Psychology
A highly sensitive person (or HSP) is someone who is more sensitive to physical, emotional or social stimuli. Being highly sensitive can be considered a personality trait that comes with its own strengths and difficulties. Here we will look at how to thrive as a highly sensitive person. What is a Highly Sensitive Person? If you’ve ever been told that you are “too sensitive” or…
Psychology
We all face problems and adversities in life. From job loss to health problems to separation from friends and the loss of loved ones, these changes can disrupt our lives and sometimes knock us down. Living through tough times can also take a toll on our physical, mental, and emotional health. How we bounce back from these obstacles can determine how we’ll move forward in…
Self-Care
“Inhale: 1-2-3-4-5. Exhale: 1-2-3-4-5.” If you’ve been doing breathing exercises to feel calmer, happier, and more focused, you know how soothing yoga is. Despite being an ancient practice, yoga has become increasingly popular, and for good reason. It is suitable for people of all ages and impactful for treating chronic conditions. Interestingly, scientists have discovered that this practice has several mental health benefits. Let’s explore…
Psychology
Everyone changes interest in things over time. You might’ve loved soccer as a kid, but grew bored of it and quitted in your teens. Unlike the typical loss of interest, anhedonia makes every day uninteresting and results in many or all activities you enjoyed not eliciting excitement anymore. What Is Anhedonia? People with anhedonia feel like they’re just going through the motions of life. Its…
Personality Disorders
As the myth goes, Narcissus was the beautiful son of a river god and nymph. When he rejected the love of Echo, the gods of vengeance cursed him to fall in love with his own reflection in the waters of a spring, which led to his death. In psychology, narcissism represents excessive self-involvement, a sense of entitlement, and a need to be admired. Narcissistic personality…
Depression
“That’s the thing about depression: A human being can survive almost anything, as long as she sees the end in sight. But depression is so insidious, and it compounds daily, that it’s impossible to ever see the end. The fog is like a cage without a key.” — Elizabeth Wurtzel. When we talk about depression, we refer to more than just sadness or feeling low.…
Motivation
Motivation is the drive many of us feel to behave in a certain way, complete certain tasks or to strive to reach our goals. However, periods of stress, anxiety or depression can all lead to a severe dip in our levels of motivation, affecting our self-esteem and making it difficult to accomplish the things we would like to. In this article we will look at…
Self-Care
We all want to take care of our emotional well-being so that we can enjoy life and benefit from good mental health. When life is busy, you might feel like you need to check everything off your to-do list before you can even think about your mental health. However, the opposite is true! When your mental health takes a back seat, you may find you…
Stress
Do you drag yourself out of bed in the morning, wondering what the point of work is? Does your 8-hour working day feel like a lifetime? Do you lack the energy to be productive? Have you become cynical at work? You could be having burnout that results from chronic workplace stress. It is a condition that is not easy to spot. Work-related stress is so…
Relationships
No one deserves to be abused or threatened. Yet, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), one in three US women and nearly one in four US men have experienced violence at the hands of a partner. While there is a global predominance of male perpetrators of abuse against female partners, the truth is, people of all sexual orientations and gender identities can…
LGBT
A noun is a word that refers to a person, animal, place, thing, idea, action, or quality. As the name suggests, pronouns are a subtype of nouns and are unique in that they can be used as substitutes for other nouns. Think about how you would tell a story about your friend Lupe. Imagine how it would sound if the only identifier you could use…
Abuse
“That never happened. You must be going crazy.” “It’s just your imagination.” “Are you sure? You never remember things accurately.” If your partner repeatedly says things like these to you, they may be using an insidious technique that mental health professionals call “gaslighting.” If that happens, your experiences, words, and emotions are twisted and used against you, so you may even start questioning your thoughts,…
Stress
Stress affects all genders, but does it affect men and women differently? Yes, in some ways, and that’s why today we’ll be looking at how stress specifically affects men and how their experience can differ slightly from women. Understanding these gender differences makes it easier to recognize stress in men, which is a fundamental part of learning how to deal with it effectively. While acute…
Parenting
While mothers are considered natural caregivers and nurturers, we can’t simply overlook fathers’ role in their children’s lives. And although most people recognize this as particularly true for young boys, girls also need a positive male role model. A daughter’s relationship with her father can affect not just her confidence and self-image, but also her opinions of men and ability to trust later in life.…
Depression
Depression is a difficult condition to navigate, and it is surrounded by some unhelpful misconceptions and stigma that can prevent people from recognizing when they have it and getting the help they need. Here is a look at some of the most common myths you might have heard surrounding depression. We’ll also explore why they are misleading and look at the scientific facts of the…
Self-Care
Our inner voice or internal dialogue can be either positive or negative. If one encourages us to believe in ourselves, there’s also that voice that constantly reminds us how inadequate we are. The latter can sometimes be downright mean or rude, along with expressions of judgment, criticism, and disapproval about everything we are and everything we do. The dialogue inside our minds or the voice…
Relationships
We all need to feel heard, especially by those we love. So, when your partner goes quiet and refuses to acknowledge what you say, it hurts. Stonewalling can be intentional or unintentional. Either way, it is hurtful to the recipient and may severely damage a relationship in the long run. What Is Stonewalling? The term “stonewalling” was popularized by John Gottman, a relationship researcher. It…
Anger issues
Anger can be a positive emotion—especially when it motivates you to work through issues or create positive social change. However, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by it and get verbally or physically aggressive. Conversely, refusing to acknowledge, express anger, and deal with it healthily can affect your health and well-being. When your temper, and how you choose to cope, leads to undesirable consequences, you need…
Self-Care
Gratitude is sometimes considered synonymous with being thankful. Whilst this is true to some extent, true gratitude is much more than just thankfulness. Gratitude can have a significant effect on the brain, with researchers confirming that it can lead to substantial neurological benefits for those who practice it. Here we will look at what gratitude is, how to practice it, and how it could benefit…
LGBT
All parents soon learn that once you have a child, you’ll receive unsolicited advice, criticism, or disapproval from relatives, friends, and even strangers on the street. Somehow, having a child seems to give people the impression that they can pass judgment on you and your decisions in a way that they never would for any other part of another person’s life. If you’re parenting as…
Self-Care
Emotions are powerful. So powerful that they control almost every action you take every day. Like every other aspect of life, emotions are best handled with moderation and logic. In their extreme form, they can have negative consequences, including sleep issues, high stress levels, harm to self, and others. Unfortunately, it is not always easy to apply logic while experiencing extreme, intense emotions. Fortunately, anyone…
