Why Do We Eat When We Are Stressed?

Posted on October 2, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Stress can impact our health in various ways, including our eating behaviors. It can influence our appetite, how much we eat, and the types of food we choose. Studies show that stressful events activate systems associated with metabolism, cognition, and reward.

When a person is stressed or overwhelmed, their body produces cortisol, the hormone that creates the body’s fight-or-flight response to help protect itself. When a person has elevated cortisol levels for a prolonged period of time, such as during repeated and constant stressors, this can lead to fat storage, weight gain, and increased consumption of foods that are energy-dense and high in sugar and fat. These types of foods are “comfort” foods that can seem like they are counteracting stress; however, they may contribute to a person’s stress-induced craving for those foods.

There are several ways to manage stress eating, including:

Practicing mindful eating
Finding healthier options for your sweet or savory cravings
Watching your portion sizes
Meditating
Exercising
Finding sources of social support

If you need the assistance and support of a mental health professional at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-5575 to schedule an appointment.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Social Anxiety Disorder

Posted on August 22, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is a medical condition that causes fear and anxiety when you are around people in social situations and causes an intense fear of being judged or watched by others.

Social anxiety disorder typically begins in the early to mid-teens, though it can sometimes start in younger children or adults.

Like many other mental health conditions, social anxiety disorder likely arises from a complex interaction of biological and environmental factors, which may include:

Inherited traits
Brain structure
Environment

Several factors increase the risk of developing social anxiety disorder, including:

Family history
Negative experiences
Temperament
New social or work demands
Having an appearance or condition that draws attention to them

There are many signs and symptoms of social anxiety disorder, including:

Emotional and behavioral symptoms
- Fear of situations in which you may be judged negatively
- Worry about embarrassing or humiliating yourself
- Intense fear of interacting or talking with strangers
- Fear that others will notice that you look anxious
- Fear of physical symptoms that may cause you embarrassment, such as blushing, sweating, trembling, or having a shaky voice
- Avoidance of doing things or speaking to people out of fear of embarrassment
- Avoidance of situations where you might be the center of attention
- Intense fear or anxiety during social situations
- Analysis of your performance and identification of flaws in your interactions after a social situation
- Expectation of the worst possible consequences from a negative experience during a social situation
Physical and physiological symptoms
- Blushing
- Fast heartbeat
- Trembling
- Sweating
- Upset stomach or nausea
- Trouble catching your breath
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Feeling that your mind has gone blank
- Muscle tension

People living with social anxiety may avoid social situations such as:

Interacting with unfamiliar people or strangers
Attending parties or social gatherings
Going to work or school
Starting conversations
Making eye contact
Dating
Eating in front of others
Using a public restroom
Taking or making phone calls
Performing in front of people

The symptoms of social anxiety disorder can change over time. They may flare up if you’re facing many changes, stresses, or demands in your life.

Although avoiding situations that produce anxiety may make you feel better in the short term, your anxiety is likely to continue over the long term if you don’t get treatment. Therefore, you should speak to your doctor about the symptoms you are experiencing. Your healthcare provider will want to determine whether other conditions may be causing your anxiety or if you have a social anxiety disorder along with another physical or mental health disorder. They may determine a diagnosis based on the following:

A physical exam to help assess whether any medical condition or medication may trigger symptoms of anxiety
A discussion of your symptoms, how often they occur, and in what situations
A review of a list of situations to see if they make you anxious
Self-report questionnaires about symptoms of social anxiety
Criteria listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association

Treatment depends on how much social anxiety disorder affects your ability to function in daily life. Treatments can include:

Psychotherapy (the most common treatment)
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most effective type of psychotherapy for anxiety
Medications
- Antidepressants
- Anti-anxiety medications
- Beta-blockers

If you or someone you know has social anxiety disorder, you can call or schedule an appointment with a mental health provider at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. Please call 718-206-5575.

Menopause and Memory Issues

Posted on July 18, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Menopause occurs when a person goes 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. Memory lapses and trouble concentrating are common symptoms of menopause and even perimenopause. These menopausal symptoms are caused by the female sex hormone estrogen, which is necessary for maintaining sexual and reproductive health.

Low estrogen levels can cause temporary bouts of brain fog and impact verbal memory, including the ability to recall words and names. However, this type of menopause-related forgetfulness isn’t the same as the early signs of dementia.

Dementia is a general term that represents a group of diseases and illnesses that cause a decline in cognitive functioning to the point that it interferes with a person’s daily life and activities. It is caused by damage to the brain, affecting its nerve cells and destroying the brain’s ability to communicate with its various areas.

The first signs of dementia are typically things like getting lost in familiar places or confusion about how to perform everyday activities, such as driving home from the store, and inability to remember names.

