Do you suffer from an autoimmune disease?

 Do you suffer from an autoimmune disease? You may be at higher risk for depression and anxiety

According to a new large-scale study, people with autoimmune diseases are almost twice as likely to have mental health problems.

The analysis, published Wednesday in the journalBMJ Mental Health, looked at about 1.5 million people in the UK, of whom nearly 38,000 said they had been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease and psoriasis.

Twenty-nine percent of patients with autoimmune diseases have been diagnosed with a mental health condition such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder at some point in their lives, compared to 18% of other patients.

Overall, about 26 percent of patients with autoimmune diseases suffered from depression, 21 percent from anxiety, and 1 percent from bipolar disorder, according to the study.

Autoimmune patients were also more likely to report that one of their parents had been diagnosed with a mental disorder.

In particular, women were more likely than men to report mental health problems, even when they both had an autoimmune disease (32% versus 21%).

According to the researchers, differences between sex hormones, chromosomal factors, and circulating antibodies could help explain the differences between the sexes.

The findings highlight the link between mental and physical health problems and shed new light on the role that severe and ongoing inflammation – a hallmark of autoimmune disorders – may play in mental health.

"Many psychiatrists do not consider psychiatric disorders to be disorders above the neck," Dr. Daniel Smith, head of the division of psychiatry at the University of Edinburgh and lead author of the study, said at a press conference attended by Euronews Health.

"These are whole-body disorders," he added, "with a massive comorbidity of physical health problems."

In 2025, Greenland is the most depressed country 

The study has some limitations, including the fact that 57% of the participants were female and 90% of them were Caucasian. It was also not clear whether the participants' autoimmune disorders were causing their mental health problems or whether they simply overlapped.


Nevertheless, the findings suggest that chronic inflammation may increase the risk of mental health problems, which is consistent with previous studies.

Note:

According to the study's authors, doctors should consider regular mental health screening in patients with autoimmune diseases, especially women, to refer them for early treatment, if necessary.

"If we want to understand them, we need to look at the whole body," Drs  said.

coclusion:

“Stress can be reduced in numerous ways, ranging from small changes in lifestyle to consultations with medical professionals, however these findings offer a fascinating insight into the geographical disparity in Europe when it comes to feelings of worry and stress.”  

Top 10 Safest Places in Case of World War III

If a Third World War were to break out, the issue of security would become a vital priority. To escape conflict zones, we would have to turn to isolated, self-sufficient, neutral regions, far from military powers or major international alliances. No place is completely safe, but some countries present ideal conditions to get through a period of global instability. Here are the safest places, selected according to their geographical location, military neutrality and resilience capacity.

1. New Zealand – A haven of peace at the end of the world

New Zealand is one of the most isolated countries on the planet. It has no known enemies and rarely intervenes in international conflicts. Thanks to its small population, its military significance is low. The country relies on robust agriculture and clean energy sources such as hydroelectricity and geothermal energy. Politically stable, New Zealand would offer security, food, and peace of mind in times of global war. According to the sourc

2. Switzerland – Neutrality in the heart of the Alps

For over 200 years, Switzerland has remained neutral, including during both World Wars. Protected by its mountains, an invasion is extremely difficult. Furthermore, most homes have bomb shelters, which is rare elsewhere. The country grows much of its own food. Thanks to its peaceful policies and civil defense infrastructure, Switzerland could weather a global conflict in relative safety. 

3. Iceland – The energy of nature and remoteness

Iceland is an island located in the North Atlantic. It has no army and no geopolitical enemies. It is powered entirely by renewable energy sources, primarily geothermal and hydroelectric. The island is peaceful, of no major strategic value, and practically outside military alliances such as NATO. Its geographical position and energy independence make it a safe haven in the event of a world war.

