Stress can have many detrimental effects, but a new study has shown that it can physically change the shape of the brain, and cause long-term damage, reports the Guardian.

Various studies carried out on laboratory mice showed that, after being exposed to loud rock music, being restrained, or being deprived of food and water the size of the learning and memory area of the brain decreased by up to 3%. It’s thought that there are similar results in humans when suffering from stress for long periods of time, including brain cells diminishing, explaining why some people struggle with their memory in stressful situations.

More worryingly, stress in expectant mothers can transfer to their unborn child, affecting the way the child regulates their emotions and makes decisions.

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Mental health professionals and members of the public who are affected by Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) will get together on Saturday 22nd November for the 2008 OCD Conference at Imperial College London.

The Conference is organised by OCD Action and has been designed to educate and inspire participants, and provide an opportunity to share personal experiences. It is estimated that OCD affects approximately 1.8 million people in the UK and it is listed as one of the top 10 disabling conditions in the world by the World Health Organisation.

The day will include workshops, presentations and short films designed to help those attending. OCD Action Chairman, Peter Jennings, said: “This day of action will have internationally-respected experts deconstruct this complex disorder to show people that these intrusive thoughts and compulsive rituals are purely symptoms of OCD; symptoms which can be managed through therapy, medication and the determination to say No to OCD”.

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An article over on Times Online recently highlighted the mass anxiety that is sweeping through Britain, causing raised blood pressure, increasing stress-hormone levels and rash economic actions. The credit crisis, bank failures and unpredictable stock prices have apparently sent record numbers seeking therapy.

According to Philip Corr, a professor of psychology, uncertainty causes severe unease: “If you are faced with higher interest rates, large fuel bills, rising food costs and the worry of what is going to happen in the next few months - that can have a catastrophic effect on people.”

Worry ripples through a crowd, like a virus, in a manner called “emotional contagion” and things can rapidly spiral into mass anxiety. However studies show that the fear can be forestalled. Developing resilience skills, such as getting physical, staying curious, keeping a gratitude journal and getting involved with your community can all help to promote a sense of calm during these more difficult times.

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Recent findings published by the Guardian suggest that individuals with mental health problems are three times more likely to have debt problems. Experts warn that financial troubles can result in depression, anxiety and even suicide.

Those suffering with bipolar disorder are likely to be more affected than most, as experts believe over-spending is often part of the condition. A report published by the mental health charity Mind has found that debt is leaving tens of thousands of people struggling to live.

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According to an article in the Guardian, the Government has released details of its £170m plan to train 3,600 more psychological therapists in response to the study questioning the use of anti-depressants. According to the Department of Health, about 900,000 more people will be treated for depression and anxiety under the plan, and an estimated 450,000 of these will be cured.

Mental Health Groups accept that doctors have had little choice other than to prescribe anti-depressants due to the shortage of therapists. Alison Cobb, from Mind, said “Nine out of 10 GPs say they’ve been forced to dish out drugs because they don’t have proper access to ‘talking treatments’ such as cognitive behavioural therapy”. The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (Nice) recommends that talking therapies should be tried before drugs are prescribed, but with the shortage of therapists, this is difficult.

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A study at Manchester Metropolitan University has suggested that taking part in activities such as dance, music and painting may help improve well-being and reduce levels of anxiety and depression. The study revealed that participants felt more confident and empowered, and the activities helped to give them a sense of purpose.

The research involved more than 100 participants and the lead researcher, Clive Parkinson, hopes the evidence will be incorporated into government policy.

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Young girls are crying out for help – last year one in six calls to a 24 hour mental health helpline came from young girls considering suicide. Depression, eating disorders sexual abuse and bullying seemed to be some of the main problems affecting young girls – according to the article on the BBC website, rates of depression and anxiety have increased among young people in the UK by 70% in the last 25 years. That’s a huge percentage, and an extremely worrying one.

Joelle Leader, assistant director of ChildLine said “At the moment, there are simply not enough therapeutic services for children with these problems, and we are urging the government to give this issue urgent attention.”

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Work is being carried out in Aberdeen on a virtual treatment for those suffering with phobias. The hope is that sufferers will overcome their fears through cyberspace in the comfort of their own home. The treatment will work similar to computer games and will mean that a therapist is able to monitor several patients at one time.

A fear of flying is just one example of a fear that could be helped online. For more information click here.