Another key factor in someone affected by dementia is age. Alzheimer’s disease mainly affects people over the age of 65. Less than 10% of cases occur in people younger than 65, especially those without a family history of early-onset Alzheimer’s.

Menopause, on the other hand, usually happens in your mid-40s to mid-50s, and perimenopause can start years earlier.

Midlife “brain fog” can be frustrating and worrisome at times. However, with some extra care and attention to your health, it can be managed and controlled.

Here are some ways to cope with menopausal memory issues:

Get enough sleep

Eat a balanced diet that includes brain-enhancing foods, such as cruciferous vegetables rich in color, to serve as antioxidants

Create and stick to a regular exercise routine

Stop multitasking, as it can drain the brain’s abilities

Exercise your brain by doing activities that can improve your mental fitness, such as:

Doing crossword puzzles, board games, or chess

Going for a vigorous walk

Reading a novel

Taking up a new physical activity, such as ballroom dancing or boxing

Meditating

Starting a journal about positive experiences

Learning a foreign language

Trying tai chi

If you are experiencing symptoms of menopausal memory loss, you can visit Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Women’s Health Center or contact us at 718-291-3276 to make an appointment.

Tips for Choosing a Therapist

Posted on April 17, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

When considering therapy, it is essential to know what you are seeking therapy for. Whether it is to restore a relationship, recover from trauma, adjust to a new life phase, improve your mental health, or just talk to someone, finding the right therapist is the first step.

After you figure out the reason or reasons why you are seeking therapy, it is important to consider the kind of therapist that best fits your mental health needs. Here are some tips for searching for a therapist:

Think about your goals ahead of time
Consult your insurance and finances
Ask someone you trust
Explore local resources
Use a reliable online database
Reach out to organizations that address your area of concern
Ask questions about the things that matter to you
Pay close attention to your own responses

Once you have found some prospective therapists, there are many questions to consider before and/or during your therapy sessions. These questions include:

Do I feel comfortable opening up to this person, and is there a strong connection? Studies show that this is crucial for achieving success in any therapy.
Is the therapist empathic and a good listener?
Does the therapist seem to have an agenda? Are they trying to have you commit too soon to a schedule before accurately assessing your motivation and the range of available options?
What are their credentials and level of expertise, and have they treated many others with your particular condition?
What types of therapy do they offer? They should be able to explain why one type is better than another for your particular condition.
How do they manage the fee/billing, and do they offer a sliding scale?
How do they collaborate with your psychiatrist or PCP, as this will greatly improve the quality of care?
Do they offer evening and weekend hours, and what is the recommended frequency of sessions?
Finally, what are the agreed-upon goals and endpoints for therapy?

Choosing a therapist is not an easy task. It is important to take your time before you make a decision, as it is not to be taken lightly. It is also important to note that you are not obligated to stay if a therapist isn’t the right fit. You can get free consultations through your insurance.

If you need the assistance and support of a mental health professional at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-5575 to schedule an appointment.

Dementia

Posted on April 2, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Dementia is a general term that represents a group of diseases and illnesses that cause the loss of cognitive functioning to the point that it interferes with a person’s daily life and activities.

Cognitive changes they may experience include:

Memory loss, usually noticed by someone else
Problems communicating or finding words
Trouble with visual and spatial abilities, such as getting lost while driving
Problems with reasoning or problem-solving
Trouble performing complex tasks
Trouble with planning and organizing
Poor coordination and control of movements
Confusion and disorientation

Some people with dementia can’t control their emotions, and they may also have psychological changes, such as:

Personality changes
Depression
Anxiety
Agitation
Inappropriate behavior
Hallucinations

Dementia is caused by damage to your brain, affecting its nerve cells and destroying the brain’s ability to communicate with its various areas. Dementia can also result from blocked blood flow to the brain, depriving it of oxygen and nutrients. Without oxygen and nutrients, brain tissue dies.

Progressive dementias get worse over time. Types of dementias that worsen and aren’t reversible include:

Alzheimer’s disease (the most common cause of dementia)
Vascular dementia
Lewy body dementia
Frontotemporal dementia
Mixed dementia

Other disorders linked to dementia include:

Huntington’s disease
Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease
Parkinson’s disease

Some causes of dementia-like symptoms can be reversed with treatment, including:

Infections and immune disorders
Metabolic or endocrine problems
Low levels of certain nutrients
Medication side effects
Subdural bleeding
Brain tumors
Normal-pressure hydrocephalus

Many risk factors can contribute to dementia, including:

Age
Family history

A healthcare provider must recognize the pattern of loss of skills and function to be able to diagnose the cause of dementia. No single test can diagnose dementia, therefore, a series of tests may be conducted to determine a diagnosis. These tests include:

Cognitive and neuropsychological tests
Neurological evaluation
Brain scans
- CT or MRI
- PET scans
Laboratory tests
Psychiatric evaluation

Most types of dementia can’t be cured, but there are ways to manage your symptoms, including:

Medications
Therapies

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 206-7001. If you are experiencing an emergency, call 911.

