Psychosomatics highlights the significant impact of mental well-being on our physical state, bridging the gap between philosophy and practical health.

I treated a young Syrian man who was a war refugee. Years before the war, his right arm took a hit and was fractured, but it healed the same year. After the war, he survived the bombings, but most of his family and friends did not make it. He witnessed atrocities being committed before him. Later on, his brother was killed and as a result, his mother suffered a heart attack that claimed her life. He later came to Lebanon as a refugee to start a new life. When he presented to my clinic, he was complaining of right arm pain at the site of the previously healed fracture. The intensity of the pain woke him up in the middle of the night and along with it, he felt warmth in his arm and it was sweating locally.

Later, I managed to diagnose my patient with "complex regional pain syndrome". Little did I know about such a syndrome and how it exemplifies psychosomatics. Several trials recommended antidepressants to treat his condition - as well as the overlying depression he was secretly suffering from.

Conclusion:

The mind-body problem, though centuries old, remains an open question, and while we've explored a multitude of perspectives, it's clear that the debate continues. Psychosomatics offers a tangible connection between our mental and physical states, underscoring the profound implications of the mind-body relationship. From a personal experience, I witnessed the improvement of physical symptoms under the influence of an antidepressant medication. That is fascinating to encounter and since then, I always considered the psychological aspect of any chronic or acute complaint.

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heroickseraph · 6 months

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Mental Health: Pandemic Time - Part 1

These past three years have been unlike any others in recent history. The world has grappled with the overwhelming impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a doctor, I've witnessed firsthand the toll it has taken on the mental health of countless individuals. The isolation, uncertainty, anxiety, and depression that many have faced during this time are topics that demand our attention and support.

As of this moment, 6,926,045 people died because of COVID, and the number keeps on increasing. The sudden emergence of this virus shocked the world and paralyzed life as we know it. Everything changed, but in the beginning, it was hard to cope due to the uncomfortable situation I was put in. Everyone I knew expected answers from me regarding the virus, but I didn't know more than what they did. The international medical society didn't know more. Every effort was being put into understanding the virus and aiming to build a vaccine to protect the whole global population.

The chaos that spread suddenly left many people in a tremendous amount of mental distress. The whole world population had to adapt to a new way of living.

Mental Health Deterioration:

The isolation brought about by lockdowns and social distancing measures has left many individuals feeling profoundly lonely. The isolation and prolonged periods of confinement that many of us have experienced during the pandemic are in stark contrast to the natural human state. Humans are inherently active creatures and our physiology is designed for movement.

For centuries, our ancestors were hunters, gatherers, and explorers. Our bodies are programmed to expend energy, burn calories, and engage in physical activity. A sedentary lifestyle due to confinement and remote working can disrupt this natural balance, affecting both our physical and mental health. This disconnection from our innate need to move has contributed to feelings of restlessness, laziness, and even mental health issues that individuals face. It reminds us of the importance of finding ways to incorporate physical activity into our daily routine, even in difficult circumstances.

Taken independently from the context of the pandemic, isolation or confinement can lead to a range of profound psychological implications. General consequences include the transformation of this isolation into loneliness. The loneliness results from the absence of social interactions with other people, and that often leads to depression or anxiety. In many people, as long as the coping mechanisms are fit enough, these perturbated states do not develop into a pathological disorder. On the other hand, many other individuals had been diagnosed with major depressive disorder or generalized anxiety disorder years before the pandemic started. These patients relapse into acute episodes despite being compliant with their medication.

Every living being thrives for freedom. It is evident that staying inside a cage harms the psych slowly and sometimes irreversibly. The feeling of being trapped and powerless can lead to high levels of stress. Any bird who spends its life in a cage might never be able to fly again when set free.

Cognitive decline, particularly in older adults, is another potential outcome of prolonged isolation, brought on by a lack of mental stimulation and social interaction. Many people started spending hours on social media trying to be as involved as possible. Every like or view on any social media platform brought little accumulative rewards to the addicted users. Using those applications became the trend in coping with the situation of isolation.

Furthermore, irritability and agitation can arise in those settings, along with restlessness and frustration. It was well known that anger spawned violence at some point during the lockdowns. The incidence of domestic abuse increased and victims coped in different ways to their unfortunate situation.

In the context of the pandemic, there are specific aspects that have been magnified. Pandemic-related anxiety has surged due to the fear of contracting the virus. That was the first concern. Ultimately, that extended to concerns about the health of loved ones, and the general uncertainty about the future. The doctors didn't know much about the situation, so the rest of the population suffered from a lack of information that eventually became a state of paranoia.

Grief and loss became prevalent, with many individuals experiencing the loss of their loved ones. The virus killed people randomly. Young healthy men and women lost their lives unexpectedly, while some others suffered for months after recovery due to the scarring of their lung tissues by the virus. For many people, it didn't make sense that they couldn't be by the side of their loved ones when they passed away. The pandemic prevented the contact of patients under strict isolation. People were dying all alone in those beds and many countries buried the dead in mass numbers.