4. Antarctica – Extreme isolation in the service of peace

Although it isn't a country, Antarctica represents a unique zone of peace. Governed by the Antarctic Treaty, all military activity is prohibited. There are no borders or permanent military bases, only research stations. Despite its hostile climate, its distance from hotbeds of conflict makes it a potential haven for those able to settle there with careful planning. According to source: wikipedia.org

5. Argentina – The abundance of the South

Argentina, located in the southern hemisphere, is far from the world's centers of power. The country is rich in agricultural resources, particularly meat and grain, and is energy self-sufficient. Argentina has no major enemies and often maintains a neutral position on the international stage. The Andes Mountains provide a natural barrier to invasion. The country's remote southern regions would provide effective protection in the event of a global war centered in the north. 

6. Ireland – The discreet and peaceful

Ireland is a non-NATO member country that has avoided major modern conflicts. Its location at the edge of Europe keeps it away from major strategic targets. The Irish government is stable and peaceful, and the country enjoys strong diplomatic relations. Its food self-sufficiency, geopolitical discretion, and lack of a significant military industry make Ireland a safe haven in times of global crisis.

7. Canada – Space and nature as protection

Canada is vast and sparsely populated. Many rural and remote areas are far from cities and military infrastructure. The country has immense reserves of fresh water, agricultural land, and forests. Although a member of NATO, the country's isolated interior areas offer long-term survival opportunities thanks to access to nature and local resources, far from military hotspots. 

8. Tuvalu and the Pacific Islands – Inaccessible and Forgotten

Tuvalu, one of the smallest countries in the world, is completely removed from global military issues. With no army, strategic value, or industrial significance, it attracts little attention from military powers. Other islands like Samoa and Kiribati share these characteristics. These states live primarily from fishing and local agriculture, making them self-sufficient, although dependent on certain supplies. Their isolation protects them from global chaos. 

9. Bhutan – Peace in the Heights

Bhutan is a small Himalayan kingdom nestled between China and India. It is known for its Gross National Happiness policy and its total lack of aggression. The country's mountainous terrain acts as a natural bulwark, and it carefully avoids military alliances. Its communal structure, indigenous agriculture, and philosophy of peace are major assets in the event of a global conflict. 

10. Chile – The refuge of Patagonia

Chile, which lies along the west coast of South America, is surrounded by the Andes and the Pacific Ocean, two significant natural barriers. It is politically stable, produces its own energy and food, and is not tied to any conflicting military alliances. Southern regions such as Patagonia are extremely remote and difficult to access. In the event of a global conflict, these isolated territories could serve as a lasting refuge. According to the source: 

Important Sign Of Skin Damages..

 

3 Signs That Your Skin Barrier Is Damaged

Long ignored in favor of the deeper layers of the skin, the skin barrier is now a priority for those who aspire to healthy skin. But how do you know if it is damaged? Here's an overview.

On social networks, taking care of your skin barrier has become essential. Under the hashtag #skinbarrier, thousands of videos remind us of the importance of this protective layer to maintain healthy, resistant and balanced skin. It must be said that the skin barrier has many missions: it protects against external aggressions, retains moisture and regulates the skin's balance. But for it to fulfill its functions, it is essential to understand it well and to know how to take care of it. When damaged, the skin shows telltale signs.

What are the major signs of a damaged skin barrier?

You have areas of intense drought... When the skin barrier no longer works properly, the skin loses its natural moisture. The result: dryness, flaking, feelings of tightness and rough texture. An impaired skin barrier no longer effectively retains water, leaving the skin vulnerable.

You feel an increased sensitivity... Another unmistakable sign is more reactive skin, which reddens easily or tingles when in contact with products that were previously well tolerated. The cause? Loss of protection from external irritants.

You notice small cracks on your skin... More vulnerable to bacteria and toxins, the skin can become marked by micro-cracks or small inflammations, opening the door to infections and acne breakouts.

Trump held back

 

Trump faces bipartisan pushback to Iran strike as some question his war powers

President Donald Trump's strike against Iran will be met with pushback on Capitol Hill this week as some lawmakers argue the military action was unconstitutional.

