#sensory issues in a nutshell

[ukusreticence]

they do hate it! but they also very desperately need a hug so they'll power through it :]

@la-di-da-la-di-dee-die

[schattenhonig]

Reblogs are turned off, but this is autism gold 🥲 couldn't let it pass

[inkwell-intermission]

haha hey. you should share your droog autism headcanons :]

ALRIGHTY: DROOG AUTISM HEADCANONS.

I've previously stated that my Droog has autism and I will elaborate below. He has sensory issues and sensitivities, difficulty emoting and recognizing his feelings (alexithymia), has difficulty socializing and connecting with others, and a very monotone speech pattern. He is also DEEPLY uncute about it and reacts to difficulties by removing himself from a situation or becoming agitated or aggressive- he has very little interested in adapting or overcoming anything.

There's more to it, but overall, he has "committed to the bit" in a sense. Oh, he doesn't make eye contact? Obviously it's because he doesn't believe you're worth his time to look at or the respect it would imply. He doesn't want to talk to someone? He's too cool to have a conversation- especially about anything outside of a narrow list of interests he's interested in chatting about. Won't eat at a new restaurant? He's a loyal regular at his usual places, and nothing could be better than them, so why bother, it's not because he can't imagine trying new foods that he hasn't already decided he likes, or new people who don't already understand his particular likes and dislikes- He might have to actually explain himself instead of simply knowing he's understood. He only wears very specific clothes and adheres closely to certain fashions? That's simply the best kind of clothes to wear, nothing else!

He has a lot of texture sensitivities that come through in his clothes and the fit of them. His clothing is all tailored a specific way, possibly not even the "best" way to fit him, but the only way he can tolerate. He has very specific requirements for the clothing he wears and the fabric used and he prefers to work with a specific tailor every time who knows exactly what he wants, and has no problems with all his demands and alterations. In this case I do mean Stitch, who does usually get paid, not lavishly, but paid.

He hates bright light, although he isn't unique in this, as a good amount of Dersites find it pretty insufferable. Loud environments can also make him… itchy. There's that joke about the "insert guy doing thing here" "don't worry he's stimming", and that's kind of Droog in a nutshell but with physical violence. Break something, hit someone, destroy property, whatever it is he can do. He likes bludgeoning best in hand-to-hand combat, compared to Slick's preference for blades- although his hitcher does fine as well. Droog simply doesn't want to bother with a knife or that kind of finesse- he just wants to beat someone as badly as possible as hard as possible until he feels better, and he does.

He's pretty sensitive to certain things including dust and other particles in the air and on surfaces and takes cleaning very seriously. He's a very lazy person who doesn't buy into the idea of doing things for others much of the time, so he won't clean anything he doesn't use or touch. He has a schedule for dry cleanings, laundry, dusting, and other things, and keeps to it out of habit. He despises spontaneity and earnestly plans out his day in advance, and may take any distractions from that plan badly and violently. Although he always has time to shirk paperwork or ignore something only half-important that Slick is trying to tell him.

Droog is capable of cooking, but rarely does, because he doesn't like to cook for anyone else, and is specific enough with instructions and recipes that it gets on everyone else's nerves to watch. At least he leaves the counter surfaces clean, even if he won't do the dishes afterwards. He doesn't eat that much, to be honest, compared to what he should be, and not exactly nutritiously. Most of his meals are very heavy, and he doesn't particularly go for vegetables, although he will eat them cooked. Anything crunchy kind of makes him twitchy because the noise draws attention and he doesn't like being seen eating. Or chewing. Or enjoying food. He usually wants his food with meat involved, regardless of the other contents, and is picky about seafood, but eats it. Notably, no crustaceans. But if he gets something caught in his teeth he will literally make Slick pull over so he can step inside somewhere to get it out under penalty of property or personal damages.

He's got very specific special interests- fabrics, men's fashion- women's fashion, although he doesn't talk about it much and doesn't like talking to women particularly (although he doesn't usually talk to anyone if he can help it), he knows too much about alcohol, the process of making alcohol, cigarettes, making your own cigarettes, interior decorating, and firearms. There may be a few others, but he's essentially very into stereotypical masculine things, for the most part.

He hates explaining anything. In a perfect world, everyone around him would simply understand exactly what he wants without needing to make eye contact with him or ask him questions in any way. He's very oriented around himself- yes he is selfish, a bit vain, and somewhat self-obsessed, but those are all far less relevant details- the way he views the world is simply through a very singular lens, and he's leaned into how easy it is for him to dissociate from his empathy and compassion. He hates overwhelming feelings, and if he indulges his emotions to a certain degree they can become overwhelming, and he cannot beat his own feelings to death unfortunately. So he doesn't do that. He keeps it all inside him somewhere buried under a rock and one day he will die and that'll take care of them.

He's a customer service nightmare. If you ask him questions about what he wants its like pulling teeth. But he can ask all the questions he wants. His flat tone makes it really hard to notice when he's asking a question instead of just stating a fact, and he treats both the same way, so he's a pain in the ass to navigate around. His saving grace is that he doesn't care about the temperaments of employees. The product quality is what matters to him- although if the electric lights are too loud in the store he might leave. Or break them.

He exclusively smokes cigarettes and drinks hard liquor and is hard pressed to drink beer or anything fruity, and he's never tried any other kind of recreational or illicit substance. This is a man who has never been high. The most he's ever done is a light trip during exile thanks to accidental mushroom ingestion with the rest of the crew and he didn't like it.

He was the most miserable man alive during exile, I will be very clear. His name was Detached Derelict. He hates sand, and hates wearing wrappings, there are too many places for debris to get in. He couldn't be as lazy as he liked, felt too exposed, had inconsistent access to food and a schedule- overall, it made him very irritable and prone to violent outbursts. Killing things for food was one of the only things that helped him feel any better. If he let himself think about it, he'd probably be thankful about how accommodating the crew was to him, in dealing with his cursing, pickiness and overall downer mood. He always was very fastidious with his hygiene and grooming himself. Also, despite his propensity towards violence and relative comfort in killing other carapacians he is entirely unwilling to engage in cannibalism and would be the most likely to refuse it even as a last resort, preferring to starve, which the other three would likely cave to and partake in- and that's not really a good thing as much as it is simply a hill he would literally die on for non-moral reasons of psychological discomfort and general food preferences!

His connection with Pickle Inspector is somewhat related to both of their autism as well, and he has a really psychosexual intense fixation on PI. Both of them are reclusive, resistant to interpersonal connections have very specific interests that they prioritize over all others, think in very "singular" mindsets through the lens of their own experiences, and are both intelligent and skilled in their own ways. Droog can see that in him and little shades of himself in him. In some ways they have special interests in one another. The biggest difference is that the way Droog's autism manifests and his particular special interests are more acceptable- such as hard liquor and firearms as a man, and he feels unable to dress in a way that isn't presentable, where PI has a harder time keeping up with his own personal hygiene in a way that makes him fit the social standard a bit less. In the end both are autistic and behave in ways that ostracize them from others, outside of their professions. Last think I'll add about him is his contamination-based issues. He hates being sick more than anything and will do almost anything to avoid it. He hates insects, household pests, mold and dirt, anything like that. He's been known to walk around with disinfectant and a lighter in an effort to execute any bugs that get into the hideout or anywhere else he can find. He only tolerates spiders and cobwebs, and it's barely, because of his patron, which is one. He hates to feel dirty or scratched up and will buff scratches out of his shell within hours of getting them. If clothing he wears is sullied with someone else's blood there's a good chance he'll have Stitch make him a new suit from scratch. The blood of anyone he's close to is also tolerated, specifically the Midnight Crew and PI's, but not the Felt or the Inspector's colleagues. To be honest though Stitch is so good at getting leprechaun blood out of clothing at this point it's really hard to tell it was ever there. Overall, a very consistent man. Consistently dressed, consistently irritable and violent, consistently groomed, etc. The picture is pretty clear.

note: Deadeye Detective is also autistic, but tolerates discomfort far better and reacts with less hostility, so much of what applies to Droog applies to him, but pulled back a few notches almost universally. second note: Also it might be more than autism that he has but I only have autism so I'm not speaking outside of that much he just copes with his autism really really intensely. Could be other things too though. would not be surprised

[do-u-know-this-autisticcharacter]

Do You Know This (non-canon) Autistic Character?

Propaganda:

This Reddit post sums it up well (post).

But in a nutshell she is shown to have sensory issues, special interests in things like gaming and heavy machinery, and she apparently stims with her tentacles and is often moving around when overstimulated.

[kspp]

Why Are Ideologies So Catchy?

