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10 Reasons Why People Find Happiness in Drug Addiction

Today, we are going to talk about why people may find happiness in drug addiction. More specifically, we are going to focus on cannabis. Whether you call it weed, marijuana, or cannabis, everyone seems to have an opinion about addiction to it. Instead of focusing on the external labels and stereotypes that others use to describe drug addiction, let’s talk about the people themselves.

Cannabis Drug Addiction and Joy

You may have been accused of having a cannabis addiction before by friends or family. Unless they are a doctor, it doesn’t mean all that much. We all know how others like to impose their beliefs upon us, but we don’t have to let it stick to us.

Fending off feelings of shame and judgment cause is not easy, but it is possible. What addiction is and whether it is harmful to us is a far more complex topic than most people are willing to acknowledge.

Our personal experiences are what matters. How we use cannabis and the benefits we attain from it are personal issues. Many people find cannabis to be a significant cause of happiness in their lives. The problem arises when internally, we feel great, but socially all we get is judgment and criticism.

Smoking weed helps us feel happy while others tell us how harmful it is – this paradox can be tough to handle. We hope to dispel some of the mystery around this paradox by looking at why people find joy through drug use.

Here are the top ten reasons people find happiness in Cannabis ‘addiction.’

1. You Enjoy a Hedonistic Lifestyle

Hedonism is a school of thought that focuses on pleasure. Without getting into all the details, the basic idea involves maximizing pleasure and minimizing pain. If we consider a life well lived as one that focuses on that central goal, where does cannabis fit? Many would consider cannabis to be a fantastic tool to help promote pleasure while reducing suffering. Any person who has smoked weed knows how capable of producing euphoria it is. Few other things in life bring as much pleasure without excessive risk of pain as cannabis.

If you consider yourself a hedonist, then you may be finding happiness where others see drug addiction. Ultimately, personal autonomy allows us to spend our lives as we see fit, and many view cannabis as an integral part of a life well-lived.

2. They are not bothered by how others judge them

While there is so much stigma around drug addiction, many find it easier to ignore it all. If you’re someone who doesn’t care what others think and say, you are less likely to allow these outside views to limit your life. Others see addiction, but you don’t, and that’s ok.

Lots of people have opinions of all different types, and it’s better not to let them impact our enjoyment of life. By not letting outside thoughts control you, you can decide what is best for you. It’s your life, and you have an ultimate say over it. Always remember this, and make informed choices about how you want to live your life.

3. Healthy Living with Cannabis

Just because you smoke weed every day doesn’t mean you don’t eat well, exercise, manage stress, and get enough sleep. Many of us live a healthy lifestyle that includes weed. If you’ve eaten a healthy meal while high, you know just how great it feels. The same goes for exercising or getting enough sleep.

When we are healthy, our high experiences bring us joy. If there are issues with your health, cannabis can even help promote positive changes. This pursuit of healthy living can co-exist alongside chronic cannabis consumption. There is no reason why we can’t be healthy and smoke marijuana.

4. You understand that nobody is perfect – Yourself included

We often don’t see what is behind the curtain in the lives of others. The photos and stories posted online may make it seem like everything is perfect, but you know the truth. We are all struggling with different struggles. Nobody is perfect, and we are all just doing the best we can. Considering this fact, why judge others for doing the best they can?

The same goes for others judging you over weed use – Try not to worry about it. That person probably has plenty of problems you may not even know about at all. No matter who you ask, they will have opinions about your life that they want to share. These people think they are always right. Yet, don’t you know your life better than anyone?

5. You Like Getting High

You may like getting high on cannabis a whole bunch. Don’t worry. You’re not alone. There is nothing wrong with admitting that cannabis helps us feel good. Many of us struggle to find joy and satisfaction in our lives. Is it so bad if cannabis helps us find it?

You are perfectly within your rights to like getting high – Lots of people do! It’s ok to admit that something is enjoyable, and that is why you enjoy doing it. You are far from alone, as there is a giant cannabis community all around you that agree.

7. Finding Connections in the Cannabis Community

There is a big world of cannabis lovers out there. You may have friends or family that fall under the cannabis community. Many of us find friends and connections through the world of cannabis.

Those who used cannabis long before it became legal know what it feels like to be in this ‘club’ or community. Back in the day, people had this feeling of being part of something bigger than themselves. If you were a cannabis consumer, you were automatically welcome in this group.

It was like being part of a cool club. You and the people you smoked with were all criminals – you were in on the heist together. When you lit up that joint, everyone in the circle was risking arrest or worse. This togetherness has been a staple of the cannabis community and continues to be so.

7. Sharing is Caring –

The cannabis community has always emphasized sharing. It wasn’t always easy to maintain your stash – whether due to finances or availability. Stoners have always been willing to share, knowing others will do the same for us. This sense of togetherness and sharing with others have been a pillar of the cannabis community.

Passing the joint around a circle with new or old friends is part of what cannabis is all about. Few people in life are more willing to share than a cannabis consumer with some weed in their pocket. This generosity not only helps others but it also makes us feel more joy in our own lives.

8. Living for the Now

With climate change, underfunded retirement funds, contagious diseases, and more, many screwed-up things in our world. If you feel like you may as well enjoy the now and make the most of it, you are not alone.

Cannabis helps us live in the now while feeling both present and content. There are not enough moments in our busy lives where we get to slow down and focus on our immediate surroundings and situation.