There are several bipartisan resolutions that could receive a vote in coming days that may put some lawmakers in uncomfortable positions as they consider whether Trump ignored the role of Congress in striking Tehran.

It's unlikely though, at this stage, that Trump's rank-and-file Republican base will broadly abandon him by supporting these bills. If any were to make it to Trump's desk, there likely wouldn't be enough votes to override his veto.

"I don't think this is an appropriate time for a war powers resolution, and I don't think it's necessary," House Speaker Mike Johnson told reporters Monday afternoon at the Capitol.

Fears of escalation ramped up on Monday as Iran retaliated against the U.S. with a missile attack on a U.S. military base in Qatar. The missiles were intercepted and there were no immediate reports of casualties at the base, according to U.S. officials.

Johnson said it's up to Trump whether the United States responds to Iran's attempt to retaliate on Monday.

"The president warned them not to retaliate, but he was also very clear that the threat of Iran obtaining nuclear capability is a threat not just to Israel and the Middle East, but to the United States as well. They've been very clear about their intentions and how much they hate us," Johnson said. "The president made an evaluation that the danger was imminent enough to take his authority as commander in chief."

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries expressed skepticism about Trump's decision to strike Iran's nuclear sites over the weekend.

"We've seen no evidence to date that an offensive strike of this nature was justified under the War Powers Act or the Constitution," Jeffries said at a news conference in the Capitol on Monday. "And what I can say is not a scintilla of evidence to date has been presented that I have seen to justify the notion that there was an imminent threat to the United States of America."

Trump's decision to hit Iran in the stated aim of wiping out its nuclear capabilities follows a decades-long pattern of presidents taking military action and not waiting for Congress to sign off. Other examples include Joe Biden's airstrikes in Syria in 2021, Barack Obama's military campaign against ISIS in Syria and Iraq as well as George H.W. Bush's invasion of Panama.

House and Senate lawmakers are expected to receive briefings on the Iran strike on Tuesday.

Trump faces bipartisan blowback

Republican Rep. Thomas Massie and Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna introduced a War Powers Resolution last week to prohibit "United States Armed Forces from unauthorized hostilities in the Islamic Republic of Iran."

Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine is leading a similar Senate resolution, which could come up sometime this week as the chamber tries to move forward with a megabill to fund much of Trump's domestic policy agenda.

All three appeared on "Face the Nation" on CBS News on Sunday to make their case.

Massie contended there was "no imminent threat to the United States" that would authorize the president to strike Iran without congressional approval.

Kaine similarly said: "This is the U.S. jumping into a war of choice at Donald Trump's urging without any compelling national security interests for the United States to act in this way, particularly without a debate and vote in Congress. We should not be sending troops and risking troops' lives in an offensive war without a debate in Congress."

Kaine added that he hopes Republicans push back.

"I know many Republicans will fall in line and say a president can do whatever he wants. But I hope members of the Senate and the House will take their Article I responsibilities seriously," the Virginia Democrat said.

Khanna warned there is a possibility the strike is not a one-time occurrence.

"There are people who want regime change in Iran. And they are egging this president on to bomb. I hope cooler heads will prevail," Khanna said on CBS. "We need to pass Thomas Massie and my War Powers Resolution to make it clear that we're not going to get further entrenched into the Middle East."

Trump lashed out at Massie in a lengthy social media post on Sunday, writing the Republican congressman is "not MAGA" and that "MAGA doesn't want him" and "doesn't respect him." Trump said he'll campaign for Massie's Republican primary opponent in the next election.

Congress has twice before called out Trump on his use of military force without congressional approval.

In 2019, Congress approved a bill to end U.S. support for the war in Yemen, which Trump vetoed. In 2020, Trump ordered the drone strike that killed top Iranian general Qassem Soleimani. In response, Congress passed legislation seeking to limit a president's ability to wage war against Iran, which was again quickly rejected by Trump.

What is the 1973 War Powers Resolution?