Signs of High Stress

Posted on March 12, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Stress is a natural human reaction that happens to everyone. Your body is built to react to stress in ways meant to protect you against threats from predators and other aggressors. These threats are rare today, however, that doesn’t mean that life is free of stress.

Stress responses help your body adjust to new situations. Stress can be positive by keeping you alert, motivated, and ready to avoid danger. However, stress becomes a problem when stressors continue without relief or periods of relaxation.

Stressors can be positive and negative; getting a new job or losing a job can cause stress. Other causes of stress include:

An illness or death of a loved one
Marriage, separation, or divorce
Financial issues
Moving into a new house
Going on vacation
Having a baby
Retiring

There are three main types of stress: acute, episodic acute, and chronic.

Acute stress- is a short-term stress that comes and goes quickly. It can be positive or negative. It is the feeling you get when you ride a rollercoaster or have a fight with a significant other. Everyone experiences acute stress from time to time.
Episodic acute stress- is when you experience acute stress regularly. With this type of stress, you don’t get the time you need to return to a calm, relaxed state. Episodic stress frequently affects people working in certain professions, such as healthcare providers.
Chronic stress- is long-term stress that can last for weeks or months. It can be caused by troubles in your marriage, issues at work, or financial problems. It is important to find ways to manage chronic stress because it can lead to health issues.

The body’s autonomic nervous system controls the heart rate, breathing, vision changes, and more. It also triggers the body’s “flight-or-fight” response as a way to react to stressful situations.

Having a continuous activation of this stress response can cause wear and tear on the body. It can cause you to develop stress symptoms that are physical, psychological, or behavioral.

Physical stress symptoms can include:

Aches and pains
Chest pain or the feeling of your heart racing
Exhaustion or insomnia
Headaches, dizziness, or shaking
High blood pressure
Muscle tension or jaw clenching
Stomach or digestive problems
Trouble having sex
A weakened immune system

Psychological stress symptoms can include:

Anxiety or irritability
Depression
Panic attacks
Sadness

Chronic stress can lead to several long-term issues that affect your immune, digestive, cardiovascular, and reproductive systems.

People with chronic stress try different things to cope. Some of these things can become habit-forming and can impact your health. Behavioral stress symptoms can include:

Alcohol use disorder
Gambling disorder
Overeating or developing an eating disorder
Participating compulsively in sex, shopping, or internet browsing
Smoking
Substance abuse disorder

It can be difficult to diagnose stress due to its subjectivity. It isn’t measurable with tests because only the person experiencing it can determine whether it is present and how severe it feels. A healthcare provider may use questionnaires to understand your stress and how it affects your life.

If you have chronic stress, your healthcare provider can evaluate symptoms that result from stress, such as diagnosing and treating high blood pressure.

Stress is something that can’t be avoided. However, you can prevent it from becoming overwhelming by practicing daily stress relief strategies, including the following:

Eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise and sleep
Doing relaxation exercises such as yoga, deep breathing, massages, or meditation
Keeping a gratitude journal
Taking time for hobbies
Fostering healthy relationships and talking with your friends and family
Finding ways to include humor and laughter in your life
Volunteering in your community
Organizing and focusing on what you need to get done at home and work and removing unneeded tasks
Seeking professional counseling

Embracing mindfulness and learning to manage stress can reward you with peace of mind, fewer stressors and less anxiety, and a better quality of life. If you need the assistance and support of a mental health professional at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-5575 to schedule an appointment.

Making Your Mental Health a Priority for the New Year

Posted on January 3, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Anxiety and depression are mental health issues that many people face daily. As we begin a new year, it is important to identify any mental health issues you are experiencing, the potential causes of those issues, and what you can do to improve them.

Some steps you can take to make positive changes for your mental health include:

Improving your physical health – your mental and physical health are closely connected as they can impact each other. Exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, and getting a good night’s sleep can greatly improve your mood, outlook, ability to focus, and cope more effectively when mental health challenges arise.
Recognizing the positive things in your life – if you begin to have negative emotions or thoughts, it is important to recognize and be grateful for the positive things you have in your life.
Developing healthy and effective coping mechanisms – coping mechanisms are an important tool for those who experience mental health issues. They allow you to adjust how you process things that distress you, making them easier to deal with. Some healthy coping mechanisms include:
- Finding ways to resolve what is causing the distress
- Looking at the problem(s) from a different point of view
- Talking to someone in your support system

You can make positive, effective changes to improve your mental health this year with the help of a psychiatrist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Mental Health Clinic. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-5575.