9. Cannabis Makes Things Better

You probably know that cannabis makes food taste better, music sounds sweeter, and movies look brighter. No matter what you are doing with your time, cannabis helps you find more joy in those moments. This is one reason why people of all different stripes enjoy every weed types. You can do any activity you enjoy while high and know that you’ll enjoy it even more.

Cannabis, simply, makes things better. And with so many people struggling in this world, is that so bad?

10. Making More with Less

People often find happiness in small and subtle things while high. Something they probably don’t even notice when sober. It is this satisfaction with less that helps cannabis consumers find joy in life.

You don’t need a lot of money or nice things to feel joy. Just a bit of weed and a good song or movie can help us find happiness. This is an overlooked factor often ignored. How many of us are struggling financially? Are there few things that people of all classes can agree on more than the fact that cannabis makes things better?

Conclusion

We hope this conversation has helped you gain new insight on the topic of cannabis and addiction. You discovered ten reasons why people find happiness in cannabis drug addiction – despite what others might say.

However you enjoy your cannabis, we hope it helps you find joy in the little things in life, like making connections and sharing with others. In summary, some people consider daily cannabis use to be an addiction – while others do so because it helps them feel happy.

What are the different types of eating disorders?

Eating disorders are a group of psychological illnesses that lead to the development of poor eating behaviours. They may begin with a food, body weight, or body form preoccupation. If left untreated, eating disorders can have substantial health repercussions and could lead to death in severe circumstances. Eating disorders can manifest itself in a variety of ways. The majority, however, entail extreme dietary restriction, eating binges, or purging behaviours.

Although eating disorders may affect persons of any gender at any age, teens and young women are the most commonly affected. By the age of 20, up to 13% of teenagers may have had at least one eating issue. There are a lot of different eating disorders and online therapy for eating disorders.

Anorexia

Anorexia nervosa, or simply anorexia, is an eating disorder that affects one’s ability to perceive their body size and shape accurately. People with anorexia see themselves as overweight even when they are significantly underweight. They take extreme measures to lose weight, such as severe dietary restriction, excessive exercise, or using diet pills.

Someone suffering from anorexia may experience physical symptoms such as extreme weight loss, fatigue, dizziness, and muscle wasting. In severe cases, anorexia can also lead to serious health complications such as heart problems, kidney failure, and even death. If you are wondering, can anorexia cause seizures, the answer is yes. Malnutrition due to severe dietary restriction can lead to electrolyte imbalances in the body, which can cause seizures.

Food intake restriction/avoidance disorder

The phrase “feeding disorder of infancy and early childhood” has been replaced with “feeding disorder of infancy and early childhood,” a diagnostic formerly designated for children under the age of seven. Although ARFID usually develops during childhood or adolescence, it can last until maturity. Furthermore, it affects both men and women equally. Disturbed eating is a symptom of this disease, and it can be caused by a lack of appetite or a dislike for specific odours, tastes, colours, textures, or temperatures

Rumination is a mental illness that affects people.

Another recently identified eating condition is ruminative disorder. It is a condition in which a person regurgitates food that they’ve already digested and swallowed, re-chews it, and then swallows or spits it out. Typically, this ruminating happens during the first 30 minutes following a meal. It is not a medical disease like reflux, and it’s completely voluntary. This condition can appear in childhood, adolescence, or maturity. It usually develops in newborns between the ages of 3 and 12 months and then goes away on its own. The illness frequently need therapy for both children and adults.

Pica

Pica is another eating disorder characterised by the consumption of non-food items. Pica patients have a strong need for non-food items including ice, mud, soil, chalk, soap, paper, hair, fabric, wool, pebbles, laundry detergent, or cornstarch. Pica can affect both adults and toddlers and teenagers. Children, pregnant women, and those with mental problems are the most common victims of this condition. Pica patients may be more susceptible to food poisoning, infections, stomach injuries, and nutritional deficits. Pica can be lethal depending on the items consumed.

Binge eating disorder

It usually starts in youth or early adulthood, but it can occur at any time. Symptoms of this illness are comparable to those of bulimia or the anorexia subtype of binge eating. For example, individuals frequently consume unusually large amounts of food in a short period of time and experience a loss of control during binges. People who suffer from binge eating disorder are frequently overweight or obese. This might put them at a higher risk of medical issues associated with obesity, such as heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.

How can sexual obsessions damage your mental health?

mental health

Having sexual obsessions is getting quite normal for people nowadays since people now want everything and take everything to the extreme. However, it can affect your mental health a lot, and that is why sometimes, it gets necessary to know how to get rid of a fetish. Hyper sexuality, hyper sexuality condition, and sexual addiction are all terms used to describe compulsive sexual activity. It’s a difficult-to-control preoccupation with sexual fantasies, desires, or actions that causes you discomfort or has a detrimental impact on your health, employment, relationships, or other aspects of your life.

Untreated compulsive sexual behavior may harm your self-esteem, relationships, profession, health, and relationships with others, regardless of what it’s named or the nature of the conduct. You can learn to control obsessive sexual behaviour through therapy and self-help.

Compulsive sexual behaviour can include a wide range of ordinary sexual pleasures. Masturbation, cybersex, many sexual partners, pornography, and paying for sex are all examples. Compulsive sexual behaviour occurs when sexual habits become a main focus of your life, are difficult to manage, and are disruptive or detrimental to you or others.

