A Case Study exploring the benefits of wellness - Can you help?
Hi my name is Alfie Ritz. I am striving to acquire the funds needed to conduct research exploring the therapeutic benefits of wellness activities.
The aim is to capture EEG measurements including the following brainwaves (Alpha, Beta, Delta, Theta and Gamma) whilst conducting various activities that combine physical, mental and emotional stimulation, including music and dance.
The funds will be used to purchase an 8-channel MINI electroencephalograph and EEG cap.
By recording what is going on in the brain, we can accurately pin point specific areas of the brain that benefit from specific activities, and thus identify how to change undesirable symptoms.
The Funds needed are 900 euros, excluding VAT, approximately 1250 pounds.
You can make a contribution by clicking the link to my crowd fund page here. www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/brainwaves-and-wellness
A donation can also be made using the link below. If you can please send a message that donation is towards cause and I will update Crowdfunder page. Thank you
Many who live with mental health challenges, whether diagnosed or not experience a diminished quality of life, with one’s ability to work/learn at one’s optimum capacity reduced.
The challenges are only exacerbated for those who live with a multiple or combination of addiction(s), mood disorders and/or neurological conditions.
As an epileptic who has recently been diagnosed with CPTSD (Complex Post Traumatic Disorder) and found to be indicative of 5 out of 7 ADHD Typologies, I know too well the frustration.
My journey managing epilepsy and assistance from Jane Hickey (Nutritional Therapist) has taught me that medication is an aid (sometimes necessary), but not the solution. For one to thrive, a holistic approach is needed, creating a nurturing environment for the mind, essential. You can learn more about my health journey with Jane by clicking here.
Each part of the brain has a role as can be seen below in the picture to the right. All of us are unique and react/respond differently to situations/circumstances, with aspects of one’s brain overcompensating for others.
The challenge though, particularly for those with addiction(s), mood and neurological disorder(s) is that the imbalance has left an imprint. Leaving such individuals more susceptible to thinking patterns that impact one’s quality of life and functioning when performing key tasks such as working/learning.
For example; someone whom has low self-esteem and experiences suicidal thoughts may be the result of increased activity within the anterior cingulate gyrus. Thus, to achieve emotional regulation stimulating the pre-frontal cortex, specifically the right front part of the brain as can be seen in the picture diagram (T4 - FP2), is one practical step that can be worth pursuing, through Neurofeedback. Disclaimer: This is simply a suggestion and Be more more peacock CIC does not make claims to promote remedies or treatments.
As someone who exhibits symptoms indicative of addictions, and lives with mood and neurological disorders, I have nominated myself for being the case study of this research project.
In 2023, I experienced a seizure lasting 20 minutes. For those that do not know, any seizure lasting more than 5 minutes is classed as a medical emergency. Due to the severity in length of my last epileptic seizure, I live with an increased risk of what’s termed ‘status epilepticus’ (death by seizure). Sadly, it is estimated that worldwide 140,000 people die each year due to death caused by epilepsy (1,000 of those being in the UK).
A key goal and hope from this research is to help provide lifesaving information to other people who also live with epilepsy.
Since my grand mal seizure in 2023, I have have experienced non epileptic seizures, known as functional seizures and have been also diagnosed with FND (Functional Neurological Disorder). Due to the complexity of my health challenges, I believe I will be a good case study.
The image to the right is the software that will be used to record EEG measurements. Curtesy of Brain access, developed by NEUROtechnology.
Contributors to this research project can/will receive full details of research project, including list of activities.
The research project will show monitoring over 6 months, covering a range of activities which can be seen downloading research sheet below. The aim/hope is to see a reduction within symptoms I currently exhibit backed by evidence from the data collected. I will use the 8 channel BrainAccess MINI electroencephalograph and EEG cap in conjunction with a First beat heart monitor which I currently own.
Understanding how addiction, mood and neurological disorders have impacted my own life, prompted me to want to form Be More Peacock CIC. A community interest company focused on creating cultures that bring out the best in people, maximising performance whether that be for working/learning, whilst at the same time mitigate the effects of trauma.
The aim of this research I am conducting is to gather the evidence needed so as to promote health & wellbeing and highlight how incorporating such activities, improves quality of life, and increases productivity whether that be working/learning.
If you are in a position to make a contribution, please visit my Crowdfunder page to make a donation by clicking here.
Alternatively, if you are unable to make a contribution, but are still interested in this research project, please register your interest and subscribe to my mailing list. I will not spam you. I would like to keep you updated regarding my own progress.
I hope that through my work I can contribute improving peoples lives, if not yourself, someone you know.
Thank you for reading,
Alfie