The legislation introduced by Massie and Khanna seeking to limit Trump's ability to take U.S. military action against Iran cites the 1973 War Powers Resolution, which states that the president "in every possible instance shall consult with Congress before introducing United States Armed Forces into hostilities or into situation where imminent involvement in hostilities is clearly indicated by the circumstances."

It also states that in the absence of a declaration of war but when armed forces are introduced, the president must report to Congress within 48 hours the circumstances necessitating their introduction and must terminate the use of U.S. armed forces within 60 days unless Congress permits otherwise. If approval is not granted and the president deems it an emergency, then an additional 30 days are granted for ending operations.

Trump admin says strike was legally justified

Top officials defended the military action over the weekend. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the administration "complied with the notification requirements" of the War Powers Resolution, saying members of Congress were notified "after the planes were safely out."

Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio also sought to emphasize the U.S. is not at war with Iran.

Trump, though, warned that more strikes could come if Iran doesn't negotiate a deal.

"If peace does not come quickly, we will go after those other targets with precision, speed and skill," he said in his address to the nation on Saturday night.

Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham, a vocal supporter of military action against Iran leading up to Trump's decision, argued on NBC News that Trump has all the authority he needs under Article II of the Constitution.

"Congress can declare war or cut off funding," Graham said. "We can't be the commander in chief. You can't have 535 commanders-in-chief."

The administration could also cite an existing military authorization as grounds for legal justification for striking against Iran.

The 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) is a joint resolution passed by Congress that authorized counterterrorism operations by U.S. military forces against those responsible for the 9/11 attacks. Congress passed another AUMF targeting Iraq in 2002. Both have since been cited to authorize military force in more than 20 countries, including Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria and Somalia due to the broad language in the resolutions.

Critics have often said the 2001 and 2002 AUMFs grant the president powers to unilaterally wage "perpetual worldwide wars" and some lawmakers have been keen to repeal it -- but those efforts have all been unsuccessful.

7 Ways to Support a Loved One with Schizophrenia

7 Ways to Support a Loved One with Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia can be managed with treatment and support. You can help your loved one by being compassionate and encouraging them to stay on their care plan. This can help lead to symptom relief and better quality of life.

Schizophrenia is a mental health condition that involves a disconnect from reality.

Along with symptoms that affect concentration and memory, people living with schizophrenia experience psychosis, which includes hallucinations and delusions.

They might lose interest in their usual activities, have difficulties with self-care, and withdraw from loved ones.

These symptoms can have a far-reaching impact. Not only do they often make daily life difficult and contribute to emotional distress, but they can also lead to isolation, sleep problems, or substance use — any of which can affect well-being and complicate treatment.

If your loved one lives with schizophrenia, you might wonder how you can best offer support. Here’s a look at seven ways to help, along with some tips on what to avoid.

Learn more about schizophrenia

When you recognize and understand the symptoms of schizophrenia, your loved one’s behavior may seem less confusing or frightening.

There’s a lot of stigma around schizophrenia, much of which relates to key symptoms of psychosis:

• Delusions, or beliefs not supported by factual evidence. They might believe someone is poisoning their food, that they have special powers, or that some outside organization controls their behavior.
• Hallucinations, or seeing, hearing, and feeling things no one else can. They might hear music, voices that say cruel things, or see and touch animals that aren’t really there.
• Cognitive symptoms, including trouble concentrating, speaking clearly, or answering questions. They might use words or phrases that don’t make sense, say things you can’t understand, or repeat the same phrases.

Someone with schizophrenia might believe they’re really a celebrity or a historic or religious figure.

Called a delusion of grandeur, this isn’t the same as dissociative identity disorder, where someone has a separate, additional personality.

They might also make unusual or jerky motions and move restlessly. And they might seem agitated or upset.

It’s a myth, though, that schizophrenia automatically makes someone violent or dangerous.

Listen and validate

When your loved one describes their hallucinations or delusions, you might feel uncertain about how to respond.