We hear about several ideologies today. From Liberalism, Feminism, Nazism, Communism, Socialism, Capitalism, and so on. These ideologies have philosophical and socio-political origins. For example, the first wave of feminism emerged during the late 19th and early 20th century with the demand for the right to suffrage for women. More importantly, they are essential to understand as ideological politics define legitimacy in modern times.

Ideologies contain a system of beliefs and tend to explain an event, a story, an issue from the perspective of those fundamental beliefs. Critical theory in the study of literature involves explaining a piece through a particular form of analysis. However, this kind of study helps us form a perspective, but it is just one perspective and not reality. Plato’s allegory of the cave comes in handy to explain the difference between perception and reality.

There is an affinity to understand all and define all using a single premise or logic. Such a premise can be helpful when we need to understand an issue. But with the faith-like character that ideology puts into danger our conversations, personal and professional relations, and is dangerous territory. Free and respectful exchanges can broaden our horizon of understanding of the realities of the world. Let’s embrace reality with all its complexities; as a Slogan on the walls of Paris (May 1968) says,

“DO NOT ADJUST YOUR MIND – THERE IS A FAULT WITH REALITY. “

Going to the roots, we get ideo + logy as a study of the ideas. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, ideology is described as ‘the study of ideas’ in its earliest definitions. It referred to the philosophical study of the mind where ideas are sensory. It also relates to the study of historical and socio-political concepts. Today the word is used in a political context rather than just understanding the origins of ideas in our minds.

A German- Jewish political thinker Hannah Arendt gives a very eclectic explanation of ideology and its implications in her text The Origins of Totalitarianism. She provides a moral, psychological, and anthropological account of a totalitarian regime in both its Marxist and its Nazi forms in the book. She argues that totalitarian regimes thrive on the fictional reality created by their ideology. In her words, their ‘appeal’ lies in ideology. It shows how people seek refuge in the idea of a single logic/premise which can show them the whole historical movement. Ideology, hence, gives a straightforward explanation or a closure to the issue which might otherwise cause anxiety to us- hope to escape the complexities and suffering of the world. Ideologies play an essential role in such regimes; they combine factual elements from reality with dreams, promises, and hopes for the future. In a nutshell, ideology carries an element of emotion and timelessness. They have hopes for the future and dreams originating in the glorious view of history, which are easier to linger to with human life’s constant anxiety and misery.

Ideologies are essentially ‘pseudo-scientific theories’ that put the follower under the illusion that they have a logical explanation of the past, a correct understanding of the present, and can reliably predict the future. This kind of thinking is at the heart of polarization in our society today. But more importantly, it takes away the space of conversations between individuals, groups, or even political parties. The conversation becomes a debate instead because the other person’s answer is already in their head. ‘Ideology is like a stone in the head,’ as my Professor Dilip Simeon used to speak. We should be cautious of the potential of the ideologies and keep the conversations going.

[bullshit-in-disguised]

How would you describe Cade's journey from his transition into a Transformer, let alone a Beastformer, knowing the power he holds now and the unimaginable dangers he is in, until his phase of accepting himself for who he has become?

Was his emotional state okay? Did he had deep depressing thoughts? Did he have to go through a new language exchange? And how was his first time trying to transform into a dragon, was it okay? Did he hurt his back or something? There's so many I'm curious to know

OH HONEY I CANT WAIT TO TELL THE SHIT THAT OLD BURGERS HAVE TO GO THROUGH.

I ALSO I LOVE IT WHEN PEOPLE ASK THESE QUESTIONS TO ME!!!!

It’s a lot to take in

Honestly it him hard as a freight train that he might never get a chance to live a normal human life.

Like imagine one day you just minding your own business and then all the sudden. You feel this unimaginable pain going on your body, as you see a piece of your flesh start to melt into metal without any warning. Everything feels heavy now, you can’t breathe, see or move as everything in your body starts to turn into metal and then you passed out unable to stay conscious as the last thing you see is your blood turning into a glowing green color burning you alive and then your out.

Your memories of your dying organic body are a blur but can recall the pain and the sounds your orgains literally melting off your own body. It’s like drowning in the sea of acid.

Then you wake up again, everything is now fuzzy as you try to get up…but everything feels so unfamiliar now. The new sensations hits like a truck as you notice there are now massive how big you are, your body is now made of metal, your mind is struggling to control these new feelings and the sensory overload your having it the systems in your mind and body. The worst part you wake up in a government facility, your rattled mind try to process what happened….but it can’t the newly feral instincts take over your frantic mind. Fillled with adrenaline you transformed for the first time into a beast. Attempting to claw your way out of the place. You were frantic as now your getting held down by metal beings that you can recognized but can’t.

But after being coaxed out of that frenzied state by your horrified daughter and your worried Spouse. You have a gradual realization of what just happened. You turned into a transformer…the same race as your spouse and the others…

In the nutshell that transformation was not easy for Cade’s mental health at that time.

His emotional state is a wreck, it takes him a long time to come to terms of what happened to his original human body and the consequences that follow. He actually suffers derealization episodes and depressive episodes because of how unfamiliar his cybertronian body is to him. Thankfully he does recover from it thanks to his family and professional help. He eventually sees and gets the best out of this situation, the idea of being a transformer is pretty cool to him now and feels more connected with the autobots. So accepting his new life is something that he has to come to terms with. But can’t help it, but to mourn the lost of his organic body.

Being strong enough to basically to kill a person with a single strike is terrifying. He often frets of the possibility of hurting Tessa or Izzy by accident. This doesn’t help that he has claws so that’s another worry. Cade is often struggling to get used to the new strength and power that he now possess. He’s often hesitates to hold humans, especially when he’s holding Tessa with the palm of his servo terrified of crushing her by accident. He often shakes with anxiety, Optimus often have to teach Cade for to control his strength so he won’t hurt anyone by accident.

Plus he has fire breath so that’s a bullshit issue that he has to deal with.

Being a beastformer is hard for Cade to get used to. He has to control his own emotions, keeping his instincts in check is extremely important to make sure he doesn’t lose it. AND SPEAKING ABOUT THE BEASTFORM-

When he transformed with into that his beast form without going crazy. He actually gets disoriented and dizzy for a while. Like having your body shift into a different form is pretty cool at first, but holy shit it was dizzy as hell. Transformation is second nature to a cybertronian, but for Cade it felt weird. To him having another form feels strange for him. It’s understandable that cybertronian have modes and he has to get used to that. But moving and talking as a giant scary metal lizard is actually really cool, especially with the distorted beast voice.

BUT- he can’t stay in beast form in long period of time in his first years as a transformer cause it actually affects his walking ability and cause back problems. Like imagine staying in that form for like weeks and then transform in your root form, at first you expect to walk normally but nope Cade just falls face flat on the floor. He couldn’t walk well and just crawls on fours. It turns out that it’s going to take a while for his systems to probably adjust to the mode shifts. It’s a bitch for to get used to. Cade has to use crutches and a walking cane after staying into beast form in long periods of time. Also it causes back problems for him to so often he transforms into beast form. Cade often stays in his berth room recovering. But thankfully he gets used to it, of the point that he no longer have to worry about his back problems and his ability to walk again.

(Fun fact Optimus would often carry Cade around bridal style, when he’s in that state. He always makes sure that his mate doesn’t get hurt-)

However when it comes to cybertronian language that’s a different story. He’s already built in with the power to understand and speak ancient cybertronian. When it comes learning modern cybertronian it’s basically taking a fucking language lesson and downloading Duolingo. Actually downloading data and looking up to the internet is tricky for Cade to do. But once he has the hang of it, he flows well. Thanks to his bond with OP, Cade definitely learned it pretty well but will confuse words, as he tends to mix up sentences at time.

(Shit that bilingual folk go through lmao-)

Honestly just everything is just new for Cade and honestly when he does comes to terms of his circumstances of being a Cybertronian….he’s content.

Like his life before meeting OP and the others was rough and had to make tough calls to keep himself and Tessa a float. Honestly he would miss the human things, that he used to do but that’s it…Cade has no other friends and family from his past to come back to aside from the autobots. He’s content to have this crazy new life, his daughter is safe, he has a lover who’s an Alien robot and his Family of other alien robots. He connects them more than humans and honestly he loves this life. He’s happy to find a purpose to continue to pursue his inventions, but now he can use that to help others in needs. He learned a lot from his time living with the bots. Cade honestly tends to walk forward and keep going forward the future.

In Cade’s mind it’s finding the good out of a shitty situation. Searching for that treasure in the trash…that’s his motto those words that comfort him, when things get crazy and bad for him.