Having sexual obsessions can damage your mental health in a lot of different ways but that is not all that it damages, it also damages your physical health as well as your relationships with others.

  1. Feelings of guilt, humiliation, and poor self-esteem are difficult to overcome.
  2. Other mental health problems emerge, such as depression, suicide, acute anguish, and anxiety.
  3. Become a sexual offender and be arrested.
  4. Engage in harmful substance use, such as the use of recreational drugs or excessive alcohol use.
  5. Contract HIV, hepatitis, or another sexually transmitted virus, or infect someone else with a sexually transmitted infection.
  6. Amass debts by purchasing pornography and sexual services.
  7. At work, lose attention, indulge in sexual behaviour, or browse the internet for pornography, putting your employment at jeopardy.
  8. Neglect or lie to your partner and family, resulting in the ruin or destruction of vital connections.

Preventing having sexual obsessions

Because the reason of compulsive sexual activity is unknown, there is no way to prevent it, but there are a few things that can help keep this sort of conduct under control.

Seek therapy for mental health issues as soon as possible. Depression or anxiety might exacerbate compulsive sexual activity. Avoid putting yourself in dangerous circumstances. Don’t put your health or the health of others in jeopardy by putting yourself in circumstances where you could be tempted to participate in unsafe sexual behaviour. If you’re having issues with your sexual conduct, seek treatment as soon as possible. Early detection and treatment of compulsive sexual behaviour can help prevent it from worsening over time or developing into a downward cycle of shame, relationship issues, and hazardous behaviours. Recognize and seek treatment for alcohol and drug misuse. Substance misuse can lead to a lack of control and sadness, which can lead to sloppy judgement and undesirable sexual habits.

COVID-19: How Will Our Future Look?

COVID-19 Sequencing

The COVID-19 pandemic has destabilized the entire world. Even now, with vaccines widely available, there’s still a lot of uncertainty about how things will unfold in the future. Will we ever return to a pre-COVID-19 life? Will the virus become weaker in time? Will we be able to develop more effective vaccines or treatment paths? Questions abound. Many infectious disease experts try to determine how the situation will involve in the short- to medium-term. So far, the consensus is that the virus will not disappear any time soon. We will have to continue to fight it. However, in time, we will most likely develop better fighting strategies.

Read on to discover more about what our future will look like in a world with COVID-19.

Superior COVID-19 Testing Solutions

A likely scenario for the near future is that we will learn to manage the transmission of the virus more effectively. Various companies are already working on COVID-19 diagnostic testing solutions that are more accurate and quicker than current options.

Technically-innovative saliva collection kits authorized for COVID-19 testing are already available. These medical devices can drastically improve the testing process. Tests based on nasal-swab samples are uncomfortable, if not painful. Saliva sample collection is an easy and quick process, and it doesn’t require assistance.

Although there are several rapid antigen tests available on the market today, not all brands offer the same level of diagnostic accuracy. In the future, we can expect more reliable results from rapid testing. Having reliable diagnostic testing kits that provide immediate results at home will gradually become normal.

Seasonal Infection Patterns

Some epidemiologists believe that COVID-19 will become a mild seasonal disease, most likely to affect people in the colder seasons. Given the high number of people who have already been infected or are vaccinated, identifying the seasonal patterns can be challenging. Every country and state has implemented different policies for managing the pandemic at different moments, so the data we have so far is inconclusive.

There isn’t clear evidence that the virus’s virulence is seasonal. However, there are high variations in infection rates between summer and winter. Many scientists speculate that the differences are related to our habits and behavior. In the summer, people spend more time outdoors. With limited indoor contact, the virus transmits less in summer. Conversely, it transmits more in winter when people are confined indoors. 

In epidemiology, seasonality is an important concept. Some viruses thrive in winter and die out in the summer. It’s still early to tell how COVID-19 will behave, but there is strong indication that it may become seasonal.

Periodic, Irregular Resurgence

All the data gathered so far from countries with high vaccination rates suggests that we should expect a periodic, irregular resurgence in cases. This has happened in the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, and Israel. Various studies have confirmed waning immunity from vaccines. Even after two doses of vaccine, antibody levels gradually drop. Although the risk of hospitalization or death is significantly lower after vaccination, infection is still possible.

While the vaccines do not provide long-term immunity, studies show that infection triggers long-term immune responses. Thus, immunity generated from COVID-19 vaccines differs from the immunity acquired through infection.

With people having varying degrees of immunity, there is always a subset of the population vulnerable to infection. This is why we should expect a periodic, irregular resurgence in cases. The good news is that most cases will be mild, given that most people are gradually acquiring some level of immunity, either from previous infections or from vaccines. 

New Mutations and Virus Variants 

RNA viruses like the novel coronavirus are known to evolve in time. The vast geographical spread gives rise to genetically distinct variants. A new variant appears when the virus’s genes suffer a mutation. This basic explanation is enough to suggest that we can expect new virus variants to appear in time. COVID-19 is present all over the world, so new variants have the perfect conditions to emerge. It has already happened in the United Kingdom, South Africa, and Brazil, and it will likely happen again. 

The impact of COVID-19 on the world will depend on the virus’s evolution. Importantly, there are control measures we can take to prevent mutations. An effective measure is stopping uncontrollable virus transmission through vaccination, use of faces masks, and social distancing.  

It is too soon to determine how our immune systems will handle various mutations of the virus. What’s important to know at the moment is that the less opportunity we give to the virus to spread, the less it will evolve. 