Trauma
If you are living with painful memories from a traumatic experience, you might be wondering if you are suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD. Feeling scared during and after traumatic situations is natural as fear spurs your body’s “fight or flight” response to protect you from harm. However, if you do not recover from these reactions after your trauma and you experience ongoing stress…
Self-Care
From early cave paintings to the modern works of Toni Morrison, we can see how humans are natural storytellers. It’s how we make sense of our experiences, process our internal worlds, and connect with each other. Journal writing is a powerful storytelling tool that we engage in with ourselves. When we arrange our experiences into a coherent narrative, our logical left hemisphere is able to…
LGBT
When you find out that your child identifies as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or is questioning their identity, it may come as a big surprise or even an unwanted shock. Other parents may long have suspected that their child may not be heterosexual or that they may come to question their gender later in life. Whether your child has come out to you, or is…
Relationships
Although you may already know that one-on-one time is incredibly important within a relationship, you may not realize that quality time is one of the 5 love languages. Quality time is often seen as a way to strengthen a relationship. Giving each other your undivided attention can be a great time to communicate, focus on your relationship, and even avoid conflict. But when life is…
Psychology
Do you ever feel like you’re just going through the motions in your life? It’s natural for everyone to feel a bit disconnected from the world around them at times, but if you feel this way more often than not, you may be experiencing what is known as emotional numbness. Emotional Numbness Defined In short, emotional numbness is a general lack of emotions, and it…
Relationships
Occasional disagreements or misunderstandings are a normal part of family relationships. However, if you have a difficult relationship with one or more family members, it can start to impact your mental health. Taking steps to navigate disagreements or disputes is vital to looking after yourself. Here we will look at how to deal with difficult family relationships. What Makes Family Relationships Difficult? Human relationships and…
Abuse
The harmful effects of verbal abuse can be just as devastating as other forms of abuse, but sadly, it’s not always easy to recognize. People of all ages can suffer from verbal abuse, and it can happen in any social setting, including among friends, family members, partners, peers, classmates, and work colleagues. It can have short and long-term consequences, affecting people’s mental health, stress levels,…
Relationships
Being codependent in a relationship is more than being “needy.” It is “setting yourself on fire” to keep your partner warm because you believe you would not be okay without them. You probably sacrifice your comfort just to get them to stay in the relationship. Unconditional sacrifice might be your way of expressing love — and you might not know it yet but it is…
Relationships
Movies and TV shows often push the narrative that a person is not “complete” until they find a romantic partner. It’s an idea that many of us grow up believing thanks to fairy tales we read in childhood. Meanwhile, being single is portrayed as a state of loneliness that must be endured until a person meets “The One”. Unfortunately, these stereotypes are extremely damaging –…
Parenting
Being a mom is one of the most rewarding jobs in the world, but it is not without its share of challenges. Along with the heart-melting smiles and adorable giggles that come with having little ones around, you get sleep-deprived nights and a to-do list that seems impossible to conquer. According to the 2019 State of Motherhood Survey, 85 percent of moms said they don’t…
Psychology
While happiness is often characterized by feelings of joy and contentment, it is difficult to define and measure. As everyone experiences it differently, there is no single or universal definition of what happiness really is. Although it mostly relates to positive emotions, it is more than just a fleeting mood or feeling. Living or pursuing a happy life, furthermore, is not about denying or avoiding…
Relationships
Everyone has a different way of expressing and receiving love. While some equate this feeling with spending time together, others prefer physical touch or receiving gifts. Some people, meanwhile, like it when their partner offers help in any way they can or showers them with compliments or words of encouragement. The concept described above is referred to as love language, developed by author and pastor…
Parenting
Being a mom is already hard, but the coronavirus pandemic has made it even more difficult. As mothers are often responsible for childcare and running the household, working at the same time can simply become overwhelming. Reports suggest that working moms are more likely to feel exhausted or have burnout experiences, as they try to balance career and being a mother and a wife or…
Psychology
How we respond to stimuli determines our daily experiences and overall quality of life. These responses are emotions that lead to various choices or actions. Researchers have long been curious about why human beings react the way they do to stimuli. In the process, various theories about emotional psychology have emerged. Understanding what basic emotions are is essential for improving one’s reactions and perceptions. What…
Relationships
When it feels like something is wrong in your relationship, it is normal to find yourself in a time of extreme anxiety, stress, and worry. A healthy relationship relies on openness, communication, and trust, and if any of these begin to dwindle then you may start to feel like a distance is forming between you and your spouse or partner. Noticing that something isn’t right…
Self-Care
You’re helping one kid complete her assignment between Zoom classes when you look across the room and see your younger child coating his feet in the paint for an art project. Paint on the rug and his clothes, your older child is upset that your attention is split, you’ve had to pee for as long as you can remember, you haven’t eaten since 6 pm…
Therapy
Therapy can be a rewarding and valuable experience for those who need help to overcome the challenges they encounter in life. However, seeking help is still something that some people find difficult. Stigma, physical limitations, and busy schedules often get in the way of accessing therapy. Online counseling reduces the barriers to access to mental health services. It is yet another area of health that…
Self-Care
Let’s say you had an argument with your partner in the morning, 30 minutes before work video meeting in Zoom. To have a reputation to uphold and look “professional,” you try to stay positive and pretend to be focused on videoconference and be in business mode. Are you controlling or suppressing the outburst of emotions you feel as a result of the morning situation? The…
Depression
While depression has many similarities among all genders, men do experience it differently in some ways. To help you understand these differences, we’ll be looking at the social, cultural, and even biological factors that cause them. We’ll also cover the symptoms of male depression, the causes, and the best forms of treatment. When depression is left untreated in men, unfortunately, the consequences can be devastating.…
Depression
You’re feeling down on yourself, struggling in your relationships, and dissatisfied with your job. It seems as if you’re in a dense fog. Your clothes aren’t fitting quite right these days, maybe it’s hard to squeeze into them or maybe they’re hanging loosely on your body. Your mind is filled with negative thoughts or feelings of guilt and you’re not enjoying all of the things…
