Taru Sorsa
I am a psychology student interested in the psychosocial aspects of chronic illnesses, psychological diversity, and coping strategies.
Location London
Activity
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Taru Sorsa made a comment
Hi, everyone! My name is Taru Sorsa. I am a MSc Health Psychology student at King's College London. Due to my keen interest in neuroimmunology, I would like to expand upon my knowledge on neuroscience. Looking forward to learning with you!
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Taru Sorsa made a comment
The first week exceeded my expectations. Given I took part in this course to enhance my medical understanding of diabetes, this was a holistic and engaging introduction. Looking forward to expanding upon my knowledge!
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Taru Sorsa made a comment
As insulin release is inhibited by stress hormones, I would like to know more about the role of cortisol. Chronic stress is associated with high levels of cortisol. Likewise, chronic stress interferes with hba1c levels. Is there any evidence suggesting that higher cortisol levels are linked to causal properties of any forms of diabetes?
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Taru Sorsa made a comment
As insulin release is inhibited by stress hormones, I would like to know more about the role of cortisol. Chronic stress is associated with high levels of cortisol. Likewise, chronic stress interferes with hba1c levels. Is there any evidence suggesting that higher cortisol levels are linked to causal properties of any forms of diabetes?
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@YasminIslam As Seema lives in The United Kingdom, I refer to my knowledge regarding the current state in the UK. Given the holistic approach to healthcare is in the emphasis of current changes in the healthcare of chronic physical illnesses, healthcare professionals acknowledge the emotional and social aspects of diabetes. As NHS aims to improve access to...
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Taru Sorsa made a comment
Although modern insulins are highly effective, it is noteworthy to bear in mind that their effectiveness is influenced by various external and internal variables. The correct units of short-acting insulin depend on, for example, the time of day and physical activity. Indeed, effective insulin administration is the result of constant monitoring and...
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Taru Sorsa made a comment
Hi everyone! I am an aspiring Psychology graduate, interested in the psychosocial aspects of chronic physical illnesses. Given I would like to specialise in the holistic treatment of diabetes, I aim to expand upon my scientific comprehension of its physical dimensions. Looking forward to exploring the topic with you!
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Taru Sorsa made a comment
By trial and error, I have learned that acceptance is in the essence of my functional coping. When I accept the presence of distress, my stress levels decrease in response. Perhaps, I am not expecting too much from myself whereby I am not as self-critical as I would be. Indeed, it is beneficial to acknowledge that distress and stressful life events may require...
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Taru Sorsa made a comment
The formulation table outlines Dave's current issues concisely. 5P model explores behavioural, physical, emotional and social aspects of Dave's difficult situation which in turn allows Dave and the clinician to draw links between these factors. Additionally, 5P model aims to identify triggers (e.g severe health concerns), maintenance factors (e.g alcohol...
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Taru Sorsa made a comment
I am impressed by the development and aims of IAPT-LTC. An integrated team consisting of multiple perspectives to health, indeed, is more likely to respond to chronically ill patients' unique and holistic medical needs more efficaciously than individual health care professionals. If all the services were located in the same place, it would not only enhance...
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Taru Sorsa made a comment
Dr Clare Gerada outlined a promising theoretical model of integrated care. Nevertheless, the model requires further adjustments in terms of its practical efficacy. Although some clinics in the UK engage with the holistic approach to health, regional differences cannot be disregarded. After all, health inequalities are an integral part of current health-related...
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Taru Sorsa made a comment
Erin's critical evaluation of MBSR reflects on prons and cons in balance. Although she outlines many positive effects, her description discusses the contradiction between symptoms of physical and mental illnesses and commitment to required independent tasks in MBSR. Personally, I found this detail meaningful and interesting. Congruent with Erin's experience,...
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Taru Sorsa made a comment
I support the importance of clear and accurate definitions of physical activity. Misinterpretations of these definitions are likely to occur frequently and hence, some individuals may find it difficult to engage with physical activity. Most importantly, it is necessary to highlight that maintaining healthy lifestyle does not require extreme ways. Likewise, it...
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Taru Sorsa replied to Taru Sorsa
Indeed, stress responses vary significantly. Interestingly, you described the importance of stress appraisals in terms of our responses to stressors. As stress appraisal theory suggests, individual's own evaluation of the stressful event determines the final behavioural and emotional response to it. Like you mentioned, at its best, stress can contribute to...
