The 'Really Strange' Boxset

This collection of science-based graphic medicine comics explores complex human experiences like anxiety, pain, trauma, and touch, making them accessible, engaging, and gently humorous. Written by Steve Haines and illustrated by Sophie Standing, it includes a useful wallchart and is perfect for anyone interested in human sciences.

Format: Mixed media product
Publication date: 21 March 2022
Publisher: Jessica Kingsley Publishers

When can anxiety be good?

Anxiety can be beneficial in certain situations. It can help us stay alert, focused, and prepared for potential threats or challenges. For example, anxiety can increase our vigilance when we are in a dangerous situation or facing a difficult task. It can also help us stay motivated and persevere through difficult times. However, excessive or chronic anxiety can be harmful to our health and well-being.

How can I change my pain experience?

Changing our pain experience can be a challenging but achievable goal. Here are some strategies that may help:

Practicing mindfulness and meditation: Mindfulness and meditation techniques can help us become more aware of our pain and learn to manage it more effectively.

Engaging in physical activity: Regular exercise can help reduce pain and improve our overall physical health.

Seeking professional help: If your pain is severe or persistent, it may be helpful to seek the advice of a healthcare professional, such as a doctor, physical therapist, or pain management specialist.

Using pain management techniques: There are various pain management techniques, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, biofeedback, and acupuncture, that can help reduce pain and improve our quality of life.

How does trauma change the way our brains work?

Trauma can have a profound impact on the way our brains work. Here are some of the ways that trauma can affect our brain:

Hypervigilance: Trauma can cause us to be hypervigilant, or constantly on guard for potential threats. This can lead to increased anxiety, irritability, and difficulty sleeping.

Dissociation: Trauma can cause us to disconnect from our emotions and experiences, which can make it difficult to cope with stress and trauma.

Negative beliefs: Trauma can lead to negative beliefs about ourselves and the world around us, which can affect our mood, behavior, and relationships.

Changes in memory: Trauma can cause changes in our memory, including forgetting important events or experiences.

Why can't we tickle ourselves?

The ability to tickle ourselves is a complex phenomenon that is not fully understood. Here are some theories about why we can't tickle ourselves:

Sensory feedback: Our brains are designed to receive and process sensory information from the outside world. When we try to tickle ourselves, we are not receiving the sensory feedback that we expect, which can confuse our brains and prevent us from experiencing pleasure.

Self-awareness: We have a high level of self-awareness, which means that we are constantly aware of our own bodies and sensations. This self-awareness can make it difficult for us to experience unexpected or unfamiliar sensations, such as the sensation of being tickled.

Motor control: Tickling requires precise motor control and coordination. If our brains are not able to accurately predict or control our movements, we may not be able to experience the sensation of being tickled.

This collection of science-based graphic medicine comics addresses these questions (amongst many others) and makes complex human experiences accessible, engaging and gently humorous. Written by Steve Haines, a bodyworker and creative storyteller, and illustrated by Sophie Standing, who specializes in human sciences, these comics explore topics that make us fundamentally human - anxiety, pain, trauma, and touch:

Anxiety is Really Strange: Anxiety is a natural and normal human emotion that serves an important purpose. It helps us stay alert, focused, and prepared for potential threats or challenges. However, excessive or chronic anxiety can be harmful to our health and well-being. This comic explores the different types of anxiety, the symptoms associated with each type, and the strategies that can be used to manage anxiety.

Pain is Really Strange: Pain is a complex and subjective experience that can be caused by a wide range of factors, including physical injuries, medical conditions, and emotional trauma. This comic explores the different types of pain, the symptoms associated with each type, and the strategies that can be used to manage pain.

Trauma is Really Strange: Trauma is a psychological response to a stressful or traumatic event that can have a profound impact on our mental and physical health. This comic explores the different types of trauma, the symptoms associated with each type, and the strategies that can be used to heal from trauma.

Touch is Really Strange: Touch is a fundamental human sensation that plays an important role in our physical and emotional well-being. This comic explores the different types of touch, the benefits associated with each type, and the strategies that can be used to enhance our sense of touch.

This special boxset also includes a useful and beautifully illustrated wallchart. The wallchart provides a visual representation of the topics covered in the comics, making it easier for readers to understand and remember the information.

In conclusion, this collection of science-based graphic medicine comics is a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about the human experience. The comics are accessible, engaging, and gently humorous, making complex human experiences accessible, engaging and gently humorous. The special boxset also includes a useful and beautifully illustrated wallchart, making it easier for readers to understand and remember the information. Whether you are interested in learning more about anxiety, pain, trauma, or touch, this collection is a must-read.

Weight: 594g
Dimension: 174 x 240 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781839972454
Edition number: Illustrated ed