Personality Disorders
Relationships, emotions, likes and dislikes, behaviors, and self-image change abruptly, like the weather, reacting to the slightest changes in the environment. Frequent mood swings, seeing things in extremes, impulsiveness, intense fear of rejection and abandonment, difficulty managing emotions, “all good or all bad” — for the person with borderline personality disorder, every aspect of life may feel unstable. Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is widely discussed…
Anxiety
When you have a panic attack, it feels really scary and you may have an overwhelming feeling that something terrible is about to happen although you know it’s not true. Your heart may pound, you may sweat, and you feel like you can’t just breathe or think. The worst thing is that panic attacks may occur unexpectedly without any obvious trigger, and you always feel…
Self-Esteem
You’re your worst critic. No one can make you feel worse than that voice in your head that criticizes you for every wrong thing you do. While it is good to recognize mistakes to correct them, constant criticism can wear you out. For you to cope during times of stress and suffering, it is essential to practice self-compassion. Read on to learn what this practice…
Self-Care
Mindfulness is the practice of intentionally focusing your attention on the present moment. You perceive the present without any judgment and seize dwelling on the past or projecting into the future. This practice generally involves an elevated awareness of your sensory stimuli. You become more aware of your breathing and body sensations. It’s all about living “in the now.” Contrary to popular belief, mindfulness isn’t…
Depression
There’s a common myth that childbirth, while painful, is a magical, transformative experience full of bliss and female power. And there’s truth to that. Having a baby can be one of the happiest and most meaningful times of a person’s life. But what happens when that’s not your reality? You might be feeling just the opposite: sad, hopeless, and inadequate. You wonder if you have…
Anxiety
Differentiating between a heart attack and a panic attack can be challenging. It’s even worse if the person has never experienced the symptoms before. You see, both episodes share similar symptoms. What’s more, someone can have a panic attack when they’re getting a heart attack, which further complicates the situation. For this reason, it’s crucial to understand the difference between a panic attack and a…
Stress
So, what is stress actually? Stress is your body’s way of responding to a challenge or demand. It’s often triggered by various factors ranging from small hassles to big challenges like losing a job or a sudden divorce. Stress often includes physical components such as high blood pressure and increased heart rate. Other signs of stress include: Anger Depression Negative self-talk Difficulty relaxing Nausea and…
Grief and Loss
Grief is a normal response to losing someone you love or care about. Often characterized by feelings of profound sorrow or sadness, grief can also cause you to feel other emotions like guilt, anger, and fear. It can also manifest itself physically with symptoms such as headaches, muscle pain, digestive problems, and feeling very tired and weak. Grief is a unique and personal experience, so…
Grief and Loss
Losing someone you love is never easy; it takes time to heal, accept loss, and adjust. For most people, the feelings of hurt, sadness, and sorrow gradually ease as they go through a normal, healthy grieving process. But for some, negative feelings can persist or intensify as time goes on, making it hard to recover and resume everyday life. This is known as complicated grief,…
Self-Esteem
It is hard to prioritize self-care when you have a to-do list packed with school, work, or family commitments. When you have many caregiving responsibilities, taking time off for yourself seems selfish and unnecessary. What many people do not realize is that self-care is essential. Without it, one cannot take care of others or be productive at work. We take a closer look at this…
Relationships
One of the biggest challenges faced by people in relationships is how to express love in meaningful and intentional ways to those they care about. We all have different preferences when it comes to things that make us feel loved and cared for. So how to make sure that you are communicating your love in the way your partner wants to receive it? Keep reading…
Self-Esteem
“Why do I always feel guilty?” Guilt is your mind’s way of keeping you in check and making you considerate towards people around you. It is not a bad emotion; without it, you would be sadistic or narcissistic. However, constantly feeling guilty even when you did nothing wrong is not normal. It is an indicator of deep-seated psychological issues. The overwhelming sense of guilt can…
Self-Esteem
What are boundaries? Experts define boundaries as limits or space between you and another person. It’s crucial to create healthy boundaries to protect and take care of yourself. Besides, boundaries are vital for your mental health and wellbeing. Furthermore, your boundaries help establish your identity, conserve emotional energy, and build your self-esteem. However, setting healthy boundaries is easier said than done. If you’ve been living…
Psychology
People drink for various reasons – to feel happy, unwind, or escape from negative feelings. At the moment, alcohol can seem like a simple solution to a variety of problems, and it is. In fact, if used responsibly, moderate alcohol intake has its benefits. However, if abused, alcohol can cause dire emotional and mental health effects. When you start depending on alcohol to deal with…
Self-Esteem
Most of us have at least one thing we would like to change about our bodies. Maybe you think that your nose is a little bigger than normal or your muscles need some work. Whatever the case, mass media and fashion trends don’t make it any easier when it comes to being secure about looks. The bad news is that body image can be a…
Personality Disorders
2.8 percent of U.S adults live with bipolar disorder. Some of them have episodes several times a year; others experience them rarely. Attacks may last for days or weeks. Unfortunately, this condition has no cure. A common misconception is that this disorder is just about having mood swings. The truth is, it is a severe mental condition that can affect one’s quality of life. There…
Self-Esteem
Self-harm is a secretive behavior that affects more people than you may think – about 10% of adolescents and young adults. This article is an explainer, and its goal is to explain self-harm, its possible causes, and how to access treatment and support. What Is Self-Harm? Self-injury describes the non-suicidal behavior when someone deliberately inflicts harm on their body as a way of dealing with…
Anger issues
Are you angry more often than not? Your anger might be triggered by a minor annoyance like traffic on your regular commute or a significant inconvenience caused by a deceitful co-worker. Day-to-day situations can get stressful and make you angry. How to control anger outbursts? An automatic response to some situations may see you act aggressively. However, there are healthier ways to express anger that…
Stress
When you’re dealing with depression, every aspect of life can seem like a challenge. You feel unmotivated to get out of bed in the morning. The idea of showering seems like a chore, and interacting with others seems impossible. If anything, you just want to lock yourself indoors and feel all the emotions as they come. Some days, dealing with the emotions seems to be…
Anxiety
Getting treatment for anxiety disorders is important. If untreated, the condition can have a severe and negative impact on your quality of life. Medication is one way of treating anxiety; therapy is another. Therapy for anxiety equips you with tools to manage your symptoms long-term. Unlike medication, therapy deals with the root of the problem, not just the symptoms. Your therapist may recommend a specific…
Abuse