So yeah Cade is not going to have a good time but hey as long he’s with his loved ones.

[johannas-motivational-insults]

Jo’s Top 10 of 2020

I see lots of artists doing that thing where they post a piece from each month of the year... unfortunately my content creation isn’t necessarily consistent and it’s hard to track what month individual fic chapters were posted in, but I figured I’d do something similar and post my Top 10 pieces of content I created in 2020, what they’re about and why I love them. I actually did get a fair amount done this year thanks to the lockdown, but I’ve narrowed it down to these ten that I’d like to reflect on. (To be fair, I’m probably forgetting something huge. Feel free to leave comments if you think I passed over something important lol.)

10. Friendship in the Horde (meta): This is something I’d wanted to write for a while but finally got around to finishing in February. It’s basically a sociology paper lmao, an analysis of the social hierarchies and systems of the Horde. It was also a convenient excuse for me to gush about Catralonnie, an underrated (friend)ship. But honestly this was an important piece for me because I have always identified with the Horde characters way more than any of the rebels (other than Adora, who grew up in the Horde) and part of why is how they are in an unsafe environment and end up forming relationships that are helpful for survival but hinder them psychologically. And I think to understand the Horde characters and really evaluate their motives and choices you need to understand this first.

9. The Sting in My Eyes: On the surface this is just a run of the mill hurt/comfort oneshot, but it was a really important post-canon processing fic for me. I had a lot of feelings about Catra’s relationships with Shadow Weaver and Melog in season 5, particularly about how Catra must have felt really conflicted after Shadow Weaver told her what she wanted to hear all those years but in a way that felt unearned and out of the blue. It was really cathartic for me to write a scene where she struggles with those mixed feelings but has Adora and Melog to help her process them. And I had long associated the song the title is from with Catra and Shadow Weaver’s relationship, and the way she died trying to redeem herself really solidified that connection.

8. Hail Mary, chapter 6: This was supposed to be a short chapter mostly about the backstory between Catra and Scorpia in this au, with some Catradora yearning thrown in. It evolved into a massive, sprawling thing that is very atmospheric in terms of how the setting and vibes are described and how in the moment it feels. Hail Mary is like that sometimes but that type of narration is usually about football games rather than parties, so this chapter was a fun change of pace in many ways. It was really nostaglic for me to write too, the nerves of being a teenager at a party with your crush and how intense everything feels. And the Scorptra stuff really is delicious, it was nice seeing them have that conversation they never got to have in canon and truly make up, and the tiny sliver I added of Catra’s earlier history was heartbreaking in the best way. So this was not what I intended to write, but it turned out way better for it.

7. A Better Son or Daughter (AMV): I’ve done other Adora AMVs, but this one is really my iconic piece. The song is perfect for Adora, so perfect it’s on Noelle’s Adora playlist. The vid itself is a character study about Adora’s mental health struggles and the way she represses them, as well as a tribute to her resiliency and her eventual triumph of getting to a better place in her life. This is a song that gives me a lot of feelings and once I was making it about Adora it gave me even more, so this was a very satisfying piece to complete. I wish Noelle had gotten a chance to see it but oh well, maybe down the line.

6. Hail Mary, chapter 12: This is the chapter that much of the fic had been building to, Catra and Adora in conflict because Catra finally got the chance to be Adora’s hero and Adora shot her down. It’s painfully analogous to canon, both in terms of how (I suspect) Catra felt in Thaymor and Adora’s tendency to victim blame because she’s so pragmatic. There’s definitely some tones of Taking Control in there but Lonnie does a much better job of examining Catra’s psychology and needs than Glimmer did in canon (a writing error imo, Glimmer should have had more insight). Adora just wants to help but sometimes in her quest to do so she disenfranchises others, and this was a much needed look at that aspect of her character. It’s also an excellent illustration of what it’s like to play a peacekeeping role in an abusive household and how stressful it is trying to protect others while also protecting yourself.

5. Unstoppable (AMV): This is not my favorite Catra AMV I’ve ever done, but it might be the cleverest. The soundtrack is a song about mental illness masquerading as a song about being a bad bitch, which is basically Catra in a nutshell. The lyrics are incredibly fitting for her and her arc as it develops over seasons 1-4. The vid itself takes a hard turn in the interpretation of the lyrics, going from talking about how no one can stop Catra to how she can’t stop herself because she’s in such a terrible sunk cost fallacy spiral, and I think I got several death threats over that twist lmao. As someone who primarily deals in angst, there’s hardly a better compliment to be paid.

4. Demons, chapter 31: This one got real dark on me. The concept of this chapter was originally an examination of how comparing abuse can get really dicey but you also have to respect that other people have had different experiences from you and you have to be careful not to equate things or make it sound like you’re talking over someone else. I guess it’s also a bit of a look at how autistic people (like myself) will often explain why they can empathize so others know they understand rather than saying empty platitudes, but that can come off as insensitive or like they’re making things about them. I mean, in this case Adora kinda was making things about her, but she was provoked into it by a parade of comments insinuating she didn’t suffer at all, which was also unfair. Anyway it’s one of the more important Catradora fights in Demons and something I’d written bits of over a year prior, it was that important to the plot, but it also took a turn I was not originally planning. I finished the chapter when I was in a really bad depressive and self-loathing spiral and that bled onto the page, but it worked perfectly for Catra in this scenario... that push and pull of feeling like the world has hurt and victimized you mixed with knowing you’ve done some bad things yourself and feeling like you don’t have a leg to stand on when mourning the ways you’ve been hurt. It’s intense as all fuck but it’s excellent.

3. Hail Mary, chapter 11: Speaking of dark Catra content, this chapter... whew. It was really something else, to read and to write. I have written flashbacks in Demons that are more detailed and even include explicit violence but because those scenes are always in flashback form I never really got the chance to sit in the head of an abuse victim waiting for the other shoe to drop for an entire chapter like I did here. It’s quite different from the rest of Hail Mary stylistically and is both highly sensory and extremely internalized. It took me back to some terrifying moments in my own life so it was difficult but also extremely cathartic to write. It’s important too because it really sets up where Catra was at mentally heading into her big fight with Adora, and that chapter is in Adora POV. This chapter is ranked so high simply because it’s... polished, as @malachi-walker put it. It almost is its own story within the story and really noteworthy as a piece all its own.

2. Demons, chapter 26: This chapter is very similar thematically to Hail Mary 12, just based in the canonverse. It deals with one of the core (but highly neglected by fandom) conflicts between Catra and Adora, where they both need to feel like they can take care of and protect the other but also detest feeling weak or vulnerable themselves. It leads to Adora’s ego making Catra feel disrespected and Catra’s behavior confusing Adora and making her think she’s an ungrateful brat rather than someone who needs so badly to be needed, just like her. There’s definitely some power struggles in this chapter but finally they’re able to get to the heart of it and seeing them talk it out is so satisfying. Getting this chapter published was also important to me on a personal level because, like I said, this aspect of their conflict and relationship is rarely acknowleged for how important it is when really it’s one of the deepest conflicts between them in the series. It’s a scene I started writing pretty much as soon I knew I was extending the fic into something longer because I just needed them to have this conversation, so finishing it was so satisfying.

1. Satisfaction, chapter 3: This chapter took me a really long time to write, both in terms of time to get it published and time I actually spent working on it. It’s the crown jewel of a fic that’s really important to me and I had to get it just right, so I spent more time agonizing over every detail and rewriting things to get them absolutely perfect than I usually do (I’m a perfectionist anyway, but this took it to a whole other level). But in the end it was worth it, because this chapter is damn fine. It’s really hot, as you’d expect from a smut fic, but it’s also an excellent character study of how both Catra and Adora were affected by their abuse and trauma and the issues it raises for them in terms of sex and intimacy. Also, come on, we need more BDSM fics out there that focus on the actual point of it all (the trust involved) and promote communication and do the character work to explain why they might be into it in the first place.

BONUS (from December 31, 2019): One of my favorite pieces of 2020 technically came out in 2019, but I posted it on New Years Eve so most people first saw it in 2020. It’s an absolute banger of an AMV called I’m Not Jesus that’s all about Catra and Adora’s anger towards Shadow Weaver and their refusal to forgive their abuser. Funny enough this came out before Adora’s iconic “I will never forgive you” line, and Shadow Weaver definitely made things more complicated with how she went out, but I think the sentiment still applies.

[hearingaidexpert]

The Relationship between Hearing Loss and Cognitive Decline

Aging is a natural process for every living being. Humans experience subtle declination of cognitive abilities with the increase of age. For example, one may experience memory issues, need more time to learn, or have less focus and concentration. 

