Health

Depression in men, how do you deal with it?

Depression in men

Around a quarter of all people suffer from acute depression at least once in their lives. The reasons for depression are usually insecurity or problems at work, financial worries and unemployment. Men are more likely to suffer from this illness and are three times more likely to commit suicide than women. 

Many people, especially men, do not admit that they have emotional problems and do not see depression as an illness that needs to be treated. Men in particular usually see depression as a weakness and refuse to seek professional help. They often seek a way out in alcohol, thereby not only making their situation worse, but also the illness. 

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How to prevent drug and alcohol abuse

Drug abuse

Drug and alcohol abuse is undoubtedly a serious issue. Long-term substance abuse can completely change a person's personality. Addicted people often become a danger to themselves and others. Prevention is more effective than rehabilitation, as relapse is very common. Certain techniques and programmes can help those affected to keep the situation under control.

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The warning signs of health-threatening sleep deprivation

Sleep deprivation

Sleep is a biological necessity for the body to regenerate and maintain health. We spend around a third of our lives on vital sleep, and the majority of people need around 7-8 hours of sleep per day to feel sufficiently rested. Those who consistently sleep too little can suffer from serious sleep deprivation, which can affect physical and mental health. 

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Nightly coughing fits

Coughing fit

Coughing is the body's natural reaction to substances that irritate the airways, such as mucus, dust, allergens, stomach acid or pungent odours. The cough expels foreign bodies from the lungs and thus prevents infections. However, there are also illnesses that can cause severe and sometimes dry coughs, such as respiratory diseases, postnasal drip syndrome or chronic heartburn. Nightly coughing fits interrupt sleep and thus slow down healing. 

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How does a placebo work

The placebo effect

A placebo is a medicine or treatment without active ingredients or a cure. Placebos are used to stimulate a patient's self-healing powers and promote healing using psychological power. The placebo effect describes a physical response to a purely psychological but clinically completely ineffective drug. In about 30% of all patients the placebo effect works, even if the patients know that it is a placebo.

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