Have you ever gone through an experience when someone made you feel too emotional or caused you to doubt the things you believe in? Is there someone in your life who presently makes you feel anxious and question your own sanity? If your answer to these questions is affirmative, then you may have been a victim of gaslighting. Gaslighting takes many forms and can occur…
Sleep Disorders
We’ve all been there. You’ve been tossing and turning all night long, and the minute you’re about to fall asleep, your alarm goes off. The aftermath is irritability, inability to concentrate, and fatigue. These are the consequences of a bad night’s sleep. A restful night, on the other hand, makes you feel fresh and ready to face the day. Some of the benefits of a…
Relationships
Are you considering therapy for relationship issues? This guide will be useful to you. Here, you’ll learn when to seek therapy, how it’ll help, and how to find the right therapist. We also tell you about online relationship counseling, what to expect in therapy, and how to get the most out of it. Let’s get started. When to Seek Relationship Therapy When is the best…
Self-Esteem
Most people use the terms self-esteem and self-confidence interchangeably to refer to how an individual feels about themselves. However, while there’s a relationship between the two, these terms are not the same. You can have high self-esteem and still struggle with self-confidence. Similarly, it’s possible to have self-confidence with low self-esteem. So what’s the difference between the two, and how can you improve your self-esteem…
Anxiety
Watching someone you love battle anxiety and panic attacks can be distressing. Because you do not know what to do when someone is having an anxiety attack, you might feel frustrated. If you are in a public place, you might struggle to control the situation. The good news is, there is plenty you can do for your loved one who has anxiety. Read on to…
Relationships
You met someone new. You want to be with them, but they do not feel the same way. Now you can’t stop thinking about them no matter how hard you try. Perhaps your mind is filled with thoughts of your ex-lover. It gets so bad that some days, you can’t get much done. Unrequited love can be frustrating and leave us feeling pain, grief, or…
Relationships
What is the average amount of sex that couples in long-term relationships are having? Sooner or later, people came to the point of discussing this question, seeking the ultimate criteria and checking whether they “hit the mark.” And that’s pretty natural. Married, cohabiting, and engaged couples notice that the frequency of sex declines with time. Many are concerned and even ashamed of this fact. They…
Self-Esteem
If you were to live with someone or go for a long journey that would last decades, how important would be the nature of your relationship? Wouldn’t you want to take steps to ensure that you two could get along well in a supportive and positive relationship? In the journey of life, we are often in a long relationship with ourselves — the voice inside…
Relationships
Relationships are an essential part of healthy living because social connections are crucial for our mental and physical health. From acquaintances to romances, relationships can enrich our lives and make us happier. But at the same time, relationships can also cause discomfort and even be harmful. Healthy vs unhealthy relationships Not all relationships are going to be perfect all the time, and we all have…
Relationships
People in a toxic relationship often know that something is wrong, but they never know how serious the implications of such a union are. You might be feeling unhappy in your current relationship but keep trying to work things out because you do not want to leave. You might not define your relationship as toxic because you do not know the signs to look out…
Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are consistent unhealthy eating behaviors that affect one’s health. These disorders also affect a person’s emotions and their ability to function in various areas of life. The most common ones include: Bulimia nervosa Binge eating disorder Anorexia nervosa People with these eating disorders tend to focus too much on their body weight and image. As a result, their eating habits are negatively impacted,…
Relationships
“I hate my boyfriend.” If you’re currently feeling hatred towards your boyfriend, you may think your relationship is over. However, as many people will tell you, it happens a lot, especially if you’ve been dating for a while. Some days you love him, and other days you can’t stand him because of something he has done. However, sometimes, your feelings may be more serious. Therefore,…
Relationships
People encounter different types of relationships over the course of their lives. From being in a romantic relationship to having friends or a long-term partner, interpersonal relationships are important for people’s mental health. Understand that each relationship you engage in brings with it something fresh and a chance to grow. Of course, there will be instances in those relationships when you will feel challenged, questioning…
Self-Esteem
One of the most important life skills is understanding how to choose what is good for oneself. When you know and pursue what is good for you, you will be in a better position to make positive changes and enjoy life. When you have a better understanding of what you would like to do and what you ought to do, balancing life becomes easier and…
Self-Esteem
“I am no good.” “What if I make a fool of myself?” “I can’t do it.” If you have had such thoughts, know that you are not alone. Everyone has a phase in life where they question their abilities and self-worth. Feeling that you are not good enough is part of the human experience, but letting self-doubt overcome you is unhealthy. How do you overcome…
Anxiety
Calming anxiety is not easy, especially at the moments when you think it’s out of your control. But there are special relaxation techniques for managing anxiety that you can learn and practice regularly. You can use them when you are stressed or worried because they address your body’s stress responses and help you relax. If you practice any of them just a few minutes a…
Anxiety
Everyone feels anxious from time to time in stressful or challenging situations like sitting an exam, having a job interview, going on a first date, having financial troubles, or having a medical test. Anxiety is part of the body’s natural reaction to stress, and it can even be helpful at times. For example, it helps us notice dangerous situations and makes us ready for action.…
Anxiety
What is anxiety? Why do you feel that awful sense of dread when you encounter stressful situations? Is there anything you can do to stop yourself from spiraling out of control? Yes, there is. Anxiety is a natural and understandable reaction to situations that trigger your fight-or-flight response. Luckily for you, there are ways to cope with it. To understand anxiety, you should know how…
Anxiety
Mastering various grounding techniques for anxiety is crucial for managing anxiety, unwanted memories, negative emotions, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). After a traumatic experience, you may often have flashbacks and anxiety attacks. You may also be overwhelmed with feelings of worry and find yourself spiraling in negative thoughts. When this happens, it’s vital to get control of your emotions and focus on the present. Grounding…
Self-Esteem
Learning how to love yourself may not seem like a priority, and it’s not hard to understand why. As we’re growing up, we’re wired to think we should take care of others and treat others with love. Unfortunately, most guardians don’t emphasize the need for self-love as much. As a result, you grow up thinking that loving yourself is selfish and not something to strive…
Anxiety
Coping with anxiety can be difficult. As you face challenging demands each day, you may not know how to deal with the resulting stress. Your body and mind need help, and journaling is a useful resource. Here is everything you need to know about journaling for anxiety. What Is Journaling? Journaling is writing your thoughts and feelings. There are no rules about how you should…
