Mobile Phone Use and Stress, Sleep Disturbances, and Symptoms of Depression among Young Adults – A Prospective Cohort Study

Abstract

Background:
Because of the quick development and widespread use of mobile phones, and their vast effect on communication and interactions, it is important to study possible negative health effects of mobile phone exposure. The overall aim of this study was to investigate whether there are associations between psychosocial aspects of mobile phone use and mental health symptoms in a prospective cohort of young adults.

Methods:
The study group consisted of young adults 20–24 years old (n = 4156), who responded to a questionnaire at baseline and 1-year follow-up. Mobile phone exposure variables included frequency of use, but also more qualitative variables: demands on availability, perceived stressfulness of accessibility, being awakened at night by the mobile phone, and personal overuse of the mobile phone. Mental health outcomes included current stress, sleep disorders, and symptoms of depression. Prevalence ratios (PRs) were calculated for cross-sectional and prospective associations between exposure variables and mental health outcomes for men and women separately.

Results:
There were cross-sectional associations between high compared to low mobile phone use and stress, sleep disturbances, and symptoms of depression for the men and women. When excluding respondents reporting mental health symptoms at baseline, high mobile phone use was associated with sleep disturbances and symptoms of depression for the men and symptoms of depression for the women at 1-year follow-up. All qualitative variables had cross-sectional associations with mental health outcomes. In prospective analysis, overuse was associated with stress and sleep disturbances for women, and high accessibility stress was associated with stress, sleep disturbances, and symptoms of depression for both men and women.

Conclusions:
High frequency of mobile phone use at baseline was a risk factor for mental health outcomes at 1-year follow-up among the young adults. The risk for reporting mental health symptoms at follow-up was greatest among those who had perceived accessibility via mobile phones to be stressful. Public health prevention strategies focusing on attitudes could include information and advice, helping young adults to set limits for their own and others’ accessibility.

by: Sara Thomée; Annika Härenstam; Mats Hagberg
Posted: 04/19/2011; BMC Public Health. 2011

If you had horrible back or stomach pain, you’d get yourself to a doctor (or emergency room!), immediately, right? Yet, when the pain is emotional—for instance, feeling persistently worried, sad or hopeless—people are likely to resist seeking help for months or even years. In a survey by SELF in conjunction with Discovery Health and Mental Health America in Alexandria, Virginia, 53 percent of women say they’ve felt intense worry for weeks—a sign of anxiety—and 54 percent say they’ve been consistently sad or hopeless, hallmarks of depression. Yet only 35 percent have received an official diagnosis of anxiety or depression. It takes, on average, six years for people to get treated for mood disorders, according to a survey by the pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly. While suffering in silence is never a good idea, failing to seek help for anxiety or depression is downright dangerous, because the longer you wait, the worse things can get. In fact, increasing numbers of women are being diagnosed with a combination of anxiety and depression, because untreated anxiety can turn into depression and vice versa. This may be why two out of three depressed people also have symptoms of anxiety, according to Mental Health America.

Whether you doubt that your sadness warrants treatment (as 43 percent of women do), are embarrassed to talk to a professional (as 23 percent admit) or simply feel too apathetic or lethargic to make a visit, getting a diagnosis is first step to feeling like yourself again. Ask your physician for a referral to a psychologist or a psychiatrist or call your insurer for a list of mental health providers—you’ll be glad you did. If you aren’t struggling emotionally but suspect a friend is, tell her you sense that she’s feeling down and offer to assist her in finding a doctor. Thanks to your help, she’s likely to eventually start feeling better instead of worse. It may take a while to decide on the right course of treatment, whether it’s for you or your loved one, but in the meantime, making a few changes to your everyday habits can upgrade your outlook. Try the changes below to lift your mood, and to learn more about anxiety, depression and other emotional afflictions.

Sweat away sadness

We all know someone who says they exercise for their mental health, and guess what? Research proves they’re right! It turns out that working out may be as effective at relieving mild to moderate depression as the antidepressant Zoloft, because it stimulates the release of the feel-good chemical dopamine in your brain, according to a study from Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. And you don’t need to train for a triathlon to reap the benefits. Just 30 minutes of walking a day can improve your mood. If you’d rather stretch than stride, even taking a yoga class has been proven to boost levels of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid that helps keep depression at bay.