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Taru Sorsa made a comment
In my opinion, the structure of this course is clear and easy to follow and hence, the learning experience is pleasant.and engaging. As this week's activities demonstrate and outline various ways to assess and approach case formulation, I am looking forward to accomplishing the next week's lessons regarding treatment approaches.
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Taru Sorsa made a comment
Indeed, the rationale for the importance of stress and mental health awareness and management is supported by this sufficient statistical evidence base. Stress not only is a significant risk factor for an individual worker but also interfers with the employers' interests significantly. Therefore, it can be argued that collaborative and collective approach...
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Taru Sorsa made a comment
The introduction video was engaging. Thank you! Considering the current COVID-19 circumstances under which healthcare professionals are experiencing work overload frequently, the statistical information provided by the video was concerning. Personally, I am looking forward to learn more about the coping strategies from both theoretical and practical...
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Taru Sorsa made a comment
Stress is a natural survival mechanism helping us to respond to threats. In fact, acute stress can boost our performance by intensifying our attention. However, uncontrolled, chronic stress can trigger a variety of health issues interfering with all dimensions of health. For instance, many studies have demonstrated that it increases the prevalence of...
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Taru Sorsa made a comment
The interview was concise and cooperative. Matthew spent a rather short period of time assessing the main symptoms of depression again which in turn allowed the therapy to progress. Like Matthew writes in his article above, Dave's interpretations of his symptoms play an important role in reframing the dysfunctional thoughts and behaviours. Interestingly, Dave...
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Taru Sorsa made a comment
Regular screening taking place at primary care units is a promising method to assist patients who would not otherwise seek psychological or psychiatric treatment. This population, for instance, include patients with stigmatised ideations of mental health. Given that the risk of depression and anxiety is a prevalent effect of physical illness on mental health,...
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Taru Sorsa made a comment
At first, I found it hard to choose between stigma and differentiation from normal distress. Given that fear of stigma is a significant variable preventing patients from discussing their psychological symptoms, it makes it challenging for healthcare professionals to notice clear signs of clinical depression and/or anxiety, to determine and assess a difference...
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Taru Sorsa made a comment
In contrast to the previous clips, the communication flowed. Dave was able to discuss his current situation in his way, at his own pace. External interruptions or critique were not present whereby Dave had an opportunity to contemplate difficult issues in his life in a non-judgemental environment. Matthew clarified Dave's expressions by asking what he meant...
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Taru Sorsa made a comment
Although Dave's manager's intentions might have been constructive, she failed to express her empathy convincingly. For example, she said to Dave that there is no need for him to be apologetic for being ill. Despite the preceding statement, his boss addressed the illness inappropriately by accentuating that 'he is sick all the time'. By doing so, she created a...
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Taru Sorsa made a comment
Satnam appeared to reinforce Dave's maladaptive behavior repeatedly (drinking alcohol). Although Dave tried to explain his situation several times, Satnam disregarded the information. In other words, his listening skills were rather poor in this conversation. Given that Dave is depressed, he is prone to interpret Satnam's reactions negatively which in turn is...
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Taru Sorsa made a comment
Erica, Rachel, and Stacian emphasized the importance of understanding regardless of the context. According to their interviews, authoritative, judgemental and narrow-minded responses to both mental and physical health contributed to negative outcomes. Contrariwise, empathy, openness, and collaboration contributed to positive interpersonal experiences. Erica...
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Taru Sorsa made a comment
The importance of effective self-care cannot be overemphasized when living with type 1 diabetes. As a person affected by type 1 diabetes, the concept of self-care has influenced my life in multiple ways. In more depth, I compare it to any other learning experience as it consists of similar achievements and challenges. Obvious consequences of good self-care...
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Taru Sorsa replied to Taru Sorsa
Interestingly, diabetes used to be called 'sugar disease' in Finnish which is my mother tongue. Therefore, sugar is still strongly associated with diabetes in Finland. Other aspects of the history of diabetes may also explain certain misunderstandings of the condition. For instance, it was common to diagnose people with symptoms related to diabetes by tasting...