Relationships
According to closure psychology, some people struggle with ambiguous ends to relationships. It is understandable – it’s devastating when someone you love leaves with no clear explanation. You feel hurt, rejected, and confused. You want answers that justify the abrupt breakup. You hope that the answers will help you to make peace with the occurrence. What is the need for closure? It is a psychological…
Therapy
Even when we clearly understand that we need to see a counselor, we might postpone this decision simply because we don’t know what’s going to happen during the session. Moreover, prior to coming to the session, we need to find a therapist that would fit our requirements and desires. And that’s quite a difficult task. But when we have answers to the questions that bother…
Love
Valentine’s Day is associated with love, romance, and enjoyment, and it’s a happy occasion for many. Yet it can be stressful for people who are single or in long-distance relationships. Displays of roses, teddy bears, and couple getaways are all aggressive reminders of how much you will miss out on. Still, it’s just one of the days of the year. While there’s tons of pressure…
Relationships
Is being aromantic the same as being asexual? Aromanticism is often confused for asexuality, but these two orientations are not the same thing. And while someone might identify as both (an aromantic asexual), identifying as either identity doesn’t necessarily mean that you are the other. This article covers the topic of asexuality and aromanticism, explaining both concepts and highlighting their differences. We also tell you…
Self-Esteem
On the surface, self-sacrifice doesn’t seem like a bad thing. When you sacrifice yourself, you help others. In addition to this, you’re considered kind, generous, and selfless. For this reason, many people have a hard time understanding why self-sacrifice isn’t a good thing. While there’s nothing wrong with being generous and coming to the aid of those you love, there’s a limit. You need to…
Love
Every day is a chance to reaffirm our commitment and affection towards those with whom we are in romantic relationships. However, on February 14th of each year, people get a chance to honor their love for each other by sending gifts, flowers, and messages of love. The ritual of showing love and affection to those we care about has a long-standing history, originating way back…
Love
When you’re in the honeymoon stage of your relationship, keeping the flame ablaze is effortless. The mere sight of the person you love is enough to send butterflies to your stomach. However, love is just the cherry on top of the cake if you want a healthy long-lasting relationship. It takes time and effort to build a lasting relationship. Therefore, if you believe the person…
Self-Esteem
Self-esteem is the way you value yourself. In essence, your self-esteem implies the opinion you hold regarding your abilities and your sense of self-worth. Self-esteem can be low, high, or somehow in the middle. It encompasses beliefs and opinions about oneself. A person is likely to have healthy self-esteem if they have an appreciative and realistic judgment of themselves, their strengths, and weaknesses. Read the…
Relationships
Relationships are supposed to be fun and relaxing, helping us to work through challenges and maintain good mental health. However, at times they can be difficult to nurture. At some stage, you could be having an amazing time and sharing wonderful moments. At another stage, little things start to annoy more than usual and arguments persist. People facing relationship crises but are still committed to…
Relationships
Abuse is not just a short-term argument between two people with insulting words exchanged. It’s a regular behavior pattern by one partner used to obtain total control and power over another one. It not only ruins the relationships but has serious negative consequences for a victim. It affects a person’s health and well-being and can be really devastating for their self-esteem, independence, and dignity. The…
Self-Esteem
Self-esteem is important for everyone because it influences all our choices and decisions and affects every aspect of our lives, including our behavior and how we value ourselves. Low self-esteem can be a problem for a number of reasons. It causes lack of confidence and can leave you feeling defeated or depressed. People with low self-esteem often make bad choices that prevent them from living…
Therapy
Somewhere along our never-ending evolutionary journey, our ancestors developed perceptions towards negative emotions. Research and studies in evolutionary biology, neuroscience, and psychology agree that anxiety and stress are feelings we developed to stimulate movement, for survival. Consequently, these emotions triggered us to address specific primary stimuli, such as danger or thirst. However, these emotions manifest on a different plane in the current human experience. Coping…
Psychology
“The nightfall has come by, so set your bed and doze off!” That’s a phrase that contains plenty of precious recollections for many humans. You possibly have a few recollections of telling it to a person you adore or the other way around. These words have quite a few characteristics that cause it to be so charming – it’s brief and lovely. It has a…
Therapy
At some stage, you may meet an individual with antisocial characteristics. Some surveys estimate that about 4% of the population are sociopaths, and most of them are men. The concept is commonly used in reference to people diagnosed with the disorder. The behavior of these people often hurts others more than it does themselves. High-functioning sociopaths can cause harm to people close to them, making…
Psychology
The MMPI is one of the most commonly used psychological tests in the world that assesses personality traits and psychopathology. Although it was created in the middle of the 20th century, the test remains popular even today, given its empirical tradition. The test has measures to check dishonest responses and to detect exaggerations. Originally created in the 1930s, the MMPI has undergone numerous updates. Now,…
Phobias
You’ve probably heard of ridiculous phobias that can’t possibly be real. For example, linonophobia – the fear of strings and everything that’s sewn. Or, arachibutyrophobia – the fear of peanut butter sticking to the roof of your mouth. There’s no way that these actually exist: they’re totally fake, aren’t they? Although the two excessive fears mentioned above are real, you still might think the same…
Psychology
Can people change? According to recent studies, personality can change throughout a person’s life, even stretching into older adulthood. People can always work to adjust the personality aspects that least impress them. The main factors influencing our personalities, values, beliefs, and behavior are genetic predispositions to specific traits, childhood environments, and life experiences. However, this does not mean that personality is always predetermined. In this…
Relationships
Personality tests have been offered for decades, and on the internet, you can access a few decent quizzes at any time. These tests are quite important as they will allow you to self-reflect. After completing these tests, you will know yourself as a unique individual and not just as a member of a community. These quizzes will also make you understand your behavior, and eventually,…
Psychology
As social human beings, we follow social norms. They dictate how we interact with each other. We are taught social norms as children, and we grow up with them. It states the unwritten rules of how we behave. Conforming to these social norms makes us accepted in our social groups. We are going to explore crucial points like how: Trying to fit into societal groups…
Psychology
Been told that you’re choleric? It could be an entrancing observation. Choleric temper is among the four main personalities ancient doctors used to categorize health conditions as well as individuals. Therefore, what does it implicate to be a choleric? The concept of temperaments was postulated by the Greek philosopher and doctor, Hippocrates. It correlates with the popular notion of the humors. The central underlying thought…