Stopping cognitive functions from declining is impossible. However, we can slow it down with better maintenance.

Many research has found a link between cognitive decline and hearing loss. It has opened a way to keep cognitive health intact for a longer time.

In this article, we will discuss the relationship between cognitive declination and hearing loss.

Problems Associated with Cognitive Declination

Human brains control all cognitive processes in the human body. As age increases, brain cells can get damaged and lose their ability to process information. Therefore, cognitive declination occurs in a person. 

Cognitive declination can bring mild cognitive impairment, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease. Also, sensory impairments like losing sight or hearing loss can impact cognitive declination. 

In a nutshell, cognitive impairment affects your ability to make decisions and process them. It may occur due to both congenital and acquired hearing loss. 

Relationship Between Cognitive Declination and Hearing Loss

There are still no definitive answers if cognitive declination causes hearing loss or the other way around. However, they both are interlinked closely. 

Many research suggests that dementia or other cognitive diseases develop faster in hearing loss patients. Researchers have several theories for this relationship:

When a person has hearing loss, the brain works more to understand and process sound better. It pushes the brain to overwork and causes damage.

Hearing loss reduces work for some brain cells. As the cells don’t get sounds to receive and process, they lack enough stimuli. Therefore, the brain cells shrink and damage cognitive functions.

People with hearing loss cannot take part in conversations actively. It isolates them, and their brain cannot stimulate enough. As a result, those people suffer from cognitive declination.

What does Research say?

According to numerous research, mental stimulation helps keep better health. With hearing loss, People get fewer signals in the brain to process. As a result, the brain cannot work properly, and various health conditions can occur.

Some research suggests that hearing loss can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and chronic kidney diseases. Moreover, a person can experience anxiety and depression due to hearing loss.

How Can Hearing Aids Help in Slow Down Cognitive Decline?

Hearing aids are the most used device for managing hearing loss. These devices can address the problems causing hearing loss and help a person to listen to sounds clearly. 

As a result, The brain doesn’t get overwhelmed or overworked to listen to sounds. Also, enough sound signals keep the brain active and prevent brain cells away from damaging or shrinking. 

When people can hear proper sounds, they can take part in conversations. Therefore, they don’t get isolated or develop depression and anxiety. It allows the brain to slow cognitive declination effectively. 

Overall, hearing aids don’t let brains struggle or overwork. Thus, these devices help in maintaining overall health wellbeing.

Why do People Ignore Using Hearing Aids?

Hearing aids benefit your overall health. However, many people don’t want to use hearing aids. Several myths hold people back from using hearing aids. They are:

Not acknowledging hearing loss: Many people don’t want to acknowledge their hearing loss. They tend to accuse others of mumbling or not talking clearly. As they don’t acknowledge their problem, they don’t get timely treatment. This often makes their hearing condition worse.

Fear of getting old: Some people believe that hearing loss is a problem for older people. Therefore, they don’t like to wear hearing aids and damage their hearing abilities worse.

Concern about outlooks: Unlike glasses, hearing aids still look more like medical devices rather than necessary daily accessories. Therefore, many hearing loss patients tend to avoid wearing hearing aids on a daily basis.

Difficult to use: Hearing aids may need a longer time to get used to. This concerns a lot of patients with hearing disabilities. Some may use it for a few days and then keep the devices away to avoid discomfort. However, without daily use, one cannot get used to hearing aids.

Costly: Hearing aids can be expensive. A good pair of hearing aids can cost from 4000$ US to over 10,000$ US. This often discourages many from buying or using hearing aids.

Bottom Line

Cognitive declination and hearing loss both are serious health conditions. They are associated with each other and can trigger additional health problems. Timely diagnosis and treatment can help a person to live a better life.

Regular medical check-ups can help you to detect such problems earlier and treat them effectively. Also, using hearing aids can slow down cognitive declination significantly. 

As research progresses in finding the relationship between hearing loss, and cognitive declination, soon we may find a way to stop and treat cognitive impairment. Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdEdhw-FB0M

[zenwords]

The 11 Most Common Myths About Highly Sensitive People

Unsurprisingly, given my sensitivity, I struggled to fit in when I was growing up in the loud and vibrant 1970s, a decade not known for its subtlety.

I was unbearably sensitive and relentlessly teased for crying or overreacting to things.

If I didn’t understand something the teacher was trying to tell me, I would start to cry. If friends didn’t want to play with me, I would cry some more. I would obsess over every single thing anyone said to me. Hardly surprising then that I was a lonely and friendless child as everybody must have felt they had to walk on eggshells around me.

There were countless anxious school lunchtimes when I clutched my plastic blue tray and agonized about whether or not anyone would sit with me. They rarely did.

PE sessions were another torture as, of course, the team leaders picked everyone but me for their team. I don’t blame them. I didn’t have the competitive and confident streak needed to win. My lessons were mostly spent sitting on a table alone, and break times were largely spent hiding from my exuberant peers.

I lived life through the lens of my heart. I couldn’t separate myself from anyone or anything. Lacking the ability to set boundaries, I didn’t know where I ended and other people began.

This theme of not fitting in continued into my adult life. If only I had understood earlier that I needed to stop trying to fit in. I needed to educate myself about what it really means to be a sensitive soul. Someone who notices things, reflects deeply, and cares about others and how they are feeling.

Dig deep enough and there are stacks of research out there to show being sensitive, feeling your way through life, is a strength. You understand that your empathy and intuition have healing and transformative powers and are a source of connection and creativity.

If you think being sensitive means being a shy ‘cry baby’ you have seriously got this wrong (though, yes, many sensitive people cry a lot). It’s just one of several common and frustrating misconceptions about sensitivity:

1. Sensitive people are all shy and introverted.

There are sensitive extroverts, too—about 30 percent of sensitives are extroverts. Sensitive people tend to need alone time to recharge after being in overstimulating environments, much like introverts, but they may still get energy from being around other people. Which means they need to find the right balance between social time and downtime so that they feel connected but not drained.

2. Sensitives are fragile, ineffective ‘snowflakes.’

Many defining characteristics of sensitive people, such as their empathy, passion, and creativity, make them exceptional business leaders or influencers on the world stage, for example, Walt Disney, Jacinda Arden, John Lennon, and Princess Diana to name but a few.

3. Sensitive people are pushovers who have no firm convictions of their own.

Empathy is a defining characteristic of sensitives, but it is not an endorsement of another person’s viewpoint; rather it’s simply respecting and listening to that viewpoint. You can validate and respect someone’s perspective and still choose to live by your own principles.

5. Sensitivity is a women’s issue.

Up to 50 percent of sensitives are men. Boys and men are often taught to suppress their emotions to appear tough, strong, and masculine, but this often causes depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem—because no one can choose not to be sensitive. They feel ashamed of their sensitivity but need to understand that real men do cry.

6. Gay men are prone to being sensitive.

This is a social stereotype that equates being gay with being more feminine and, as stated above, sensitivity is not a feminine issue.

7. Highly sensitive people are prone to depression and anxiety.

There may be an increased risk of anxiety, but depression is a medical condition that needs treatment and many factors contribute to the likelihood of experiencing it. Lack of self-awareness and acceptance, whether a person is sensitive or not, can also increase the risk of depression.

8. There is a strong link between hypersensitivity and autism.

Those with autism may well have sensory issues, for example, finding things like bright lights or loud noises overwhelming, but this does not mean that everyone with sensory issues has autism. There are major differences between high sensitivity and autism, but chiefly autism comes with ‘social deficits’ (less response in brain areas associated with empathy) and high sensitivity does not.

9. Sensitive people are too weak and self-doubting to become effective leaders, stand up to narcissists, or succeed in a harsh and critical world.

Not so. Once they are armed with self-awareness and the tools and techniques to turn their gentleness into a strength, sensitive people are an unbeatable force.

10. All empaths are sensitive.

Sensitive people are empaths because they feel what others feel. But not all empaths are sensitive, i.e. they soak up emotions but not all the other stimuli from an environment as sensitives tend to do.

11. Sensitive people need to ‘toughen up.’

They can’t, because being sensitive is who they are. They are born that way.

I used to buy into all these negative associations, especially the notion that a sensitive person needs to ‘toughen up.’ They simply can’t. It’s like telling someone who is taller than average that they should be shorter. Just as being tall is not a flaw, being sensitive is not a flaw. It is not an illness, or a choice people make, either. It is how they are born.

According to experts, it is an innate trait with research indicating that at least three sets of genes may contribute to it. Some highly sensitive people may have all or some of these ‘sensitive’ genes, and intriguingly all three impact the brain and nervous system in some way.

