Psychology | The Burgundy Zine

May 28, 2021

How Entheogenic Plants & Fungi Affect Memory

A major area of psychedelic research is its potential clinical applications in psychiatry. In particular, a major area of study has concentrated on the potential therapeutic effects of shrooms, acid, and MDMA for treating post-traumatic stress disorder.

“Memory plays a central role in the psychedelic experience,” begins a 2020 Psychopharmacology review. “The ability for psychedelics to provoke vivid memories has been considered important to their clinical efficacy.”

Throughout their review, the researchers found that psychedelics enhance autobiographical memory recall, which has therapeutic potential for overcoming traumatic experiences. However, psychedelics also have a dose-dependent effect of impairing memory task performance.

May 12, 2021

Gluten & Inflammation — What’s the Link?

Brain fog. Fatigue. Headaches. Upset stomach. Widespread aches. Rashes. Sound familiar? Approximately 1 percent of the global population has Celiac Disease, an autoimmune condition triggered by gluten that damages the small intestines.

Meanwhile, it’s estimated that somewhere between 0.6 to 6 percent (or potentially more) have Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity. Although they share similar symptoms and characteristics, Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity doesn’t trigger an immune response that damages the intestines. The symptoms are short-term and have less serious consequences than Celiac Disease.

In either case, however, gluten triggers inflammation among those with CD and NCGS. But… why? Hasn’t bread been a staple of the human diet for the last 10,000 years or so?

February 17, 2021

Achieving Mental Clarity with CBD by Rachel Hudson

Therapist Rachel Hudson explores how CBD can improve your mental health.

January 6, 2021

5-HT2A: From Psychedelics to Psychiatry

“Serotonin” (5-HT) is more than just a buzzword tossed around by Gen Z and Millennials when something benign boosts their mood.

The beloved hormone has an array of functions throughout the body, with seven types of receptors nestled in your brain and peripheral organs. Each of these receptors has subtypes with labels A through D, as well.

But there’s one serotonin receptor that’s often shrouded in mystery and intrigue — the 5-HT2A receptor. This is the serotonin receptor infamous for its role in the psychedelic experience.

But there’s hardly any discussion of its functions beyond its role in tripping your face off and how that’s tied to your mental health.

September 10, 2020

Every Brain is Different: How to Seek the Right Form of Counseling

Counseling allows patients to better understand their mental health and successfully manage their symptoms. But therapists often implement various counseling styles, each with their own benefits depending on the patient’s needs.

By familiarizing yourself with the various treatment options available, you can seek a professional who specializes in a counseling style that best suits you.

September 3, 2020

Should You See a Counselor, Psychologist, or Psychiatrist?

“Therapy” in and of itself is an umbrella term. Going to therapy could indicate you’re seeing a counselor, psychologist, psychiatrist, a social worker, a behavioral health specialist, or a number of other professionals.

While all of these professionals are eager to guide you towards better mental health, the type of service provided by each one will vary. Understanding the differences between a counselor, psychologist, and a psychiatrist will help you decide which care is right for you.

August 27, 2020

How Online Counseling Can Help You Manage Quarantine Mood Swings

Summer’s over but the coronavirus pandemic appears to have no end in sight. Case numbers are still on the rise, schools change their plans for reopening every other day, social injustice continues to take more victims, and 10.2 percent of Americans remain unemployed.

Oh, let’s not forget to mention there’s an incredibly important presidential election looming over our nation, too.

Needless to say, 2020 has left us in a global fugue, confined to our homes and a prisoner of our minds, using moods like chalk to tally down the days spent in quarantine. After all, the varying emotions seem to be the only way to tell the days apart anymore.

August 3, 2020

Teens and the Impact of Sleep on Mental Health by My Slumber Yard

Experts at My Slumber Yard teach us the impact sleep has on teens’ mental health.

July 17, 2020

Why Anxiety Prevents You From Falling Asleep

Your heart’s beating like a racehorse and you’re gasping for air. Beads of sweat break from your pores and trickle across your skin. Your stomach’s in a twist and your mind is either shouting garbled nonsense or filled with cotton balls.

Sound familiar? These are among the most common symptoms of anxiety. About 31 percent of adults in America will experience anxiety at some point in their life, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.

In addition to interfering with your daily life, anxiety can make sleeping seem like an impossibly arduous task. But… why?

Fortunately, Vanessa O. of Sleepopolis is here to explain the ins and outs of anxiety-induced insomnia.

July 16, 2020

Bug’s Philosophy: The Truth About Self Love

Self love and self care seem to be abundant in the air these days. Yet, they’re often polluted by a shroud of toxic positivity the trails behind them.

While optimism is central wellness, too much of that cream in your coffee will leave you wondering if you’re better off just drinking milk.

Although cynicism could be revered as the counter-culture to suffocating positivity, the two can exist in equilibrium.

In fact, self love thrives in a space of self acceptance. How are you expected to love every part of yourself if you’re unwilling to accept all that comes with being you: the good and the bad?