Psychology
Abstract thinking and concrete thinking are fundamentally different and can even be considered opposites. Concrete thinking typically lacks depth and involves surface concepts. On the other hand, abstract thinking involves deeper concepts. Read on to learn about the difference between concrete and abstract thinking. Key Points: Thinking will generally fall into the categories of abstract and concrete thinking. As children, we start by thinking in…
Psychology
Key Takeaways: People make themselves vomit after taking in poison or too much food; Making yourself vomit to control calorie intake is not advisable as it has many negative side effects; Talking to a professional about your urge to induce vomiting is the best way to overcome it. You are here because you are thinking about making yourself vomit. Perhaps you have just swallowed something…
Depression
Losing someone you hold dear in your heart can be devastating. Once you experience it, grief is inescapable. However, it is important to understand that grieving is a natural process and sometimes can cause overwhelming pain. Loss triggers mental and physical agony. Sorrow exposes you to a profound and an all-consuming feeling. It cannot be expressed in words. Such is a familiar experience you could…
Therapy
Career counseling involves getting advice on matters regarding choosing, leaving, or changing your career at any stage of life. Many factors come in when making such a crucial decision, and it makes perfect sense when you make your final verdict based on professional advice. Studies reveal that only 52.4% of working Americans enjoy their jobs. Bear in mind that people spend the better or considerable…
Therapy
Feminist therapy and feminism are two completely different things, and you shouldn’t disregard the former because of the latter. Feminist therapy is a treatment methodology for mental issues, and it’s becoming more and more popular. It’s regarded as the most tolerant and accepted type of mental help, and it might be the answer for you. What’s Feminist Therapy? In a nutshell, feminist therapy is a…
Psychology
Friendships are hard to come by as we get older, perhaps because people get caught up in their adulthood responsibilities, and they can only sustain a small circle of meaningful friendships. You will realize that you are not spending as much time as you used to with your friends during your youthful days. Some friendships may grow apart and become cold, and this is just…
Family
When it comes to families, conflicts are, at times, inevitable, whether it be in the form of small misunderstandings as a result of varying opinions or in escalated forms of violence. Causal factors for the conflict may be within or external to the family. Again, it is never the easiest thing to find an amicable solution, and this calls for efficient strategies on how to…
Family
Most people who struggle with finding why they hate their father know that something is wrong with their relationship. It is important for people to be in touch with their emotions, and feelings as this make a major part of mental health. The strained relationship between parents and their children is not uncommon today. It is important to address this concern, especially if you cant…
Family
Do you find yourself avoiding talking to your partner because youre afraid anything you say will bring about another argument? Are you slowly drifting apart and nothing you do seems to fix the problem? Do you wonder what will happen if you keep going like this? If this sounds familiar, and youre not ready to call it quits, it may be time to consider seeing…
Therapy
More often than not, there is something to lose when a person reacts to a conflict. Holding back the urge to respond physically or verbally will save you serious consequences. Getting into a conflict with the main person in your life can be costly and just not worth it. So, ignoring someone will keep anger and rage from escalating, and it creates a platform for…
Relationships
The idea of emotional closeness is propagated just about in every media you can think of. However, an intimate relationship isn’t just gazing into each other’s eyes and holding hands. It’s actually much more! What Does It Mean to Have an “Intimate Relationship”? If you have no idea what’s the answer to the question above, don’t worry. Instead, let’s closely examine it. In an intimate…
Depression
Not always we know how to solve complicated life situations. And sometimes, when everything feels like there is no way out of the issue, we can get a feeling that the best way is to run away from it all. Have you ever felt it? Did you even think of this: I want to run away? If yes, then you are not alone. So, lets…
Relationships
It can happen to anyone. Whether it is your boyfriend or it is an ordinary guy that you just meet, there can be a time when that person decides to ignore you. You may be head over heels in love and want to talk to that person, but at all of your attempts to communicate, the person rejects you and doesnt respond at all. When…
Psychology
Black means doom. You probably have this superstition engraved in your mindset. There is no scientific evidence that shows black connotes doom. Colors have a deeper meaning than just pigmentation. Well, there are various answers you will receive from different people. Our choice of colors influences a deep-rooted correlation with our personality patterns. Many people tend to express their emotions, feelings, and opinions with colors.…
Relationships
You may have met a wonderful girl who you would want to date and even marry. But unfortunately, she does not seem interested in being with you. She is engaged in other affairs whenever you want to spend time with her, and she also does not respond enthusiastically when you communicate. In such cases, you may not know for sure whether she lacks interest in…
Psychology
Persuasion is a very useful skill for a person to acquire. Very often, people think negatively about this word and consider it as a form of manipulation. However, its not true, and to understand what persuasion is, keep reading the article. Besides, we will tell you about how to become more persuasive in your everyday life. What Is Persuasion? This is a communication strategy aimed…
Relationships
There is no denying the fact that separation can be bitter. That said, most of the time, breaking ups are unavoidable in relationships and can have positive effects. You may be stressed wondering whether the decision to quit was the right one. Although the step may seem scary, please know that you will be fine. It does not matter whether you have been dating for…
Love
“You’ve been hurt before… hurt people, they hurt people.” These lyrics by the Irish rock band, The Script, seem so relatable. Is it true that people hurt their loved ones because someone hurt them before? Well, yes and no. Why do people hurt others? The psychology behind hurting people that you love is quite complicated. You may do it intentionally or unintentionally. Everyone expects to…
Depression
When most people think about depression, they often narrow their ideas to either regular or clinical depression. In truth, depression is a challenging concept to analyze as it is often used in reference to both symptoms and a condition. From a medical standpoint, depression can be understood to imply a disorder that leads to a persistent feeling of sadness or helplessness, typified by a profound…
Depression
Depression overwhelms a person and isolates them, such that they feel they are the only ones struggling in the world. Luckily, depression can be diagnosed, and individuals can learn to manage and even beat it eventually. In this text, we have identified some of the signs of depression and some useful tips in managing the condition. What Are Some Signs and Symptoms of Depression? Depression…
Psychology