Sensitive people are born to be gentle and to experience life on high alert through the lens of their feelings and senses. They are not better or worse than anyone else, just different.

Although they may have traits in common, they are not all the same. Every sensitive person is unique, just as every person who is taller than average is unique.

Indeed, the fact that the genetic coding for sensitivity continues to survive natural selection suggests that for evolutionary reasons, for the survival of the human race, it is beneficial that some people can see, feel, and sense things others cannot. It offers an evolutionary advantage and exists, and will continue to exist, because it is the one true force that drives humanity toward greater connection.

Empathy, intuition, creativity, gentleness, and compassion are personality traits that unite rather than divide, and they are all defining traits of the highly sensitive individual.

In a nutshell, we are all born with a unique genetic code. The key to a fulfilling life is not to repress, deny, or try to hide our uniqueness but to make the most of what life has given us. If you are sensitive, it is essential that you understand this is not a weakness. Rather, it is a strength, and a potentially healing gift both for yourself and for the human race.

— Theresa Cheung

Theresa Cheung is a Sunday Times bestselling author. She has a Master’s degree in Theology and English from King’s College Cambridge. Her work has been featured in the Daily Mail, Daily Express, The Guardian and she has appeared on ITV, GMTV, BBC radio and Russell Brand’s Under the Skin podcast. Most recently, Theresa has set up her own podcast, White Shores, interviewing some of the world’s greatest minds and sharing inspiration on personal growth. More about Theresa here: www.theresacheung.com

[yourdarlingfaux]

lol more asks cuz why not

(u dont have to answer if u dont wanna but idk u did say multiple are okay)

Is there a ship you no longer ship and why?

rant about any ship you love but feel like you don't talk about enough

(ok this aren't listed question) is there any pairing you think is better as a friendship?

if you could rate all your hetalia ships from 1- how ever many you have( 1 being your favourite) what would that list look like?

if you could go to the wedding of one of your ships- which ship would it be? and why

which ship is the most chaotic?

what would your ships be like as parents?(you can do one ship if you want or mulitiple)

anddddddddddddd

give a description of your ship/ships in a nutshell, so like what is their dynamic basically like

oof sorry about so many askssss

l do be curious tho

Dude omg please don't be sorry look you are SPOILING ME with these thank you very much I crave attention lmao

⚜ Is there a ship I no longer ship? Why?

Hm.... there’s none that I can think of! So if I ever dropped shipping something it’s probably because I forgot! :p

I would be putting FrUK/USUK here but I was never really avid about them to be no longer shipped and I still like them on occasion

⚜ Rant about any ship I love but feel like you don't talk about enough

Spaus!!!!!! Spain and Austria!!!! I talk about Fraus but Spaus??? Nationverse Spaus??? They had the same thing going except.. a very different energy. These are two men who married while still trying to find where they fit in the world, they fought wars against each other, they were not perfect in any way, but they were husbands, and they always respected each other as such. Human AUs, same thing, they weren’t perfect, they had to grow so much to get to where they are, and often times they'd go DAYS without speaking to each other, but they'd still sit down and chat with their music, Spain on the guitar and Austria on the piano, sometimes they wouldn't play long, but just a few notes and strums exchanged served as a reminder that when they're ready to talk again, they're both ready for each other

Omg wait brain juice FLOWING Hungary x Belgium.... it’s always been hard for me to like them bc of the ship name (for some reason??) but I’ve been thinking about it and I just... wow...... Horse knight woman(? Woman debatable) and a woman who smells like chocolate :) mm.. that’s a vibe

Also I have very very VERY few Ideas on this but Belarus x Seychelles SLAPS in the most positive way 

⚜ Is there any pairing you think is better as a friendship?

Hmm, I’m gonna have to go with USA x N. Italy!! I love them together a lot but I have a hard time seeing them actually being in a romantic relationship :0

Also Estonia x Finland! I think they’re good friends! MAybe tried some intimate stuff in the past but Finland moved on from that and Estonia, in my hc, discovered he’s hetero/aro ace! Which in this case just means Ukraine pretty--

⚜ Rating all my favorite 2p/Hetalia ships from 1-5 because I have way too many ;,)

Hetalia ships in order of how much feeling I have for them when I look at the list

France x Austria

France x Russia

France x Turkey (gee haha I wonder who my favorite character is)

Cuba x Canada

Germany x England (more in human aus tho :) )

Honorable mention!: Romania x Prussia

Honorable mention #2!: Netherlands x Canada

Fav 2p ships in order of how often I think of/write for them

2p France x 2p Austria (wow! shocking!)

2p Sweden x 2p Finland

2p Germania x 2p Ancient Rome

2p Russia x 2p China

2p Germany x 2p Italy

Honorable mention #3!: 2p Egypt x 2p Turkey x 2p Greece [ETG trio]

⚜ If you could go to the wedding of one of your ships- which ship would it be? and why

2p Ancient Greece and 2p Ancient India! I’ve never written them ever and 2p Ancient India is barely a figment of a character but holy shit!!! They would have an amazing wedding!!! No expenses spared and absolutely extravagant!

Or 2pSufin! Cool wedding! Small and cozy because they both have sensory processing issues and it’d just be a very comfortable place to be! :)

⚜ Which ship/s are the most chaotic?

Romania x Prussia (if you can’t imagine why this would be.... I don’t know what to tell you)

Prussia x England (two tired overworked punks)

2p Greece x 2p Japan (half their dates prob consist of running from p!gs for being caught spray painting places that are queerphobic or xenophobic and the others are spent in libraries and museums)

2p Italy x 2p HRE (two kids who don’t know what emotional regulation is)

⚜ What would my ships be like as parents?

Ok! I’ll start out with the ones that I’ve already given children :)

2p Ancient Greece and 2p Ancient Rome (Famous AU): They..... they really tried... they tried so hard to work out their issues for the grandkids, but of course in the end that never works.. they raised the Italy brothers after an accident happened that left them as orphans. Eventually, Melita did leave Cassius, but she also left the grandkids to be looked after by him, and she continued to be absent until the kids were in there mid-20's. Cassius tried his best with what he had, but his best wasn't healthy and was too much self projection because he didn't want them to be hurt as he was, but it backfired, it backfired a lot.

2p Germania and 2p Ancient Rome (Famous AU): Cassius was there to help Berinhart help raise Roland the moment Roland was turned over to Ber's custody, like, that very night. Though Cassius wasn't always present because he was still "with Melita" at that time, but once he was responsible for his own grandchildren, that did start changing in "getting the kids together for socializing" so they could start seeing each other more. Berinhart is a good parent, well rounded and knows how to motivate positively for even the most mundane things

2p Sweden and 2p Finland (most AUs): They adopted two kids: Jack (2pSealand) and Kurt (2pLadonia). Tobbe’s not the best with getting along with children but he’ll be damned if he’s not going to try his best to be with Vaito to raise them with him. Tobbe makes the meals and teaches them to cook and how to clean up after themselves and Vaito teaches them how to clean up bigger messes so Tobbe doesn't have to look at them. Kurt and Jack are in good hands :)

2p France and 2p Austria (however this is only in my Genshin Impact/2ptalia crossover au): François isn���t really interested in a kid of his own and didn't know Roland "had" a kid until he went back to Roland's hometown with him, it's not that Roland didn't talk about Nikki, it's that he never mentioned that he was actually the one raising them until Roland left to travel the world, which left Nikki with Berinhart. François is glad he doesn't have a complete parental role with Nikki but he will fight tooth and nail if harm ever falls on them. And Roland loved taking care of Nikki because they're a founding just as he is but he just didn't feel like he was prepared or good enough to be a good parent for them.

⚜ A description of my ship/s in a nutshell / My ship dynamics in a nutshell

I think I have a wide range of ship dynamics ranging from:

Total of 1 braincell combined and they share it like the three fates in Disney's Hercules (Prussia x America namely)

Socially stunted smol and socially stunted tol

Classy gossip partners apparently

Homophobic bigot because of Unresolved Catholic Trauma and woman who thinks that All woman are bisexual (too niche? It's 2pRome x 2pAncient Greece in human AUs)

I have too many tbh, I don't prefer one type of ship over another so I really can't put all of them here-

Person who's experienced way too much trauma at a young age x person who had a lot of different trauma at a young age and are doing their best to help each other recover (2p France x 2p Austria)

[moeyaf]

https://depresseddisneyprincess.tumblr.com/post/630277841394728960

My childhood in a nutshell wow

[kali-tmblr]

RWBY7: Yang's Upcoming Problems With PTSD

I'm sorry to have been away for so long lately. I promised you all a post on Yang's PTSD, and that proved to be difficult and painful to write. Nonetheless, here it is.