It’s natural to not know what to say, but you can still validate their confusion, frustration, and fear — even when you don’t fully understand their experience.

Instead of dismissing these symptoms as lies or stories, remember the things they see, hear, and believe are completely real to them.

Consider how you’d feel and how you’d want others to support you if you firmly believed something that everyone else denied.

What to say

To avoid dismissing their experience, try something like:

• “Seeing a strange figure in your house must be so frightening. Is there anything I can do to help you feel safer?”
• “I understand not wanting to go out when you feel someone watching you. Would you have an easier time running errands if I kept you company?”

They might seem disinterested in talking and offer “flat” responses, but difficulty expressing emotion is a common schizophrenia symptom.

You might also notice their speech patterns seem unusual or unfamiliar, and you might not always understand what they’re trying to say.

All the same, give them time to express themselves in their own way. Let them talk without trying to finish their sentences or fill in blank spaces. It may take more time to have a conversation, but making the effort can help them feel supported and connected.

Ask how you can help

You might want to do whatever you can to make things easier for your loved one. Maybe you have plenty of suggestions or advice for changes they can make to improve their well-being.

They’re still their own person, though, and they might not need or want you to take complete charge.

Instead, ask, “What can I do to help you out?”

Or try making suggestions that still leave them in control:

• “I noticed you don’t have many clean clothes left in the closet. Would it help if I threw in a load of laundry for you?”
• “Do you need groceries? I can take you to the store today.”
• “I was thinking we could make dinner together, but why don’t we do the dishes first?”

If they say they don’t need help, it’s best to respect that — as long as their safety isn’t at risk.

You might think getting some fresh air or tidying up would do wonders for their health. When you insist they do something they don’t want to do, though, they might feel frustrated and pull back instead.

Stay connected

Self-isolation and social withdrawal are often early signs of schizophrenia. Your loved one might lose interest in things they used to enjoy: work or school, hobbies, and spending time with you and other loved ones.

Keeping in contact provides your loved one with important social and emotional support. Staying connected also gives you the opportunity to encourage them if they seem reluctant to get support or continue treatment.

How to check in

• Make a habit of checking in regularly, even just to ask if they need anything. They may always turn down offers of help, but that doesn’t mean you have to stop asking.
• Send a text or give them a quick call to say, “I was thinking about you. How are you doing today?”
• Suggest activities to do together, such as watching a movie, taking a walk, or playing a game.
• Offer encouragement when they reach out first. “I’m so glad to hear from you. Thanks for calling!

Help them make a crisis plan


This plan might include things such as:

Once they appear, schizophrenia symptoms can come and go throughout life. Creating a plan for what to do when this happens can make it eaz symptoms if they return or get worse.


key signs of a schizophrenia episode:

numbers for their psychiatrist, therapist, and other professionals

strategies for coping with distress, including stretches, physical movement,
or deep breathing

phone numbers for emergency contacts

their preferred first steps to getting help, such as checking in with their therapist or heading to the emergency room

a list of current medications, allergies, and other important health information

who should take care of their children or pets and look after their house


If you feel comfortable doing so, put your own number on the list and let them know they can call you in a crisis.


Encourage them to continue with their treatment plan

People with schizophrenia typically need long-term treatment and support from mental health professionals.

Medication for schizophrenia can improve symptoms and sometimes help keep them from coming back.

Therapy, on the other hand, can help people living with schizophrenia learn to recognize signs of an episode and explore strategies to manage symptoms and the distress they cause.

You can ask about treatment and offer support in positive, supportive ways without making them feel criticized or helpless.



Do’s

• “How is therapy going? Has your therapist been helpful?”
• “I remember you mentioned having a hard time remembering to take your medication. Would it help to set a reminder on your phone?”
• “Can I give you a ride to therapy or take you to pick up your prescription this week?”

Don’ts

• “Are you still going to therapy?”
• “Did you take your medication today?”
• “You know you can’t stop treatment even if you feel better, right?”