Most of the meaningful relationships start with a light conversation. It begins with two strangers striking a simple talk that turns into a strong bond. For some, interacting with strangers is their forte. These types of people like to interact with new people outside their circle. It brings a sense of fulfillment in their lives. Also, there is another category of those who find it…
Relationships
Most people desire to have healthy and happy relationships. Unfortunately, not everyone is lucky to have fulfilling ones. Research indicates that nearly 19% of Americans are not happy in relationships but still prefer to stay longer in them. It means most people are still optimistic their unhappy relationships can turn around for the better, while others are just stuck not knowing how to handle the…
Therapy
When you meet someone for the first time, it can be challenging to keep the conversation going. On one hand, you don’t want to seem like you’re prying by asking too many questions. On the other, you don’t want to come across uninterested. So what do you do? The trick is to identify deep questions to ask someone that strikes the right balance. We’ve compiled…
Therapy
At times, it is possible to take note of people who tend to take the persona of whoever they are with at a given time. Such people tend to change their behaviors, gestures, word usage, and perceptions, making you ponder who they are. If you’ve got similar friends or close associates, their character change might have, at one time, compelled you to brainstorm on if…
Therapy
We will all die at some point, and it can be one of the most depressing realities of life. That is why most people avoid talking about death. Since we rarely engage in conversations about it, you will frequently find yourself brushing away thoughts about the subject. Most people fear the end of life, especially since no one is certain about what happens when we…
Depression
Today, many people suffer from depression and need online help for depression. Depression is a severe mental disorder that can have a significant negative impact on ones life if left alone without any professional help. It is a neurochemical imbalance in the brain. The mental issue makes a person less motivated in life. It becomes a struggle for one to get out of bed early…
Relationships
Love can’t fade away suddenly. There must have been a trigger that caused it to happen: quarrels, misunderstandings, financial problems. Usually, the main reason is the routine of family life. On the one hand, it’s good to wake up together in the morning, have breakfast, drive to work together, meet in the evening after work, and spend time together watching a movie. Of course, there…
Psychology
Can you believe that we are living in an alternate reality? The liminal space could be more real to you than you know it. Liminal space is the transitional space between the past and the future It can either be a physical liminal space or a state of the mind How we handle liminality determines what our future will become Many ambiguities come with being…
Love
Key Takeaways: Men fall in love after going through several stages. When men are in love, they affirm it verbally and through actions. Talking to a counselor can help deal with confusion and uncertainty about a man’s feelings for you. Men and women process emotions differently. Societal norms have, in part, dictated how the two genders deal with attraction, infatuation, and love. While women seem…
Depression
When you are in sorrow due to a particular loss, you face a hard time expressing your grief. The difficulty may be because you do not know how to express yourself or talk about your feelings. Grief can occur in various forms, and it arises from many causes. A few of the causes could be losing a job, being diagnosed with a threatening illness, losing…
Relationships
Ever heard phrases like girls suck at math or women are emotional beings? Well, these are some of the common stereotypes about social groups out there. As with the two examples above, stereotypes can be positive or negative. Regardless of their nature, all stereotypes are appalling. They are too general and cannot effectively describe a class of people because every person is different. This article…
Relationships
Youre past the awkward stage where you cant seem to figure out whether its too soon to call him. He expressed interest in you, and you started dating. But theres one problem. Youre not sure if he loves you or not. If youve only been dating for a while, it can be challenging to know where he stands. Its even harder if hes not a…
Therapy
Many people think that something must be seriously wrong with you to see a therapist. That is one of the common misconceptions about therapy. In fact, therapy is an incredibly useful tool that is worth trying even if you don’t have a medical problem. The truth is, you should never let things get to the breaking point before seeking help. Although therapists can help you…
Therapy
Starting therapy can be nerve-wracking even for people who have no trouble opening up. You see, it’s one thing to talk to a loved one about our troubles, and it’s an entirely different thing to talk to a complete stranger. Where do you start? What are you expected to share? These and many more questions may be going through your mind. If you’re anxious about…
Relationships
Before we get started, here are our key takeaways: Moving on when you still have feelings for your ex is hard but achievable. You need a positive mind, plus time to recover and move on after a heartbreak. Moving on requires patience and dedication, especially if you had invested a lot in your past relationship. Many factors make it hard for people to move on…
Therapy
Premarital counseling encompasses professional sessions with a licensed counselor where an unmarried couple is prepared, advised, and guided in matters about marriage. Contrary to many people’s beliefs, a couple doesn’t have to go for counseling sessions only during bumpy times in the relationship, but should rather attend them to gain insights on how to understand each other and resolve issues that might arise in the…
Family
Key Takeaways: Getting attracted to a married woman is not something to be ashamed of. You must weigh the pros and cons of acting on your feelings. Talking to a relationship counselor helps deal with the moral dilemma caused by loving a married woman. I think Ive found my soul mate shes perfect! I love everything about her except the fact that she is…
Therapy
Do you fume when your child does not obey your instructions? Do you get to feel like hitting the wall when your phone doesnt work? Well, anger can lead us to do bad things. It can easily get the better of someone who doesnt know how to control it. If you have anger issues, you need to learn to control it to avoid misfortunes. With…
Grief and Loss
Grief is universal, but also very personal. At one stage in everyone’s life, there is likely to be at least one encounter with grief. It could be related to the death of a loved one, the end of a long-term relationship, or the loss of a job. We all grieve in different ways. However, there are some common elements in the stages and the order…
Love
Key Takeaways: Body language is a reliable form of communication; Understanding female body language improves communication in a relationship; Online counseling helps men and women learn how to communicate effectively using verbal and nonverbal cues. Body language is the fastest form of communication. It influences how others perceive us because it is the most truthful language. The female body is no exception; it conveys an…
Psychology
Friendship is one of the most important things in the life of each person. We all need a good buddy by our side to have fun together, to cry together, to share all the good moments we experience. But who is a true friend? Is there a place in a friendship for disappointments and fights? Can a true buddy abandon you when you need their…
Depression
Lack of motivation is one of the main signs of depression. However, it doesnt mean that you have this mental illness. We all might have no energy for endeavors and struggle from lack of motivation from time to time. In this article, we will help you find out reasons you dont feel motivated enough. Also, we will discern the feeling of being unmotivated from clinical…