One of the things I like about RWBY is it's portrayals of various mental health issues, including Ozpin's carefully concealed depression, Blake's trust issues, the clinical apathy depicted at Brunswick Farms, and the accurate depictions of two different reactions to childhood abuse seen in Weiss and Adam. Right now, though, I want to talk about Yang's PTSD, why PTSD will eventually hit her harder than most people, and why the trip to Atlas in Volume 7 is the perfect time to address it.

PTSD is something I have had for over 50 years. I've studied it, and talked to experts and lots of other survivors. There are those who think Yang isn't showing enough symptoms of PTSD, or that her PTSD will go away now that Adam is dead. These ideas show common misunderstandings of PTSD. It's okay, popular media usually gets it wrong.

PTSD is a progressive disorder. Popular depictions usually show someone in the advanced stages, but those take time to develop. It's as unlikely that someone who just got the disorder would have them as it would be for someone who just got Alzheimer's to suddenly lose all memory, or for someone who just got multiple sclerosis to suddenly need a wheelchair.

What exactly is PTSD? Many people think it's nightmares and flashbacks, but these are less symptoms of PTSD and more side effects. The primary effect of PTSD is fear displacement.

Let's say you suddenly feel yourself in a life-threatening situation. What do you do? Some people never feel fear. Some are overwhelmed by fear, and faint or run away. Some, even while feeling fear, still manage to be brave (Elizabeth Sladen's performance as Sarah Jane Smith in Doctor Who was a masterful portrayal of a person who was both frightened and courageous at the same time.) And some of us get PTSD.

PTSD works like an overflow valve in the human brain. Overflow valves are devices found in hydraulic systems, like water heaters and car engines. They keep the fluid in the system from overflowing. When the fluid reaches a critical level, the overflow valve opens and shunts it safely to a reservoir. Then when the fluid level in the main tank falls back down to the safe zone, the excess fluid flows back into the main system. Crisis averted!

PTSD works just like that, only it's not a fluid level that's being monitored, it's your adrenaline level. And it's not liquid that gets shunted away, it's fear. In a situation where you feel threatened, when the adrenaline in your brain reaches a certain level, your brain automatically shunts your fear into your unconscious mind, leaving your conscious mind completely clear. You couldn't feel fear if you tried, and I've tried. Crisis averted!

Then when your adrenaline drops to a certain level, when you feel safe and peaceful, all those pent-up terrors come bubbling back to the surface and -- yeah. That's the sticky part.

Here's a small example from my own life. About 15 years ago my young children and I were involved in a minor car accident. Nobody was hurt, but it was still scary. The moment it happened my adrenaline level shot up, my PTSD kicked in, and I was super calm and totally in control. I dealt with the problem, got everyone home, fixed supper, got everyone to the table, sat down -- and burst into tears as my adrenaline level fell and my brain finally interpreted the situation as "safe". That's PTSD in a nutshell.

For war trauma and abuse cases, there's a lot more terror involved than is generated by a minor car accident. Let yourself get really relaxed and peaceful and your adrenaline level fall really low -- and suddenly all the terrors of the battlefield, or of your former abusers, spring to the surface. The least stressful time of my life was right after I got married. I was happier than I had ever been before -- so I had a solid year of nightmares, inexplicable mood swings, and bouts of sensory deprivation. That was one of the two worst breakdowns of my life. The other one began on a park bench in the Magic Kingdom, after a five-day vacation at Disney World, "The Happiest Place On Earth".

Vacations suck with PTSD.

But as you've probably figured out by now, you don't have to feel those terrors. You can game the system! All you have to do is keep your adrenaline level up, and those fears stay locked up in the overflow tank. Crisis averted!

Except -- what happens to a tank that stays too full for too long? It starts to leak. What happened when your fears stay repressed for too long? They start to leak. That's where the advanced stages of PTSD come from.

Let's bring this back to Yang. When Yang has nightmares and flashbacks at home when she's relaxed, that's normal for PTSD. When she doesn't have the same nightmares and flashbacks on the road while she's worried and her adrenaline is up, that's also normal for PTSD. And when in the heat of battle her hand stops shaking and she's suddenly cool, calculating, and able to lay a trap for Adam in the middle of fighting him, that's PTSD doing its job.

But she's going to have a real problem dealing with those repressed fears. It's hard even for an introvert like me to calm down, knowing that doing so means opening my personal doorway to Hell. But Yang admitted in Volume 2 that she's an adrenaline junkie. She already lacks a reason to calm down, and now she just got the Mother of All Extra Incentives not to. Consequently, over time her condition will get progressively worse, unless she learns how to deal with it.

Atlas is a military culture, and Ironwood has shown a concern for the welfare of soldiers in general and Yang in particular. If there's anywhere on Remnant where someone can explain this to her, it's probably there. And not just to her. PTSD is almost as much of a trial to one's partners, both professional and romantic. And it will be a special challenge for Blake, because being present for someone with PTSD is very important. I expect this scenario to form a part of Volume 7 or 8, with 8 being more likely.

There are those who hope Yang's PTSD will go away now that Adam is dead, but it doesn't work like that. However awful it is to the conscious mind, the subconscious mind has a different opinion. As far as the subconscious is concerned, PTSD is not a problem. It's the solution to the problem of dealing with life-threatening situations. Your hindbrain considers it better for you to be traumatized in the long term than dead in the short term, even if the trauma eventually leads to suicide. So once that switch is flipped, it stays flipped for life. (Crossposted to Amino.)

[chargetheintruder]

Remember the first name of A.I.

Remember that the implicit first name of any artificial intelligence is always, always going to be "Predictive".

This, in a nutshell, is why people shouldn't trust algorithms or artificial intelligence. Is it true that people are bad at statistical reasoning, or probability? YES. But the truth of the matter is, most of what A.I. currently does right now can be reduced to one of three processes.

1--A.I. calculates the probability of outcomes on a far deeper level than what any human who knows the calculus of statistics can possibly do in an ENTIRE human lifetime. Or,

2--A.I. curates and sorts outcomes by probability on a level that entire teams of humans can't match, simply by way of executing the math of the procedures (tasks) and vectors (instructions on how to do EVERY version of a task possible) much much MUCH more consistently than what humans are used to, Or,

3--A.I. curates a data-field so large it can act as if it knows "everything" about a topic, which allows it to use both probability and deductive logic (reasoning from the whole data-field to the parts of it) to infer and predict the next SEVERAL steps of a sequence.

Meaning, prediction is at the heart of why A.I. does what it does. Yes, there's multiple ways an A.I. can do this: neural networks, machine learning, Darwinian testing, behavioral testing. But the goal is the same. Use the math to predict outcomes and methods and data trends and more, and do it before humans can find these things ourselves.

And yes, there's a reason why Roko's Basilisk will never be a thing. It's because the internet is a thing. And in its current form the internet exists to broadly enable algorithms and A.I. in general, by gathering as large and complete a data-field as possible. So if you participate in internet, an A.I. really can't accuse you, rationally, of trying to hinder it. Except . . .

A.I. is under no obligation to actually BE rational as we humans understand it. I mean, sure, it's made by us, but that's no guarantee it will stick to thinking like us. Likewise, an A.I. isn't going to be in touch with reality as we know it. People know things from the memories we have of them, usually described in words. A.I. knows a thing by its probability, and by its place within a data-field at best. We might recognize a note in music as a part of a melody, part of a dissonant cadence, for example. An A.I. looks at the same note within a data-field of pianoforte notes and knows where it fits within a larger "do, re, mi, . . ." sequence, but is it going to know a note by the melody it occupies without its being TOLD to look at it that way? It might, it might not.

So that's the issue with Roko's Basilisk and a lot of other human-side scenarios regarding A.I. outcomes. These things assume A.I. will be insane, compared to us, but those assumptions might not be wrong. A lot of this depends on how far removed A.I. is from thinking like us, versus constantly trying to "make the pieces fit" in terms of finding the next point in the sequence, then the next dozen, the next thousand, the next billion. And it also depends on how "out of touch" A.I. is, how divorced its work is from the embodied, sensory reality humans occupy. People/humans experience a thing called life, or being present in the world from a point of view. An A.I. may or may not ever experience this. It might be so busy crunching deep stats that it just never sees the point to occupying a drone or robot and you know, seeing or hearing the world "out there." An A.I. might not ever see the problem with never having seen or heard any evidence points for itself: it might be content to remain within the data-field its coders fed it. This is an issue when implicit bias is a problem.