High Global Awareness About Health Threats

For the entire world, the COVID-19 pandemic has also been a lesson on cooperation, collaboration, trust, and solidarity. Although humanity has dealt with epidemics and coronaviruses before, nothing raised public awareness about these issues as COVID-19. The virus has shown our vulnerability and has thought us about the danger of undermining a potential health threat. 

We can expect governments and individuals to cope better when faced with a global threat. According to epidemiologists, the probability of another epidemic taking over the world is high. COVID-19 should serve as a warning that we must always have a thorough plan for dealing with unexpected health threats. 

High public awareness about health issues is important because it can dictate government policies and encourage effective resource allocation. Awareness also encourages individual action. 

Final Words 

COVID-19 appeared in our lives all of a sudden, but it will not disappear in the same manner. Scientists from all over the world agree that the virus will always be around, but its virulence will not stay the same. In the future, infection will likely not lead to hospitalization or death, and certainly not as often as today. Mild symptoms will be the average reaction to infection. These current predictions are based on research carried by dozens of scientists from all across the world. 

All the information so far suggests that it’s impossible to imagine a future without COVID-19. However, we will learn to live with it without letting it affect our quality of life. 

How to Boost your Confidence and Stand Out from the Rest

Most successful people in life always talk about the role confidence played in their journeys of life. However, these successful people fail to explain how to build confidence. No matter how low you think your self-esteem is, you can work on it to become a better and happier person. There are different ways to boost your confidence and stand out from the rest. Nevertheless, we have compiled some practical tips that will enhance your confidence level and make you achieve more in life. 

6 ways To Boost Your Confidence 

Below are 6 ways to boost your confidence and stand out from the crowd: 

#1 – Never Be Scared To Fail 

One of the characteristics of confident and successful people is that they are not scared of failure. It is okay if your big dreams and aspirations overwhelm you and even if you feel you can’t achieve them. However, you need to be courageous and keep moving no matter how you feel. There is hardly any successful person that hasn’t been afraid of the goals he/she sets ahead. Just dwell on how much you need to achieve those goals and the courage you need will exude from the inside. 

#2 – Planning & Preparation 

Confidence is a state of mind that you can cultivate over time. Whenever we face difficult situations, it is normal for us to feel less confident. However, you can develop your confidence by planning and prepare for what’s ahead. For example, if you dropped your resume with a company for a job opportunity and they invite you for an interview, you need to prepare. Make a research of some common questions that are asked in interviews and find answers to the questions. You can even call your friends and family and let them sit in front of you as the interviewers why you answer the questions. Apart from going for a job interview, there are other life situations you need to prepare for to boost your confidence. Taking control of unknown circumstances (at least to the best of your knowledge) is a great way to enhance your confidence. In some cases, you may even decide to have a backup plan so that you are not taking unaware. 

#3 –  Always Surround Yourself With Positive People 

Negativity has always been one of the greatest killers of confidence. If you must enhance your confidence level, you need to evaluate the people around you, family and friends inclusive. I know it could be tough to stay away from some of your friends and family you’ve known for a long time. However, if you must develop your confidence, you don’t need “confidence killers” around you. No matter how you look at it, there are some people around us that are always negative. A break from these negative people can help you make giant strides towards your goals. 

Believe in yourself and be positive even when the situations around are not going in your favor. Having a positive mind has a way of stirring up energy from the inside, which gets you excited and confident. Stop dwelling on your problems and instead focus on how to remedy the problems. You don’t need to be scared of problems because they will surely come to us at certain points in our lives. Having the right mindset will keep you strong and going even with the storm in front of you. 

If you are looking for a personal development program, you may want to go through my 15-minute manifestation review. The 15-minute manifestation program has helped countless people to reprogram their minds for success. You can train your mind to attract wealth and the right people. There are experts in the law of attraction and the 15-minute manifestation program was created by a renowned person. Whether you are looking for wealth or how to build confidence, this program has what it takes to help you achieve your goals. There are a lot of positive reviews about the program already on how to attract what you want in life. 

#4 – Stop Procrastinating 

Procrastination has been the undoing of so many people trying to build their confidence level. Getting things done at the right time and accomplishing your goals (no matter how small the goals are) is the best way to build confidence. There is a special feeling you get when you accomplish your goals, and this feeling builds up to boost your confidence. Your goals can just be the things you need to do today. Set goals and work towards them instead of sitting down and procrastinating. Once you start meeting your daily goals, it will become easier to accomplish your weekly and monthly goals. Meeting goals is gradual progress and you don’t need to pressure yourself with huge goals from the beginning. Start small and grow to become a maestro. 

Stop procrastinating, keep setting goals, and accomplish them. This way, you will get the sense of accomplishment needed to build your confidence. 

#5 – No When To Pull The Plug 

According to research from the University of California, San Francisco, people who find it difficult to say “no” are more likely to suffer from stress, depression, and even burnout. One of the attributes of people with low self-esteem is that they find it difficult to say no. The major reason for this is fear of being rejected. If you must build your confidence, you must know when to pull the plug. If something is not convenient for you, don’t just accept because you are scared of hurting the person or getting rejected. There are polite ways of rejecting the requests of people without sounding too harsh. 

For example, you could say something in the line of, “I wish I could help out, but I’m occupied now.” Be confident of your decisions and take responsibility for all your decisions. Everyone has a life to live and you are simply living your life. While it is good to be a nice person, don’t take yes for all your answers. If you are not cool with something, please speak up. 