Psychology
Most individuals experience emptiness at some points in their lives, and this does not always indicate that they have any underlying issues. However, if the feeling is prolonged, it can have serious impacts on your day-to-day activities. It can significantly affect your ability to interact with other people and will decrease your performance at work. Let’s learn more about this condition. Key Takeaways: Emptiness can…
Family
Your friends are going to reunite with their moms after a long time without seeing each other. Its not the same for you. You dread these meetings. The mere thought of spending a few days with your mom stresses you out. You cant remember ever enjoying a day with her. Sounds familiar? Theres a high likelihood she is toxic. Most people raised by a toxic…
Therapy
Counseling and counselling are words referring to the same thing, just that the former is the American pronunciation while the latter is the British version. Counseling entails getting professional help from licensed counselors, a form of therapy designed to help individuals cope, embrace a positive outlook, and even find solutions to their problems. Many people question whether counseling is really essential. The fact is, life…
Relationships
Predatory behavior is one of the unhealthy toxic behavior patterns that a person might encounter in their life. A predator can be anyone around you from a colleague, to a family member, friend, or a romantic partner. If you have been wondering what predatory behavior is and how to recognize it in your relationships, keep reading. We have prepared plenty of useful information you should…
Depression
Have you ever found yourself crying for no apparent reason? It can be very alarming when you start crying but can’t pinpoint the reasons behind that have made you so upset. In most cases, when we start crying for no reason, there is a cause. Some people start crying when watching videos or reading books. Others get emotional and start crying at funerals. For others,…
Family
There is a belief that the order you are born in influences your personality. The theory was advanced by a personality psychologist Alfred Adler. However, there are differences from one family to another. Birth order is the sequence in which kids are born. If a family is made up of 3 children, the first child is called the firstborn, the next is the middle child,…
Family
Family is essential because its usually your most exceptional support environment. There was a time when a nuclear family was an established norm in the U.S. Over time, different family types became popular and widely accepted. Currently, its not unusual to grow up in a blended family or be brought up by a single parent. Regardless of the family type, you are brought up in,…
Psychology
Key Takeaways: The APA Code of Ethics regulates professional psychology by establishing standards of acceptable conduct. Having a counselor who adheres to the Ethics Code is an assurance that you are receiving the best treatment. Licensed online counselors acknowledge and adhere to the Code of Ethics in all interactions with clients. When you decide to see a therapist, you might have some concerns. A common…
Therapy
What Even Is This Benefit? Smaller Price Tag Does Not Equal Lower Quality of Service How the Application Process for Reduced Fees Occurs Regarding the Medical Coverage Plan Why You Shouldnt Feel Bad About Using the Benefit Why Web Counseling Is so Accessible Concluding Are you considering counseling, but think that wont be able to keep up with the payments? Well, visiting a therapist may…
Relationships
Relationships are always evolving. It isnt uncommon to feel that your significant others feelings have suddenly taken an about-turn for the worse. However, when that change does happen unexpectedly, you are bound to start asking some serious questions. Fear not, though. Your girlfriend might not necessarily hate you or even harbor ill feelings towards you. Hate is quite a strong word. Therefore, at this point,…
Love
Most people love animals and treat their pets like members of the family. Pets provide companionship, bring joy to our lives, give us affection, and we do everything we can to ensure their well-being and happiness. Only humans can bond so closely with members of other species and make animals part of their family. Pets are embedded into many human cultures. We give cats and…
Love
Love and sex are dissimilar things. In society, however, there are exist various perceptions of how the two relate. Some view them interchangeably and assume that love will always be present as long as sex is there. This perception can result in challenges in a relationship. Others think that the two aren’t related. They hold an opinion that even if one is absent, there would…
Relationships
How do I know whether my relationship will last? Is this the real deal? At one point in life, everyone asks themselves these questions. Getting answers is hard because love is a complex emotion. What?s more, not knowing the definition of romantic attraction throws a spanner in the works. The truth is, there are many different types of attraction. However, for most relationships, romantic attraction…
Psychology
Do you know why you behave in a certain way? Would you want to understand yourself as an individual? Adler developed a theory to help in understanding individuals and their personalities. The Adlerian theory has helped many to boost their confidence and personalities. It has also helped many therapists understand their patients. The Adlerian theory mainly states that everyone wants to feel a sense of…
Depression
Life is never constant. Your mood can always change from happy to sad in a matter of minutes. When you wake up in the morning or when going home in the evening and you feel extremely sad for no reason, your mind may be clogged with numerous questions. You should not always assume that something is wrong before you do a thorough assessment. Take time…
Love
Heres a scenario: you met a guy, there was chemistry, sparks flew, you had some dates, then he ghosted. Now youre wondering what you did to scare him off. You even start to think that maybe he doesnt like you anymore. A few days or weeks later, he calls you up with the same enthusiasm, and the cycle begins again. Whats going on? Here are…
Psychology
Sometimes, life becomes too overwhelming to bear. You lose someone you love or a job or find yourself stuck in a rut and anxious all the time. In such situations, it may feel like you’re carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders. It’s worse when everyone around you seems to be having the time of their life. You start believing no one can…
Relationships
Have you just met someone? It feels good to meet a new person and be interested in knowing more about that individual. But what do you talk about? You cant go and sit awkwardly waiting for the guy to ask you the questions while you give the answers. If you do this, then your date will be boring, and what could have turned into a…
Love
When you walk down the aisle to marry the girl of your dreams, you can’t help but have a “forever” feeling in mind. It is the person you’re going to share life and grow old with. It never occurs to any couple that the love they share may fizzle out. It happens. Marriage is challenging. As you go through the relationship, you’ll argue with your…
Family
The relationships between parents and children are never simple. There are times when parents can’t understand their children and vise versa. Or maybe they don’t want to? In this article, we will dig a little deeper into this topic. We will tell you about: Why children feel like their mother hates them Why such relationships are complicated What can be done about it Sometimes the…
Family
Main Problems The parent-child relationship becomes tense during the teenage years. Tension is caused by the teenagers self-realization and discovery of unique preferences. Family therapy is a great tool for dealing with the anger and anxiety caused by the changes. All teenagers reach a point where they ask, Why do my parents hate me, and what can I do? For most people, adolescence signals the…