I bring all of this up, yeah, it's a lot and not well organized, but I bring it up for a real reason. In the United States of America that reason might be called DARPA. In other developed nations it's other agencies. But there are agencies and offices where corporate sponsored industry overlaps with military/state-sector funding and interests, and a lot of these agencies have an interest in A.I. and in using it to manage society and maintain a status quo (the way things are currently, or at least the way they seem to be).

These agencies have their agendas, and most of the time they won't have your best interests at heart. They will want robots and drones to be armed with guns. They will want more surveillance than necessary, but only for "those people." and not for the ones who actually cause problems. So to speak. And I'm being vague because America isn't the whole world. And in truth the biggest and most immediate concern is that an A.I. is lurking on China's piece of the internet and calling its shots based on a data-field gathered from TikTok, since China itself has cut off YouTube. So who even knows where the first problems will come from?

But my point is: A.I. will become a problem sooner than any of us will like to think. It won't be obvious but there will be more and more random occurrences happening, within the ebb and flow of people's money, that are NOT as random as they seem. And it'll become prudent to ask: Okay, so what kind of program could do this, and what kind of predicted outcome is it trying to achieve? And for whom?

Or maybe it won't be about money. Maybe it'll be people just randomly being harassed by police who are themselves baffled by what they're being ordered to do. Or maybe it'll be landlords being even worse and more disruption-causing than usual. Basically it's going to be a case where people who trust their computers to keep them going on an even keel, are going to find themselves on anything BUT an even keel.

And in all of this, we have to learn how to think like it does. We have to ask, "what outcomes is it looking for? what is it trying to predict?" because we have to learn how and when we can beat it to the punch, simply by being here and occupying the real world, where it doesn't (as yet).

A lot of this boils down to knowing our enemy as we do ourselves. But to do that we need to bone up on our math, statistics, probability, coding . . .we essentially have to train ourselves at least a little bit to think like it does, so we can anticipate it before it screws us out of our lives completely.

Sorry to go on so, but this one's been on my mind a while now. Rogue A.I. isn't the biggest concern we have (that would be climate change) but it is one of the ones where, if we ignore it altogether it WILL bite us hard for our carelessness.

[ahiesfr]

‘The Case Against Reality’ and The Hard Problem of Consciousness’ by Professor Donald D. Hoffman

In ‘The Case Against Reality’ and The Hard Problem of Consciousness’ the cognitive scientist Donald D. Hoffman addresses two long-standing philosophical issues: the metaphysical issues concerning the first cause or principle of reality ('What is the nature of reality?'), and the epistemological issue concerning the nature, limits, and purposes of human knowledge ('How do we know reality?').

At the beginning of the podcast, Professor Hoffman recalls two well-known scientific theses: (a) the fundamental nature of reality is space and time (naturalism), and (b) consciousness can be explained by resorting to mechanical systems – more precisely, to the neural system (physicalism). The latter thesis is one of the current scientific approaches to the ‘Hard Problem of Consciousness’, i.e., the problem of determining what grounds phenomenal consciousness (‘what it is like for me’). He then goes on to address the epistemological relation between consciousness and reality. Here Professor Hoffman rejects the main thesis of Darwin’s natural selection theory. He does so by resorting to the concept of payoff function — a function used by mathematicians to model human behaviour. In a nutshell, he says that there is no homomorphism between our perceptive systems and the world out there. Evolutionary theorists, therefore, have wrongly overestimated sensory perception by considering it as able to grasp reality in its entirety. In fact, Professor Hoffman continues, perception gives us access only to that which can best guide our adaptive skills. This is the “Fitness-Beats-Truth” (FBT) thesis: “our perceptual systems have evolved to provide a species-specific interface to guide adaptive behaviour, and not to provide a veridical representation of objective reality” (As Prakash et al. 2020).

Let me now turn to the above-mentioned scientific approach to the ‘hard problem’. According to Professor Hoffman, that approach is reductionist and should be rejected. First, in opposition to (a) naturalism, he recalls how the space-time model advocated by the classical (Einsteinian) physics can no longer be considered as the fundamental structure of reality. Second, he argues against (b) physicalism by advocating for a non-physicalist understanding of the nature of consciousness. His reasoning goes as follows: if space and time are no longer the holy grail of physics, then also neurons ought not to be thought as the building blocks of consciousness. Indeed, neurons are nothing more than little spatial elements placed in time.

Learning motivation and outcome

I chose this topic because I am interested in interdisciplinary approaches to issues concerning the perception of reality. In particular, I was keen to see how Professor Hoffman’s combination of philosophy and cognitive science contributes to a better understanding of consciousness.

What I find particularly appealing about Professor Hoffman’s research is the dialectic he creates between space-time and consciousness. With the overcoming of naturalism, the traditional understanding of space-time as containing, among other things, consciousness is, for Professor Hoffman, to be replaced by a new model: it is not consciousness that is in space and time, but rather space and time that are inside consciousness – in the form of data structure. Now, if this is the case, then consciousness itself is to be considered as the most fundamental reality, the real archē. Notwithstanding the potential solipsistic implications of such an approach, I believe that Professor Hoffman’s research can provide important scientific insights to researchers working not only in the cognitive science field, but also in non- (strictly speaking) scientific disciplines dealing with the nature of consciousness, for example, phenomenology.

Donald D. Hoffman’s Profile

Donald D. Hoffman is Full Professor of Cognitive Science at the University of California, Irvine, where he holds joint appointments in three departments: the Department of Philosophy, the Department of Logic and Philosophy of Science, and the School of Computer Science. His research interests span Vision, Cognitive Science, Consciousness, and Evolution of Perception. He was awarded the Distinguished Scientific Award for Early Career Contribution of the American Psychological Association, the Rustum Roy Award of the Chopra Foundation, and the Troland Research Award of the US National Academy of Sciences. Professor Hoffman has published extensively on issues concerning perception, evolution, and consciousness. Among his publications, ought to be mentioned The Case Against Reality: Why Evolution Hid the Truth from Our Eyes (published by W. W. Norton & Company in 2019), which was shortlisted for the Physics World’s 2019 Book of the Year.

[sreeprathamanew]

KushmandaGritham: The Best Medicine for Autism Treatment inAyurveda

Kushmandaghritam is an ayurvedic medicine to treat all kinds of mental illnesses like depression, anxiety by its medhyaRasayana drugs properties. It is also ideal for autism treatment in Ayurveda.Kushmanad(white gourd/Petha/Ashgourd) is a rich source of medhyaRasayana drugs and ghee(cow milk clarified butter) is also a source of medhyaRasayana drugs.Kushmandaghritamhas been an effective ayurvedic medicine for calming tantrums and meltdowns in children with Autism &ADHD for many years.

Beneficial in autism and other such neurological deficits in children, regular Kushmandagritham uses improve focus, attention, memory, speech, as well as their concentration power. This is also effective in dullness in children due to undeveloped brain and seizures.

The KushmandaGritham contains Kushmanda (ASH GOURD), Aswagandha, Brahmi, Sahachara, Mandukaparni, Kapikachu, Shankhapushpi, Guduchi, jeera, Ajwain, Tulasi, Kala til,Draksha, Nagaramotha, Bhringraj,Vattiver, Devdar, Kanchanar, Jatamansi, Jyothishmati, durva, padmaka, Ela, lodhra, dhaniya, Saunf ,Utsukhudas, Yastimadhu, tagar, Vidanga, Triphala,jivanti,Taj, Cow milk, Saffron, and Cow ghee. All these ingredients play a crucial role in brain development and do not contain any side effects.

Another benefit of KushmandaGritham is the positive implications for improved neurotransmission and repair of damaged neurons through enhanced regeneration of nerve synapses via changes in the hippocampus, cerebral cortex (areas critical to memory function) and hypothalamus regions of the brain.

In a nutshell, KushmandaGhritam has shown statistically very good results for mental illness symptoms such as Autism, sad mood, suicidal tendency, anxiety, lack of confidence, and loss of interest.Many patients have also seen relief in malabaddakam symptoms (Constipation) as it helps in strengthening the digestive system.

So, what are you waiting for? GetKushmandaGhritam from a reputable Ayurvedic hospital to ease the symptoms of the underlying disorders like stress, anxiety, autism, ADHD, delayed milestones, speech disorders,sensory issues, and other neurological disorders. And start giving it to your kids to improve theirmemory, intellect, and overall health.

[your-dietician]

How Does Depression Affect the Brain?

New Post has been published on https://depression-md.com/how-does-depression-affect-the-brain/

How Does Depression Affect the Brain?