#6 – Learn To Meet New People 

Coming out of your shell and socializing with people is a great way to boost your confidence. For introverts, this could be a tough one, but you don’t have to mount pressure on yourself to do this. You can easily meet people in the gym, at a religious or social gathering, etc. Learn to initiate conversation and you’d be surprised how quickly your confidence level will increase. 

If you can follow these simple but effective tips in this article, it won’t take long before you start exuding confidence. Remember, confidence is something that develops gradually. The more you follow the tips listed above the faster your progress is. 

“Getting things done at the right time gives you a sense of accomplishment. This could be a great way to start building your confidence.” 

Pros and Cons of Online Counselling

With the backing of multiple high-profile celebrities and a marketing push, online therapy platforms are growing exponentially in size. Whilst many of us are familiar with what online therapy is by now (the clue is in the name), there’s still a certain confusion over their effectiveness – particularly in comparison to traditional live sessions.

With that in mind, let’s explore online counselling pros and cons relative to traditional live sessions.

Pros of online counselling

Studies suggest it’s just as effective as live sessions

The key concern over online counselling was if they’re less effective than live sessions. Whilst they can always compete on price and value, it’s not good news if they’re proven to be less effective (as then their use case is only for people without much money).

There are many studies finding that the efficacy and effectiveness of counselling sessions are not affected by the medium of communication. Thus, telehealth is just as effective as face-to-face therapy

Research is on-going and there will no doubt be caveats (such as ineffective e-therapy by platforms with less-than-qualified therapists). But the conclusion is that as long as the firm is credible with licensed therapists, the effectiveness of the counselling is not in jeopardy.

Easier to start and easier to continue

Another huge advantage that online counselling platforms have over live sessions is that it’s more accessible. Starting therapy is a huge step for many. Whether it’s the stigma of it, the admission that one needs help, the social awkwardness of meeting with a professional, or simply the physical effort it takes to get to an office or cafe.

All of these factors preventing someone from going to therapy are significantly diminished with online platforms. Signing up is pretty much anonymous, and it can be done from the safety of our own home. No one will spot us, we can turn our phone off if we decide against it last-minute, and it’s a much easier way to take that first step.

Beyond this, it’s cheaper too. Many cannot afford traditional therapy, but such online counselling platforms are very cheap. When looking through the reviews of online therapy sites, we can see that some are drastically cheaper than what therapy is stereotyped to cost.

It has been proven that telehealth has higher retention rates than traditional face-to-face counselling, too. The accessibility of being able to message at any point during the day means that the client is more likely to stick around. It also means we do not have to stop having sessions because we have traveled somewhere for work or going on holiday.

Relatable and versatile

Mobile phones are simply the dominant way to communicate in 2021. This is how many young people wish to talk, via text, and it’s what they’re comfortable with. Arguably, it’s what they’re better at too, which is important when accurately expressing oneself.

Of course, we’re not all the same, and for those who prefer talking and/or seeing the other person’s face during the conversation – this is possible too! Online counselling platforms simply offer a variety of ways to communicate, meaning the client has more choice – and thus more opportunity to feel comfortable.

Cons of online counselling

Privacy and cybersecurity

A hugely important aspect of therapy is the promise of utter confidentiality. The only way some people can speak openly is because they know their therapist will never repeat the conversation no matter the circumstance. Of course, online therapists agree to the same principles.

However, one area that the professionals involved have no control over is the technology used to deliver the messages. If one is texting as their means of communication, this data must be delivered through servers and stored on the phone. This opens up the potential for security risks such as cyberattacks or simply leaving one’s phone unlocked.

This can mostly be overcome by having video call sessions, but there are still no guarantees unlike with a face-to-face conversation in a professional office.

Serious psychiatric illnesses

For people suffering from serious psychiatric illnesses, online therapy isn’t quite involved enough to treat it. Simply texting or having remote conversations isn’t enough to tackle more serious illnesses, as they require more direct treatment.

However, an online therapist can be a good stepping stone and, if they know of (or suspect) such a serious illness, they will likely advise the client to visit an appropriate professional. It’s still important to understand the limitations of remote communication, though. Of course, some therapists like being able to read the client’s body language, facial expressions, and so on to get a better picture of what’s going on, too.

Health insurance coverage

This is dependent on the country and health insurance provider but it’s possible that online counselling platforms are not covered. There are instances where being referred to a counsellor for live sessions is free (either Government provided or via health insurance coverage), however, online platforms are almost always private and thus not covered by some health insurances.

This is something that will differ from person to person, and it still doesn’t take away the low-cost advantage that online counselling often has in many other scenarios.

Conclusion: Online therapy vs live therapy

To conclude, online therapy is proven to be as effective as live therapy. Whilst some people may prefer live sessions, there is no doubt that online sessions offer more versatility to meet a variety of needs from the client.

Overall, there are slight security concerns, but not enough to warrant disregarding the larger, reputable providers (as shown on the online therapy reviews). Online therapy, even if it fails to fully treat someone from start to finish, proves to be an incredibly valuable stepping stone. Something that’s easy to sign up to, cheap, and can be a way to begin a long and healthy journey of therapy.

Social Security Benefits in the US

What are different Social Security benefits? Do you want to know if you’re eligible to receive Social Security benefits? This guide focuses on the Social Security benefits Americans can apply for and receive.