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Taru Sorsa made a comment
Sugar may be a risky word choice in the presence of individuals with diabetes. First, it should be used extra carefully when referring to food and beverages. Indeed, packages and adverts are filled with misleading slogans and promises. ‘Sugar-free’, ‘no added sugar’, ‘natural sugar’ and ‘reduced sugar’ are trending words in the industry. Although they all give...
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Taru Sorsa made a comment
Active monitoring of blood glucose levels on a daily basis is one of the most challenging demand of diabetes self-management. As this behavior is the base of effective self-management of diabetes, the role of self-efficacy is important in order to maintain and improve this habit. Therefore, my idea is to combine 'encouragement' and 'observing others'. in a...
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Taru Sorsa made a comment
According to my research, a few dominant characteristics are strongly associated with diabetes - poor lifestyle choices and sugar. Diabetes is a complex condition to observe as its aetiology and controllability vary rigorously between individuals. For example, aetiology of type 1 diabetes is still rather unknown whereas causes of type 2 diabetes are...
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Taru Sorsa made a comment
Integrated care should be the essence and base of all health care. The preceding statement is consistent with the ideology according which health is considered the summary of physical, mental, social and spiritual dimensions. As we know, a major problem influencing one dimension of well-being is likely to cause a snowball effect. For example, a depressed...
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Taru Sorsa made a comment
Integrating care should be the essence and base of all health care. As we know, a major problem influencing any dimension of well-being is likely to cause a snowball effect. For example, depression is likely to impact one's involvement in social activities and blood glucose level control of diabetes negatively. Individual differences play also an important...
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Taru Sorsa made a comment
I am mostly interested in participating the discussion about diabetes-related stigma. As I am currently conducting my own piece of research investigating the same topic, it is extremely interesting to explore your thoughts and ideas about it.
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Taru Sorsa made a comment
To reflect my philosophy of life, I certainly emphasize the holistic existence of all human beings. In fact, even this discussion is a great example of our holistic existence. As this conversation shows, our being cannot be narrowed to either physical or mental entities as this conversation requires both dimensions. Despite our individual differences, our...
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Taru Sorsa made a comment
There was a problem with my insulin pen last year which gradually led to diabetic ketoacidosis. As my blood glucose levels were persistently extremely high regardless of my insulin doses, I went to the nearest A&E in order to seek additional help. As the results of my blood tests showed signs of ketoacidosis, I was hospitalized for a couple of days. I remember...
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Taru Sorsa made a comment
Al though 'The WHO Goals Targets and Messages' appear to be theoretically consistent with the current scientific knowledge including biomedical and experiential dimensions of chronic conditions, there seems to be significant clashes between practice and theory in this context. As mentioned in previous comments, it may not be useful to set global,...
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Thank you for your message Brandy! Although my visual acuity dropped significantly as a result of retinopathy, I was lucky enough to receive appropriate treatments. I went through five eye surgeries during three months which in turn was rather challenging and horrific experience. Type 1 diabetes is a tricky condition as it requires one's full attention and...
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I agree with you. However, it is extremely important to distinguish type 1 diabetes from type 2 diabetes. The aetiology of type 1 diabetes is still unknown whereas the causes of type 2 diabetes are well-established. Accordingly, in contrast to type 2 diabetes type 1 diabetes is not considered preventable yet. Also, studies investigating self-perceived stigma...
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Your attitude is absolutely beautiful!
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Taru Sorsa made a comment
Disease is a biomedical concept of a condition causing a variety of symptoms and functional effects on one's biological structures whereas an illness is a more comprehensive understanding of a condition including its social aspects such as cultural impacts and influences. In light of this knowledge, I prefer calling each condition by their medical names...
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Taru Sorsa made a comment
I was diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy a couple of years ago. In contrast to my previous years with diabetes, I was finally scared of this condition and its disabiling power. When I was a child/adolescent diabetes was just a part of my daily routines just like eating breakfast or taking a shower. The most severe complications related to my diabetes were...
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Taru Sorsa made a comment
Some of my friends occasionally fast for religious purposes. Although they do not struggle with their decision, it is something that could potentially put my health at risk. Regular meals are rather a necessity than a choice for people with diabetes which is why it is not possible for me to fast under any circumstances.
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Thank you for sharing this story Catharine! As a young woman living with type 1 diabetes, it is extremely empowering to hear about mothers with type 1 diabetes. Thank you!