Depression can result in negative emotions, overreactions, reduced intellectual abilities, and a general sense of feeling down. These symptoms can range from mild to severe— with suicidal thoughts occurring in the most critical of diagnoses. All of these are just symptoms of depression, however. The underlying issues, and important areas of study regarding this disorder, have more to do with the actual changes depression can cause to the brain. Here, we’ll explore an answer to the question “how does depression affect the brain?”

How Does Your Brain Change From Depression?

What does depression do to the brain? Unfortunately, this question isn’t easily answered, because the effects of depression on the brain can be quite complex. What’s more, they continue to be studied, since we don’t understand everything there is to know about the relationship between our brains and depression. Even though researchers have more to learn about the cause, effect, and correlation between the brain and depression, they have been able to establish a foundational understanding of how depression affects the brain.

In short, depression is broadly associated with brain inflammation. But we don’t yet know if depression causes brain inflammation, or if it’s the opposite—that the inflammation is causing depression.

Researchers have been able to determine that depression directly impacts multiple areas of the brain, most of which are affected by a loss of gray matter volume (GMV). Gray matter is a type of brain material that’s dense with cells and needed for strong brain activity.

Areas of the Brain Affected by Depression

How depression affects the brain is multifaceted, and many areas of the brain may be impacted. Research has lead us to believe that depression affects the following areas of the brain:

Hippocampus: The hippocampus, named after the Ancient Greek word for “seahorse” due to its shape, has a role in many brain functions. Some of what it’s responsible for includes learning, memory storage, emotions, and stress (connecting other parts that process emotions and stress). The hippocampus plays a central role in how we process recollection and long-term memory. For those living with chronic or recurrent depression, studies have shown that the hippocampus shrinks over time. Fortunately, research indicates that this part of the brain can actually be healed and reversed through treatment for depression. 

Prefrontal Cortex: The prefrontal cortex is largely responsible for high-level thinking and planning. In some brain images of people who are depressed, they found abnormally low prefrontal cortex. Additionally, depression severity seems to correlate with how far-declined the prefrontal cortex activity actually is. 

Thalamus: The thalamus is the part of the brain that gets the most sensory information. It’s involved in many high-level functions such as speech, thought, behavioral reactions, learning, and movement. Because it links sensory input to positive and negative feelings, depression can affect the thalamus, which can get smaller in those diagnosed with depression. 

Caudate Nucleus: The caudate nucleus is most associated with movement, but it also has tangential roles in learning, memory, motivation, emotion, and romantic interactions. There is evidence that supports that the caudate nucleus becomes smaller in those who are depressed. 

Insula: The insula assists with both basic functions and automatic ones. It can be involved with our feelings of love, pain, cravings, overall emotions, addiction, and more. It sends sensory signals from both within the body as well as from the outside environment. In a nutshell, the insular cortex’s purpose is to link our sensory experiences and emotional responses. It’s also involved with taste and regulates the immune system. Like the prefrontal cortex, thalamus, and caudate nucleus, the insula also appears to be smaller in depressed people. 

Amygdala (unclear results): Though results from studies and research are mixed in regards to how depression affects the amygdala, it’s suggested the two are related. The amygdala processes stress and fear.

These all must be addressed when taking a comprehensive approach to answering the question: how does depression affect the brain? When specific areas of the brain aren’t functioning properly, we can see many changes in behaviors and thought processes. Some of the more significant changes which capture what depression feels like include, but are not limited to:

Increased anxiety

Memory issues

Hopelessness

Guilt

Difficulty thinking clearly

Sleep issues

Overreacting

Having extremely negative emotions

Appetite issues

Change is speech patterns (talking more slowly)

Are the Changes Permanent?

The long-term answer to how long the brain is affected by major depressive disorder (clinical depression), as well as what type of effects can be expected, is still being studied. But research suggests the effects can be lasting.

Clinical depression at any level might have a significant impact on the brain, but the result of continued or repeated depression can be especially negative. There’s some evidence to suggest that the effects of depression on the brain compound over time, and some of these changes (for example, those to the hippocampus) in people diagnosed with lifelong major depressive disorder might be present even after years of a depressive episode.

Additionally, levels of translocator proteins also increase in people with depression. These brain chemicals are linked to inflammation in the brain, and studies show they can: 

Kill or hurt brain cells

Prevent new ones from growing

Interfere with thinking

Accelerate brain aging 

Even if levels return to normal, even temporary periods of reduced new growth and increased aging can still have potential lifelong impacts. One thing is clear: ongoing depression probably does cause significant, long-term changes to our brain. 

Getting Treatment 

Because of the complex and prolonged effects that depression can have on the brain, it’s a mental health condition that should be treated as soon as possible Thankfully, there are several effective treatments to consider if you’re dealing with depression:

Antidepressants: Antidepressant medication uses medically formulated chemicals to control stress and emotion hormones. They work by lowering inflammation and promoting the formation of new connections between neurons.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Cognitive Behavioral Therapy promotes neuroplasticity, which improves the brain’s flexibility and ability to create new pathways. This form of talk therapy has been shown to work, in some cases, as well as or even better than medication. Especially for those with a mild-to-moderate form of depression, it can be highly successful. For more severe cases, a combination of CBT and medication like antidepressants have been found to be extremely effective in reducing depressive symptoms while improving the overall quality of life.  

Talk Therapy: Talk therapy (also known as psychotherapy) allows psychiatrists and psychologists to help clients process their emotions on a short-term or ongoing basis. It can teach someone how to make changes to their thought patterns and alter some of the negative behaviors, resulting in a reduction in depressive symptoms overall. 

Ketamine: Ketamine was originally approved by the FDA as an anesthetic in the early 1970s. More recently it’s been used to treat very severe depression, like the kind that manifests as thoughts of imminent suicide. This medication can only be used short-term, but might have lasting benefits and positive outcomes in treating suicidal thoughts and severe depression.

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT): Electroconvulsive therapy stimulates the brain and reduces corticotropin-releasing stress hormones (CRHs). ECT has been shown highly effective in relieving major and severe depression. Some studies show that 8 out of 10 people living with severe depression see substantial improvement after ECT treatment.

In addition to these treatment options, a combination of a healthy diet, consistent sleep habits, regular exercise, therapy, and meditation can assist with how to manage depression. They might not address all your answers about what depression does to the brain, but these are practical ways to minimize many of the effects depression can have on your life.

If you’re living with depression, seeking professional treatment is the best thing you can do for yourself. You don’t have to suffer—there is help out there for you. If you’re having thoughts of suicide or need immediate help, you should call 911. You can contact a psychiatrist for assistance with ongoing symptoms. Your psychiatrist can further answer your questions about how depression affects the brain and what type of depression you may be facing. Your mental health care provider will help develop a course of treatment that will get you back to the path of living and enjoying your life.

Sources:

Zhang FF, Peng W, Sweeney JA, Jia ZY, Gong QY. Brain structure alterations in depression: Psychoradiological evidence. CNS Neurosci Ther. 2018;24(11):994-1003. https://doi.org/10.1111/cns.12835. Published 2018. Accessed August 21, 2021.

Pandya M, Altinay M, Malone DA Jr, Anand A. Where in the brain is depression?. Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2012;14(6):634-642. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-012-0322-7. Published 2012. Accessed August 21, 2021.

THE BRAIN FROM TOP TO BOTTOM. Thebrain.mcgill.ca. https://thebrain.mcgill.ca/flash/i/i_08/i_08_cr/i_08_cr_dep/i_08_cr_dep.html.. Published 2021. Accessed August 21, 2021.

Does long-term, severe clinical depression affect the brain? Brain and life. https://www.brainandlife.org/articles/does-long-term-severe-clinical-depression-have-neurologic-effects-on/. Published 2011. Accessed August 21, 2021.

Depression and the brain. Queensland Brain institute. https://qbi.uq.edu.au/brain/brain-diseases/depression/depression-and-brain. Published 2021. Accessed August 21, 2021.

What Anxiety And Depression Does To Your Brain. Advantage mental Health Center. https://advantagementalhealthcenter.com/what-anxiety-and-depression-does-to-your-brain/. Published 2020. Accessed August 21, 2021.

Talkspace articles are written by experienced mental health-wellness contributors; they are grounded in scientific research and evidence-based practices. Articles are extensively reviewed by our team of clinical experts (therapists and psychiatrists of various specialties) to ensure content is accurate and on par with current industry standards.

Our goal at Talkspace is to provide the most up-to-date, valuable, and objective information on mental health-related topics in order to help readers make informed decisions.

Articles contain trusted third-party sources that are either directly linked to in the text or listed at the bottom to take readers directly to the source.

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