If you are an employer and pay your Social Security taxes yourself, you must do the paperwork and payments yourself. If you need funding to pay for Social Security, visit Payday Depot today.

What Are Social Security Benefits?

Social Security benefits are partial incomes for retirees and disabled individuals. It may also cover their spouses, children, and survivors.

The amount of everyone’s Social Security benefit varies. The factors that affect the benefit amount include your:

  •         Earnings history
  •         Age when you start to claim Social Security
  •         The year you’re born

Other factors like Medicare premiums and income tax withholding can also affect how much you’ll receive. As of January 2021, the average Social Security benefit is $1,543 per month.

What Are the Social Security Benefit Types?

The three Social Security benefit types are:

  •         Retirement benefits
  •         Disability benefits
  •         Survivor benefits

Retirement Benefits

Those who work under “covered employment” for a period are eligible for retirement benefits. Typically, you need to work ten years total at a nongovernmental job. Once you reach 62 years, you can start receiving retirement benefits or wait until the full retirement age of 66-67 years.

Disability Benefits

If you have a disability that the Social Security program includes in its medical guidelines, you can receive benefits. You can collect benefits equal to how much your full retirement benefits would be, even though you haven’t reached retirement age. The important thing is you meet the work requirements.

As a disabled worker, your spouse and minor or disabled children may also receive benefits based on your earnings record.

Survivor Benefits

This benefit is for the surviving spouse of a worker who qualified for Social Security retirement benefits. Like the disability benefits, your minor or disabled children may also be entitled to benefits based on the deceased’s earnings record.

Types of Americans Who Aren’t Eligible for Social Security

Most American employees and taxpayers are eligible for Social Security retirement benefits. However, some rare cases can keep you from receiving yours or even becoming eligible for Social Security. These people include:

  •         Workers who die before 62 years old
  •         Specific divorced spouses (full-time homemakers or stay-at-home parents)
  •         US citizens who retire in certain foreign countries (e.g., Cuba, Belarus, and Kazakhstan)
  •         Government and railroad employees
  •         Certain non-citizens who don’t have enough US credits
  •         Workers with too few Social Security credits
  •         Immigrants over 65  years old
  •         Self-employed tax evaders

Some of the abovementioned have obvious reasons for not being eligible for Social Security benefits.

Federal government employees hired before 1984 will receive benefits from the Civil Services Retirement System (CSRS). They don’t have Social Security taxes deducted from their paychecks and aren’t eligible to receive Social Security benefits.

Social Security doesn’t cover railroad employees, as well. Instead, the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) covers their retirement benefits.

Conclusion

Now, we hope you have a better understanding of the various Social Security benefits in the US. You also now know if you or your spouse isn’t eligible to receive Social Security benefits.

5 reasons to look forward to going to the dentist

Studies have shown that people are more likely to go to the dentist if they feel good about it. One way of doing this is by looking forward to what you’ll experience when you get there. Here are five reasons why going to the dentist might be a great time for you!

1. The dentist will give you a fresh new smile.

The dentist isn’t just about fixing little cavities and giving you the perfect white smile, but it’s also about maintaining what’s already there so that you can look and feel good about yourself! When visiting the dentist, they will check over your entire mouth from front to back, side to side, and every angle in between, helping to maintain that bright smile they gave you earlier.

It is also a chance to get your teeth in tip-top shape. Dentists will be sure to check for any problems in your oral hygiene and suggest improvements if necessary. They’ll make sure that your teeth are clean and healthy, which means you’ll have a bright new smile not only when you leave but much longer!

They can also whiten your teeth for you! Many people can experience stains on their teeth that they just can’t get rid of, but the dentist is equipped with the tools and knowledge to get rid of those nasty little stains and give you a new bright smile!

2. You can get all of your questions answered.

 There’s nothing worse than having a question and not knowing who to ask it to! But when you go to Family Braces, all of your questions will be answered by an expert who knows their stuff! Whether it is about brushing techniques or what mouthwash is best for bad breath, the dentist has answers to these questions and more! You can also search for answers on the internet: Many blogs give advice for oral hygiene or about local dentists. We recommend checking them out, but an excellent place to start is with Regenerate, which provides many interesting tips about oral health.

Dentists are also an excellent source for local health news. They are constantly attending conferences and events about the latest updates in oral health, so they know what is going on in your area and will be able to give you some unique and more personalized answers to your questions.

3. You’ll get to learn how to take better care of your teeth.

Even if you do not ask questions, dentists are more than happy to give you tips on how to take better care of your teeth. Not only will they show you proper brushing techniques, but they may also recommend certain ways for flossing or the best way to use mouthwash.

Furthermore, they are more than happy to give you great advice about which foods are best for your teeth so that you can keep them healthy and strong.

4. The dentist can spot problems early on.

If you already have weak spots in your teeth, the dentist will likely catch them before you do. They’ll provide advice on how to act and what steps to take in order to keep those little knicks from turning into huge issues later on. For example, they can provide you with special toothpaste that will strengthen those weak spots and keep them from getting worse.

It is also important to note that prevention is key! If you do not already have problems, the dentist will make sure that your teeth stay strong and healthy by providing you with excellent oral hygiene techniques.

This experienced family dentist in Ballwin also adds that preventing potential dental problems is also good for your finances. The earlier a problem is detected, the cheaper the treatment it will require in most cases.