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Taru Sorsa made a comment
First of all, I am a person affected by type 1 diabetes. Secondly, it is my privilege to know other people living with the same condition. Although we are all individuals and our personal challenges and experiences vary significantly, there is always some sort of understanding between us which gives us feelings of unique support and safety. My most notable...
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Taru Sorsa made a comment
Active involvement is a good indicator of engagement which in turn is a key element in digital environment. As these comments are our only way to prove our presence, it is essential to join the discussions and answer the questions properly. Constructive and effective dialogues between other learners and educators are important in terms of asking additional...
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Taru Sorsa made a comment
Hi! I am a final year undergraduate student studying psychology in the University of Westminster (United Kingdom). I am currently conducting my final year project which regards diabetes-related stigma. I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 1999 (when I was 6-year-old) and therefore my academic interest is to conduct research aiming at improving holistic...
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Taru Sorsa made a comment
As a person with type 1 diabetes, I have learnt through personal experiences that health is the integrity of physical, psychological and social well-being. If there is anything negative affecting any areas of my health for a long time, these factors are likely to weaken other areas of my health as well. For instance, poorly controlled blood glucose levels are...
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Taru Sorsa made a comment
In light of research evidence, this video and my personal experiences, type 1 diabetes definitely increases the risk of depression and anxiety. At times, it is complicated to define whether blood glucose levels are affecting the current mood or the current mood is affecting blood glucose levels. In a nutshell, the link between somatic and psychological...
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Taru Sorsa made a comment
Like Erin and Stacian tell in the video, accessibility of mental health services seems to be one of the key features of successful integrating care. In more detail, it seems that if all the required services are within the same environment patient satisfaction increases. These outcomes, indeed, are necessary in regards to patient’s engagement with treatments....
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Taru Sorsa made a comment
IMPARTS appears to be a potential intervention for clinical settings. Indeed, this is a great example of a better approach to treat patients holistically.
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In light of of research investigating disability-related stereotypes, prejudice, discrimination and stigma, people with chronic illnesses are at higher risk of experiencing preceding issues. Self-perceived stigma, for instance, is a prevalent problem among population affected by HIV or diabetes. To apply this data, it is relevant to suggest that people with...
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Taru Sorsa made a comment
Theoretically, stepped care model seems to be the best possible way to assess and treat mental well-being of people with long-term conditions. The pyramid model visualizes the issue effectively as the main emphasis is on prevention. The higher a patient climbs, the worse his/her holistic well-being has become. Additionally, prevention of mental distress is the...
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Taru Sorsa made a comment
This article addresses the interaction between sleep and health comprehensively. Like variety of studies indicate, quality of sleep is a significant predictor in terms of evaluating one's mental or/and physical health. Indeed, the negative circle of sleep deprivation in this context is an essential theme as people with chronic somatic illnesses are at higher...
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Taru Sorsa made a comment
In my opinion, mindfulness is a great option for people with chronic physical illnesses and it is definitely worth trying. Although there are evidence that supoort its effectiviness on psychological well-being, there are also findings that show variance between people. Additionally, it is essential to treat each condition individually without making...
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Taru Sorsa made a comment
As this clip may indicate, mindfulness meditation can be benfeficial in terms of stress reduction. In fact, it has been found that mindfulness based stress reduction (MBSR) programmes can support psychological well-being of people with chronic physical illnesses such as chronic pain, HIV and cancer. Hopefully, NHS will continue providing these services to...
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Taru Sorsa made a comment
How much does the NHS spend treating the effect of poor self-management of chronic physical illness on mental health? For example. it is well-known that poorly controlled diabetes is likely to cause depression. Are there any programmes aiming at decreasing the prevalence of these cases?
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Taru Sorsa made a comment
Dave’s physical, emotional and social issues seem to be the result of his resistance to diabetes. In other words, his physical health has impacted all the other aspects of his health. Despite his long history with diabetes, he has clearly not accepted his condition. As he mentions in the video, he has not dealt well with having diabetes. According to current...
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Taru Sorsa made a comment
Hi everyone! My name is Taru. I am a final year psychology student at University of Westminster. This course captured my attention as my main academic goal is to research the interaction between type 1 diabetes and mental well-being in the future. In more depth, I am particularly interested in studying the impact of chronic stress on people living with type 1...