15 Foods to Add to Your Diet to Boost Your Brain Health

Posted on December 27, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

The brain is the command center of the body. It processes information and sends messages controlling everything your body does from thoughts and emotions to memory and motor skills.

As we age, the brain experiences physiological changes that affect memory, focus, and word recall. Fortunately, we can combat some of these changes with our diet, which plays a major role in keeping our minds sharp and maintaining our mental function.

Brain foods are foods that can benefit brain health. They contain various nutrients that keep the brain functioning well. They include:

Omega-3 fatty acids
B vitamins
Vitamin E
Vitamin C
Vitamin K
Selenium
Iron
Choline

Eating a diet rich in these nutrients can help fight off common brain-related conditions and symptoms often associated with age. These nutrients may help with:

Brain development
Proper signaling of neurotransmitters
Processing and understanding new information
Memory
Protein balance
Reducing the risk of brain-related conditions linked to inflammation, such as depression and dementia

Here are 15 foods to add to your diet that are rich in essential nutrients:

Eggs
Fatty fish
Berries such as blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries
Broccoli
Mushrooms
Walnuts
Turmeric
Coffee
Leafy greens
Green tea
Dark chocolate
Fermented dairy
Avocados
Certain fruit juices such as pomegranate, grape, and cherry juice
Whole grains

Remember, no food on its own will magically transform your brain. However, eating brain foods regularly can keep your brain sharp and maintain your cognitive ability as you age. Maintaining an overall healthy eating pattern is important to reap the health benefits of these nutrient-rich foods.

Mental Health and Holiday Stress

Posted on December 6, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

The holidays can be a stressful time for many, with all the shopping, gatherings, and family time, they can add extra pressure to our already busy lives. For people dealing with mental health conditions like depression or anxiety, the holidays can be even harder.

A 2023 survey by the American Psychological Association found that 89% of U.S. adults feel stressed during the holiday season, with 41% reporting higher stress levels compared to other times of the year. This stress can lead to physical illness, depression, anxiety, and substance misuse. The reasons given include:

Lack of time
Financial pressure
Gift giving
Family gatherings

To make matters worse, the National Alliance on Mental Illness noted that 64% of individuals living with a mental illness felt that their conditions worsened around the holidays.

There are several ways to cope with holiday stress including:

Practicing mindfulness and meditation
Taking a break when needed
Getting fresh air and sunlight
Seeking therapy and staying in therapy
Maintaining healthy habits
Respecting differences
Saying no
Sharing feelings
Being realistic with yourself and others
Reaching out to friends and family

If you need the assistance and support of a mental health professional at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-5575, to schedule an appointment.

Doomscrolling

Posted on November 1, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

Doomscrolling is when a person actively seeks out saddening or negative material to read or scroll through on social media or news media outlets.

Gaining prevalence in 2020, the idea behind doomscrolling is attempting to get access to all the information you need to keep yourself protected from what is dangerous around you. Unfortunately, you can become unable to tear yourself away from all the horrible headlines.

According to research, people with a high level of neuroticism (a general tendency toward negative emotions) may be more likely to engage in doomscrolling. Neuroticism is one of the big five personality traits, along with openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, and agreeableness.

Dr. Richard Mollica, a professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School says that women and people with a history of trauma are the two most vulnerable groups when it comes to doomscrolling.

Doomscrolling can reinforce negative thoughts and a negative mindset, something that can greatly impact your mental health. Research has linked consuming negative news to an increase in depression and anxiety and can also cause them to experience feelings of:

Apprehension
Sadness and anger
Uncertainty about the future

Some potential effects of doomscrolling include:

May worsen mental health issues
May lead to insomnia
Can contribute to “crazymaking” or “gaslighting”, a form of abuse that makes you feel off-balance mentally or emotionally by making you believe you’re crazy.

Here are some tips to help you stop doomscrolling:

Avoid catastrophizing by not letting your mind jump straight to the worst-case scenario.
Think about how you feel after doomscrolling
Keep your phone off your nightstand
Switch your phone to grayscale
Limit your screen time
Opt out of notifications
Don’t bring your phone to the dinner table
Focus on the now
Seek out positive news
Practice gratitude
Move your body
Disconnect
Ask for help

Embrace mindfulness and practice checking your phone consciously, not compulsively. If you need the assistance and support of a mental health professional at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-5575, to schedule an appointment.