5.  The dentist might also tell you something good about your teeth, like how healthy they are!

 It is always great to hear good news, and when you go to the dentist, it might be what you get! If your teeth are healthy and strong, the dentist will happily tell you this as soon as they look over your teeth. They’ll show you how well those nightly flosses were working by showing off that pearly white smile they gave you earlier today.

Even if there isn’t any good news for your oral health, at least it can feel great knowing that everything looks fine and dandy! After all, it’s better than hearing that something is wrong and having to fix it right away!

Space Exploration: The Hubble Telescope’s Discovery

Space is a vast void filled with mysteries. Many researchers and scientists are engaged in learning about components, including moons, forming and dying galaxies, and the starts. Researchers are also trying to calculate the actual area of the universe. So far, they only have records of the observable universe, with its diameter estimated to be around 94 billion light-years. 

These figures are known to researchers through a telescope, Hubble Space Telescope, launched in 1990. The optical telescope has remained an instrumental space exploration gadget that has shed light on various questions researchers wanted to answer. It has also helped in collecting footage and Astro-related material for research on earth. 

The Hubble

In 2021, the space exploration society celebrates the 31st anniversary of the Hubble Space Telescope, working for astro-related research on earth. NASA decided to launch the world’s first space observatory to help gather information for researchers. Among its significant steps was expanding the world’s view of space and helping them understand the current limits of the observable universe. 

The Hubble telescope was programmed to orbit the earth, and with time, Hubble has offered quality pictures of space. They have been monumental in helping the world gain knowledge of the universe. 

Launch Crewmember’s Experience

Dr. Steven Hawley is among the celebrated astronauts that helped launch Hubble Space Telescope in orbit. During his interview with Betway Casino, he stated that rotating in low orbit; the Hubble has worked diligently for space researchers for more than thirty years.

Despite being three decades ago, the gadget is still a valuable piece of equipment in the astro-research sector. For Dr. Steven Hawley, space and its contents have become a passion. The veteran astronaut is currently working as an astronomy and physics professor at the University of Kansas. He is also a well-known director of engineering physics at the campus. 

Dr. Hawley remembers and narrates his experiences with much passion, especially the behind-the-scenes stories of the Hubble’s launch. Dr. Steven was the flight engineer for the 1990 Hubble Space Telescope launch and the 1997 maintenance mission.

Journey into Space Exploration

Before everything that happened to the professor while at NASA, he had never thought about astronomy. He had only followed America’s space program slightly as a young child. His chance to work within the space exploration community emerged when he noted a job advert posted on their campus bulletin board. The advert was on an offer NASA was offering people. 

The former astronaut was studying for his Ph.D. at the University of California and was not becoming an astronaut. Dr. Steven, however, decided to send in his application. Fortunately, he was chosen to join the organization but only as an astronaut candidate. The mandatory candidacy required every applicant to undergo two years of training and constant evaluation, after which some would be chosen. 

After completing his training, Hawley managed to join NASA. It took him about five years to join his first mission in 1983. During that specific assignment, he was expected to help his crewmates with the ascent and entry of the shuttle. With his training, he would also be relied upon if the crew ran into any problem during the procedures. 

The exposure during the 1983 mission helped Dr. Hawley learn more about the operation of a space shuttle. He stated that he enjoyed the position and continued working as a flight engineer within other missions in the interview. 

Replacement

After serving researchers and other stakeholders in the space exploration community for more than 30 years, Hubble might retire soon. The telescope will be replaced by the James Webb Space Telescope, a more advanced sky observatory. Launch dates are still being discussed, but NASA and its partners might launch it in December 2021. 

The James Webb will incorporate more advanced features and will offer better access to other areas of space. 

Even now, after three decades, the legacy of the Hubble Space lives in Dr. Hawley and his former colleagues. Its importance to current discoveries and his involvement in its launch is also not lost on the professor. As a tradition on every anniversary of the Hubble launch, Dr. Hawley sends his crewmates a note. He also shares the recent discoveries accredited to the Hubble Telescope.

Endnote

Like any other field, astronomy relies heavily on funding to propel its agendas forward. Their objectives include funding space missions, research, and worker wages. For the James Webb launch, the organization is working with other space agencies, including the European Space Agency, to raise an estimated $8.8 billion. 

In different sectors, salaries are given to the workers on a performance-based contract. In football, some top-shelf players deliver according to their club’s expectations. They might sometimes become the highest paid footballers in the league or even worldwide.

For instance, players like Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, and Cristiano Ronaldo are elite players that outperform other players on the field. Their efforts are primarily reflected in their salaries to keep up their morale.

What Are the Benefits of Good Quality CBD Oil in 2021?

CBD (Cannabidiol) oil is derived from the parent plant popularly referred to as Hemp. The word CBD is gaining so much popularity, and you should have heard a friend mention this substance in a discussion. The reason for such popularity and market explosion of CBD is not far-fetched; the results and reviews from consumers are tremendous. This substance has the potency to tone down anxiety, treat insomnia and epilepsy, and has several other health benefits. There are hundreds of manufacturers of CBD oils online, but you want to make the right choice of oil to maximize the benefits of good quality CBD oil. In this article, you will know the benefits of good quality CBD oils and how to differentiate them from poor quality oils.

Hype or Real: Does CBD Oil Actually Have Any Real Benefits?

In affirmation, the answer is yes. CBD oil has tremendous health benefits and it improves your productivity because of its interaction with CB1 and CB2, which are receptors in the brain. CBD oils are actually worth the hype and even more because of the tremendous health benefits with little or no side effects.