Eat good food

Fish that contains omega-3 fatty acids enhances areas of the brain that affect your mood, so aim to eat a low-mercury swimmer, like wild salmon, arctic char or sardines twice a week. Have a baked spud on the side for a dose of vitamin B6, which lowers your depression risk. And foods rich in folate, such as spinach, beans and oranges, are filled with blues-busting serotonin—dig in, feel better!

Have sweet dreams

It’s not just beauty sleep—it’s happy sleep! Logging a solid seven to eight hours of rest is one of the most important things you can do for your emotional health. People who have insomnia are five times more likely to develop depression compared with those who are well-rested, a study from the University of North Texas in Denton finds. To make it easier to drift off, skip late-night TV and web surfing, jot down your worries on a notepad so you can rest with a clear mind and try soothing stretches before turning in.

Claim some quiet time

Something to contemplate: Frequent meditation is as effective as medicine at reducing bouts of depression, according to research. Yoga is a great way to clear your mind, but if you’re not the oming type, try setting aside 10 minutes in the morning to do deep breathing. Or, if you’re like me and prefer to stay in motion, try this “walking meditation:” Stride slowly for 20 minutes sans iPod. Stare at the ground 6 feet ahead and focus on the soles of your shoes lifting and dropping.

See the light

Depressed people who were exposed to a bright light for an hour upon waking up in the morning for five weeks experienced a 54 percent improvement in symptoms, according to a study from Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut. Try flicking on an energy light, such as the Philips goLITE BLU ($199), as you read your morning paper or answer your email.  Spending more time outside can also lift your spirits and tame stress, according to research. Read a book on a park bench during your lunch break or bike to run your errands. Stuck inside? Try to sit near a window.

Phone a pal

Not surprisingly, lonely folks are more likely to be depressed, research from the University of Chicago suggests. To feel your happiest, aim to strengthen bonds with at least three close pals. Make buddy dates by automating them—agree to meet at the gym twice a week, or gather for a night of takeout and movie watching the first Friday of each month. You’ll keep your spirits high with a little help from your friends!

What’s your stress style? Take the quiz on Self.com to find out, and learn how to cope better with anything.

Situated in Southeast Asia, the picturesque and tropical Philippines offers visitors a high standard of medical treatment at very reasonable prices. The magnificent natural beauty of the many islands and beaches in the country make it a perfect place to relax before an operation and also to recover afterwards. The Philippines has been growing in popularity in recent years, particularly with American and European tourists seeking inexpensive hospital treatment.

For many years the country’s top hospitals were all located in the capital of Manila, but nowadays many new, modern hospitals have been built outside the capital including in Luzon and Davao. These hospitals are positioned close to tourist areas with stunning beaches. There is an array of medical services available including plastic surgery, organ transplants, hip and knee replacements, eye operations and dental care.

Pros: Operations such as a full set of dental implants can cost as little as US$500 dollars in the Philippines. Having medical treatment in the Philippines not only has the benefit of being inexpensive, however, but the standard of facilities is world class. Many of the new hospitals are fitted with the latest in medical technology. Private hospital rooms are similar to five-star hotel rooms, which makes the experience comfortable and stress-free. The doctors and hospital staff are renowned for being caring, skilled and possessing great English skills.

Cons: Being positioned in Southeast Asia, traveling to the Philippines from Europe or North America can be uncomfortable, with direct flights from the US taking up to 17 hours—longer with stopovers. While the tropical weather is sunny and hot—perfect for beach activities—it can sometimes make recovery from surgery uncomfortable. The country is tourist friendly and safe, but the capital of Manila can be dangerous in some areas, with muggings and pick-pocketing commonplace.

Medical Tourism in Philippines

The Philippines has long been a favorite for tropical beach holidays, but with an emerging high standard of health treatment and care and an initiative by the government, people are now seeing the country as a place to have the surgery they cannot afford at home. Many medical tour packages are now available which offer a travel and hospital service that takes care of everything from visas, airfares, accommodation, hospital costs for treatment and all transport. Medical services available include cardiology, rheumatology, cataracts surgery, knee replacements and bone marrow transplants.