Pandemic fatigue has set in as the prolonged nature of the crisis has led to exhaustion and that in return transformed into more vulnerable states.

As time passed, individuals were exposed to a relentless stream of pandemic-related news, from rising case numbers to new safety measures. All they could see were numbers daily and everywhere on the news. People even could get live updates on the internet. The constant barrage of information led to a sense of apathy, where individuals became desensitized to alarming events. For example, the daily reporting of infection rates, hospitalizations, and death tolls lost its initial impact as people became accustomed to these numbers. It was not uncommon for individuals to react less strongly to alarming news than they did earlier in the pandemic, which was a sign of psychological adaptation to the ongoing crisis.

One of the other consequences of pandemic fatigue was the decline in adherence to safety measures. This included wearing masks, practicing social distancing, and maintaining rigorous hand hygiene. As the pandemic persisted, some individuals grew suspicious of these precautions and began to let their guard down. For instance, people became less attentive about wearing masks in public spaces or attending gatherings with others outside their households. They chose the solutions with short-term relief rather than avoiding the serious complications that could come in the long run. This decreased adherence posed health risks, as it left individuals more vulnerable to potential exposure to the virus.

The Adults of the Future:

Children and adolescents have faced unique challenges, including disruptions in education, social connections, and extracurricular activities, which have contributed to their mental health concerns. I think the future generation that was born around the time of the pandemic is going to be very different from all the generations that came before. The intense exposure of children to social media in the time of the pandemic installed numerous random ideologies into their heads - especially when their parents weren't around to supervise them. Students became more lazy and their attention span decreased tremendously with online classes. Discussing the consequences with kids can take a whole different essay to decently talk about it.

Frontline Superheroes:

Frontline workers, a category encompassing healthcare professionals, first responders, and essential workers, have been at the forefront of the battle against the pandemic. Their experiences have been marked by immense stress, including moral distress and burnout. This aspect of the pandemic is particularly poignant and sensitive, and it strikes a personal chord for me as well. I vividly recall a pivotal moment during this crisis when the reality of my work as a healthcare professional hit home.

In the emergency department, we are accustomed to life-and-death situations, but the pandemic brought a unique set of challenges. The fear of suddenly losing one's life due to exposure to a patient carrying the virus was an ever-present concern. It was a stark reminder of our vulnerability and the sacrifices frontline workers were making to save lives.

One memory that still haunts my thoughts is the day a patient arrived in the emergency room with no pulse. Time was of the essence, and every second counted. However, the protocol required us to put on the full protective gowns before approaching the patient, a process that took precious minutes. In that brief span, a life hung in the balance, and the urgency was palpable. It didn't make sense to our human minds that we couldn't immediately perform life-saving interventions. The ethical and moral dilemma was heart-wrenching.

The term "moral distress" captures the emotions and ethical conflicts that healthcare professionals face during these situations. It is the anguish of knowing the right course of action but being impeded by external factors, such as guidelines, protocols, or limited resources. In those critical moments, as we hurriedly donned our protective gear, the weight of moral distress bore down on us. The patient's life was on the line, and we grappled with the haunting question of whether those few minutes spent dressing in protective gear could have made the difference between life and death.

Frontline workers endured not only the physical strain of their duties but also the emotional and psychological toll of making life-altering decisions in the face of extreme circumstances. The burden of knowing that we did all we could, yet still confronted such limitations, was emotionally draining. Burnout loomed large as we tried to navigate the delicate balance between providing care and safeguarding our own well-being.

In conclusion:

In the shadow of these extraordinary years, I've witnessed a world transformed by the relentless waves of the COVID-19 pandemic. The toll it's taken on mental health is a stark reality, with isolation, uncertainty, and anxiety leaving indelible imprints on our collective psyche. Our confinement and the innate need for movement clash in a silent battle, while isolation's profound psychological implications and the weight of pandemic fatigue become apparent. As we draw the curtains on this chapter, it's time to pen new stories, tales of resilience, and the unwavering human spirit. Let's remember that even in these challenging times, the strength of humanity shines through. Those who have recovered and the heroes who've stepped up for vaccination offer beacons of hope. Together, we find hope for a brighter tomorrow.

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heroickseraph · 6 months

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How World Building Helped Me

In the world of fiction, settings serve as the canvas upon which the author can paint the story. They aren't just mere physical locations; they are living, breathing entities that contribute to the narrative's atmosphere, themes, and overall impact. They do not exist in real life - only in the narrative of the author who created them. Thus, they have a deeper meaning to them. The beauty of cultural diversity is its ability to shape these settings, infusing them with unique traditions, beliefs, and ways of life that transport the readers to unfamiliar yet captivating worlds.

Let's imagine a fictional village somewhere in the Himalayas. In this village, the reader can be transported to a place where the majestic peaks of the mountains loom in the distance, and the colorful prayer flags flutter in the crisp air. Harmony manifested itself with an architectural blend of wood and stone, adorned with intricate carvings that tell the stories of generations past. The inhabitants, dressed in traditional clothing, gather at the central square for a vibrant festival celebrating their cultural heritage. The atmosphere is quiet and one can hear the soothing chirping of birds.