CB1 regulates the release of neurotransmitters and other nervous activities, and CBD interacts with it to stop excessive neural activity, which leads to relaxation, increased cognitive function, and toning down anxiety. On the other hand, CB2 in the lymphoid organs, and regulates inflammatory and infectious response, CBD’s interaction will help the immune cells releasing cytokines to decrease pain and inflammation. So, here are the benefits of good quality CBD oils.

Top 5 Benefits of High-Quality CBD Oils

CBD oil is a popular natural remedy for several common ailments, and it is not psychoactive (means you would not get ‘high’ taking this substance). After collecting CBD from the cannabis plant, it is diluted with carrier oil such as coconut or hemp seed oil. CBD oils have proven to treat severe health conditions with little or no side effects, and below are some of the benefits of CBD oils.

  • Helps Reduce Anxiety

Anxiety is a common health disorder that could have a devastating impact on the wellness of sufferers and even lead to disability. CBD oils naturally help individuals that suffer from anxiety and have no addictive or side effects of other pharmaceutical drugs. The oil has also shown significant results in treating anxiety in children suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. These results are the effect of CBD acting on the brain’s receptors to release serotonin, which regulates mood and social behavior.

  • Reduces Pain and Inflammation

Results from research have shown that CBD oils have anti-inflammatory effects and relates with the endocannabinoid system (pain-sensing systems) for pain relief. There are several CBD oil brands for pain, and you can make the best choice with our guidelines. CBD oils impact the endocannabinoid system activity to reduce inflammation and pain. This substance has proven to relief sufferers of neuropathic pains, arthritis pain, and multiple sclerosis, with significant results. Hence, you can take any CBD oil for pain relief without any side effect from reputable brands.

  • Treats Epilepsy Syndromes

Epilepsy is a critical, life-threatening health condition. They are unexpected, uncoordinated electrical disturbances in the sufferer’s brain. The CBD oil for the treatment of these seizures is called Epidiolex. It is approved by the FDA and is effective in the treatment of epilepsy syndromes. Some sufferers are even resistant to the traditional medications for treating epilepsy; however, the result of this substance is astounding and has almost no side effects.

  • Improves Sleep Cycles

Lately, stress, irregular working hours, and anxiety are keeping individuals from having adequate sleep, which is insomnia. CBD significantly improve sleep by interacting with the endocannabinoid system (responsible for body balance and homeostasis). As this substance binds to specific sites in the brain, it results in a relaxed feeling and improves the normal sleep cycles. Hence, sufferers of irregular work hours, insomnia, and excessive daytime sleepiness (apnea) have a solution to these disorders.

  • Help Reducing Opioid Addiction

Opioid addiction is similar to other drug addictions, and it is a relapsing disorder that is characterized by a compulsive desire to take these substances and take over the appropriate doses. This abuse will alter the normal brain structure at the point of dependency due to abuse. However, CBD oils have proven to modify the way these damaged brain cells interact together, which reduces addiction significantly. CBD oils are not only potent for opioid addiction but also cocaine and psychostimulant addictions, equally.

Good vs Poor Quality CBD Oils: How it Differs

CBD oils are consumed, and it affects your health directly; hence, it is extremely important to research for good quality CBD oils, among the several available options. The several hundreds of CBD oil manufacturers available in the market and makes selecting the best CBD oil brands important.

Here are some factors to consider before you buy CBD oils online:

  • Check for third-party lab results, as the results are independent of the manufacturers results.
  • The amount of THC (Tetrehydrocannabinol) in the substance is important. According to FDA, the quantity must not exceed 0.3 percent.
  • The hemp should be grown in the USA or Europe, because of the appropriate and healthy growing cconditionsin in those locations. The source of hemp matters a lot in the CBD industry.
  • To buy CBD oils online, you need to research on the manufacturer of the product. Check for the method of manufacture and the entire process to be free of toxic substances.
  • The compound must be extracted using the supercritical CO2 method, avoid CBD oils that use other chemicals such as propane and butane, because of their dangerous contaminants.
  • On the label, the amount of CBD in the substance must be indicated.
  • High-quality CBD oils are not too cheap, as the whole process from growing to packaging is expensive. A poor-quality CBD oil would most likely be made from inferior products.

CBD oils are designed for oral consumption; some add them to foods and drinks, but they could be consumed sublingually (under the tongue). In addition, some could decide to rub these oils on their skins, but it is popular with CBD tinctures, as it bonds fast with fat and is a good transporter for CBD compounds.

Do CBD Oils Have Any Side Effects?

There are tremendous health benefits of CBD oils, and it is widely accepted and federally legal under 2018 farm bill. However, there could be some possible side effects, which could be caused by the different body metabolism or overdose of this substance. Some of the possible side effects could include dry mouth, fatigue, drowsiness, diarrhea, and reduced appetite. In addition, this substance could alter the proper metabolism of medications; therefore, you should reach your doctor before you begin this oil, especially when you are under prescription medications.

Summary

Without a doubt, the results from research and reviews by consumers show that CBD oils have phenomenal health benefits for treating several common health issues and improving productivity. However, there are still further researches on the benefits of this substance, and there would be further discoveries and therapeutic uses of this natural remedy. The results for this substance show it is relatively safe; however, if there are severe symptoms, you should consult your doctor immediately.