Philippines Cosmetic Surgery

The Philippines has a wealth of skilled cosmetic surgeons who specialize in face lifts, rhinoplastery, abdominal tucks, liposuction and breast augmentation. Most of these operations cost a fraction of the price of those in developed counties. With many of the surgeons considered to be the best in their field, people are traveling from around the globe to have their cosmetic operations performed here.

Philippines Dental Tourism

Dental surgery in the Philippines is performed at an incredibly high standard. There are many hospitals and clinics specializing in dentistry all across the country, with several that are used to catering to medical tourists. With so many dentists and low costs of labor, dental work is particularly cheap in the Philippines. All standard procedures are available as well as more complex ones such as the fitting of dental implants and bridges.

Philippines Alternative Medicine

Alternative treatments are popular among locals in the Philippines, but the government is yet to promote this field of care to medical tourists. Medicinal plants are often used in the treatment of certain conditions, and faith healers and fringe therapies are widespread.

Philippines Health Spas

Throughout the Philippines, natural health spas and relaxation centers offering therapeutic healing of the mind, body and soul are available. Many of these centers are set in resort style grounds, near to picturesque beaches that make for a special experience at very reasonable prices compared to their western counterparts. The natural healing resorts offer alternative treatments concentrating on organic solutions. Packages that offer long stays with a detoxification process, a natural and organic diet, meditation and massages are available. After having a major operation, visiting a natural healing center that offers these services can greatly help the recovery process. Medical Tourism Philippines

Philippine Nurses Association – Bukidnon Chapter
52nd Regional Annual Convention
November 18 – 19, 2009
Kaamulan Folk Arts Theatre
Malaybalay, Bukidnon, Mindanao, Philippines

The Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society (POGS) Inc. will hold its Annual Convention and 63rd Anniversary Celebration on November 8-11,2009 at the Philippine International Convention Center and Sofitel Philippine Plaza Hotel, with the theme “Babae… Kalusugan mo, Katungkulan Natin”.

The Philippine Medical Women’s Association, Inc. celebrates its Diamond Anniversary and 60th Annual Convention on November 6 & 7, 2009 at the Historic Landmark Manila Hotel.

The Philippine Medical Women’s Association is an organization of medical women to foster closer relationships and fellowship among all medical graduates to enrich, encourage, and empower one another in their chosen fields of practice or specialties and subspecialties so that they may be beter equipped to serve the community and the underprivileged and take an active part in national affairs speciallyy in problems that affect women, children, and the family.
Since then, the association has grown to more than 4,000 members nationwide in 45 various chapters in Metro Manila and the provinces.

To Philippine College of Physician (PCP) members,

The North Luzon chapter under the leadership of Dr. Manny Bautista had met
with his team to have an accurate assessment of the impact of the recent
disaster on the prospect of holding the PCP mid-year convention in Baguio
as scheduled. They have wisely deemed it prudent and appropriate to cancel
the mid-year convention that they had earnestly prepared for. At this
time, focus has to be put on the on-going relief operations.
The Board of Regents  agrees with their assessment of the situation and
has approved the recommendation to cancel the 2009 mid-year convention in
Baguio. The recommendation to cancel the convention is thus carried out.

Meanwhile, the people of north Luzon need help. We will be figuring out in
the next few days the best way to help. We are one with the people of
North Luzon – especially our colleagues there – and we intend to help
where help can make a difference. Their preparations in Baguio to welcome
us next week during the scheduled convention need not go to waste. The
comfort and relaxation that we would have enjoyed, we definitely wouldn’t
mind giving up in exchange for the comfort and relief of our unfortunate
brothers and sisters who have lost a lot more in the last few days.

The recent disasters have taught us important lessons; we have become more
sensitive to the misfortune of others. We should also learn one important
thing: WE ARE LEADERS. WHAT WE HAVE HAD IN THE LAST FEW DAYS ARE
OPPORTUNITIES TO LEAD.

Kudos to all!

Eugene Ramos