Family therapy can also provide the opportunity for family members to get more information about treatment plans and productive ways to offer support.

Offer support with small goals

Schizophrenia doesn’t just make it difficult to concentrate and stay focused at work or school. It can also affect motivation and ability to handle daily tasks, including:

• chores
• self-care
• interaction with loved ones

Pushing them to make changes they aren’t ready for, such as returning to full-time work, generally won’t help.

Instead, encourage them to work toward small goals, especially things you can do together. You might try:

• helping them stay physically active by hiking together on weekends
• encouraging them to eat regular meals by preparing dinner together
• brainstorming a nighttime routine that helps them get to sleep easier
• helping them list relaxing hobbies to try, such as yoga, watercolor painting, or gardening
• encouraging healthy coping skills, such as listening to music or practicing mindfulness meditation

Many people have trouble accessing community support with finding work or living arrangements. With their permission, you can also offer support by acting as their advocate and making phone calls on their behalf.

If you’re not able to offer that support, you could offer to contact someone else they trust instead.

Things to avoid

There are plenty of ways to show support for someone with schizophrenia, but there are a few things you’ll want to avoid doing.

Challenging or denying hallucinations and delusions

Many people think it’s best to gently counter hallucinations or delusions by saying something like, “That’s not real, or I would see it, too.”

Yet these symptoms are very real to them, and denying their reality often just ends up pushing them away.

They may decide they can’t trust or confide in you since you don’t believe them. A lack of trust can make it more difficult to support them and encourage them to get help for symptoms.

Offering support doesn’t mean pretending to believe in the hallucinations or delusions, though. You can simply say:

• “It must feel so upsetting to hear those voices.”
• “That sounds so confusing and stressful.”




Doing everything for them

When your loved one is unable to do chores, errands, or daily tasks, you might try to help by taking over those responsibilities.

But it’s often more helpful to encourage them to take steps toward doing these things themselves and offering support when needed.

You can also ask if there’s anything specific getting in the way of tasks:

• If they haven’t done laundry because they ran out of laundry soap and feel afraid of leaving the house, you could offer to do a grocery run.
• If they can’t prepare meals because a voice threatens them whenever they pick up a knife, you might help them chop a few days’ worth of vegetables in advance.

You can also offer to help them plan and schedule out weekly responsibilities when you spend time together.

Blaming or judging

Your loved one can’t help having schizophrenia, and they can’t control the symptoms they experience. Even with medication and therapy, hallucinations, delusions, and other symptoms may never go away completely.

Offering compassion and respect is the best way to support them and maintain your connection, even when their behavior confuses or frustrates you.

If you feel overwhelmed or burned out, it’s always OK to help them reach out to another support person or professional.

When to intervene

If your loved one talks about suicide or dying or has serious symptoms of psychosis, help them get immediate care.

Signs of a severe episode of psychosis might include:

• not recognizing their surroundings or loved ones
• not knowing who they are
• saying things that don’t make sense
• talking about hurting themselves or others
• engaging in behaviors that put them in danger, such as trying to drive or go outside while disoriented

Check their crisis plan for emergency contact numbers and their preferred approach to treatment. Stay with them, if possible, or contact another support person to keep them company.

If you can’t find their crisis plan and they seem very distressed, it may be time to call emergency numbers or the nearest psychiatric hospital. Explain that your loved one has schizophrenia and that you believe they’re having an episode of psychosis.



In the meantime:


• Give them space.
• Avoid touching them without asking first.
• Speak in a calm, quiet voice.
• Keep any directions simple, clear, and easy to follow.
• Narrate your actions, like, “I’m going to make a phone call now,” and “Is it all right if I come to sit next to you?”


The takeaway


Schizophrenia is a mental health condition that may never fully go away.

Professional treatment and support can go a long way toward helping your loved one get relief from symptoms and build coping skills.

Don’t forget, though, that your compassionate support can also make a big difference by motivating them to seek help for symptoms and keep up with their treatment plan