It is important to note here that introducing a certain fictional character adds extra depth to the context. It becomes easier to understand cultural diversity through the eyes of people who practice these cultures.

Here, the influence of diversity is profound. The setting becomes a character in itself, influencing the entire plot and the interactions of the story's protagonists. The tranquility of the Himalayan backdrop sets a different tone compared to the hustle and bustle of a crowded city. The cultural context of this environment shapes the characters' daily lives, their values, and the challenges they face. By introducing certain elements in the piece of writing, the reader can become accustomed to the new setting just by using his imagination.

Some fictional characters from certain settings are sometimes introduced to other ones. That creates an opportunity for the writer to explore the cross-cultural exchange. Let's assume that a tourist from a metropolitan city visits the Himalayan village. That introduction can open many doors to a wider and richer narrative. The interactions between the tourist and the villagers can further highlight the description of the setting.

The cultural diversity embedded in the setting enriches the story's themes and messages. Whether it's a tale of love, resilience, or self-discovery, the cultural landscape becomes an integral part of the narrative. Readers are not only involved in the plot but also gain a deeper portrayal of the cultural values that shape the characters' lives. This immersion allows readers to appreciate and connect with the cultural elements, fostering empathy and curiosity about worlds they might not have encountered otherwise. After all, the Himalayan village on paper doesn't have to completely resemble the real villages in the Himalayan mountains. However, certain rules have to be respected to maintain the authenticity of the setting.

The setting's cultural authenticity is paramount. Any author must embark on research journeys, read books by authors from the culture they're portraying, and engage in conversations with individuals from that culture - if possible. This dedication to accuracy ensures that the setting doesn't fall into the trap of stereotypes or misrepresentations but instead becomes a window into a unique world that readers can explore and respect.

In essence, world-building is the medium where the magic of cultural diversity truly shines in fiction writing. It's where the pages come alive with the colors, sounds, and stories of different cultures. These settings aren't just backdrops; they are vehicles for cultural exploration, understanding, and appreciation. The next time you lose yourself in a novel set in a far-off land, remember that you're not just reading a story—you're embarking on a journey into the heart of a different culture, and in doing so, you're expanding your own horizons as well.

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heroickseraph · 6 months

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How Creative Writing Helped Me

Writing can be a profoundly transformative and therapeutic tool, especially during formative years when communication with peers can be challenging at school. For me, it became a sanctuary, a place where I could freely express myself and explore the complexities of the world around me. After a long day at school, I would eagerly retreat to my private writing space, where I could immerse myself in the world of fictional characters that I had crafted with my words.

These characters, born from my imagination and nurtured through my writing, served as more than mere creations; they were my companions, my confidants, and my sounding boards. Through their eyes, I could navigate the intricacies of life that often felt overwhelming when viewed through my own lens. I projected my thoughts, emotions, and dilemmas onto these characters, allowing them to bear the weight of my uncertainties and fears. In return, they gifted me with insights and solutions that I struggled to find elsewhere.

In the world of my stories, I could address the challenges and dilemmas that perplexed me in real life. Through my characters, I could explore different perspectives, experiment with various choices, and experience the consequences of those decisions, all within the safety of the written page. This unique form of dialogue, carried out in the realm of fiction, offered a sense of liberation. It allowed me to experiment with who I could be and how I could interact with the world around me.

Each character I created bore a part of me, mirroring my experiences, fears, and hopes. In their stories, I uncovered fragments of my own identity and the capacity to cope with the real-world challenges that lay ahead.

Looking back, I can see that those early years of writing were not just about crafting tales; they were about crafting myself. Through the written word, I found the ability to communicate and ultimately shape my place in this world. Writing, in all its fictional wonder, offered me the guidance and courage I needed to navigate the complexities of life.

As I delved into the world of writing, I discovered a remarkable truth about storytelling—it possessed the power not only to express individual experiences but also to unite people through shared emotions. I aim not only to convey my personal struggles and triumphs but to tap into the collective human experience.

Each character, storyline, and plot twist becomes a vessel through which readers can find echoes of their own lives, their own dreams, and their own challenges. Through this shared storytelling, I feel a profound sense of connection with any reader.

The act of writing novels is no longer a solitary endeavor but a bridge that connects me to a diverse and global audience. Every person who reads anything I wrote is part of that diverse audience. I've already received feedback from readers who have found comfort within the pages of my writings. This sense of shared understanding and mutual support strengthens my resolve to continue writing and sharing my stories with everyone else.

Furthermore, the characters in my novels have evolved to reflect the growth and maturity I've achieved as a writer and an individual. They embody not only my personal experiences but also the rich variability of the human experience. In creating characters from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, I hope to foster empathy and understanding among my readers, encouraging them to explore the intricate and multifaceted nature of the world we live in.

The characters that once helped me communicate with the real world during my early years have inspired me to stay on the ongoing journey of novel writing. This journey extends beyond self-expression through the written word. This ongoing journey that I call my life is a proof of the transformative power of storytelling.

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