A great many alcoholics are also suffering from major depression. Because alcohol can feed our brain’s serotonin receptors, it can make someone feel good for a short amount of time. But eventually the person crashes and feels even worse than they did before.And this vicious cycle continues and is, unfortunately, very hard to break without asking for professional help.The Chicken...[ read more ]
For many of us, when we think of a treat or a reward, our minds turn to food: our favorite chocolate cake at the local bakery, or a big, cheesy slice of pizza. If food doesn't do it for you, you might want to reward yourself with some other unhealthy habit such as expensive purchases or overindulging in alcohol.When we're...[ read more ]
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 9% of American adults live with depression. It’s also worth mentioning that a major depressive episode is the leading cause of disability for Americans between the ages of 15 and 44.Antidepressants are commonly prescribed to treat people with moderate or severe depression. And while these drugs do offer some relief,...[ read more ]
Some people seem to be born with nerves on the outside of their skin. These people tend to be more sensitive than their parents, brothers and sisters, or the kids in their class. They can’t get through a movie (even a comedy!) or a TV commercial without shedding a few tears. The slightest bit of criticism causes them real pain,...[ read more ]
Are you a highly sensitive person (HSP)? If so, you’re not alone. It is estimated that roughly 15 to 20 percent of the population is highly sensitive. In fact, scientists now believe there is a gene behind this trait.But what does it mean to be highly sensitive? The HSP is generally defined as someone with “acute physical, mental, and emotional...[ read more ]
You may remember growing up, meeting your best friend on the playground or making friends in French class. As adults, we don't have systems built in to make friends like we did as children. We can't even reach out to loved ones for help, because while it's socially acceptable to say "I'm looking for a boyfriend", its not socially acceptable...[ read more ]
Whether you like to play soccer, basketball, or softball, joining a sports club is a great way to stay fit and make new friends. Not to mention, a sports club membership can also support your mental health beyond these benefits.While exercise is known to improve cardio health and help you build strong muscles and bones, exercise can also alleviate symptoms...[ read more ]
When we’re school aged, it’s easy to make friends. But as adults, women can sometimes feel on-guard around other women, especially in the workplace, and friendships can be harder to foster. Not only does this lack of friendship make going to work each day feel more challenging, but studies have found friendships, or a lack of friendships, has a big...[ read more ]
For many of us, college was absolutely the best time in our lives. The freedom and friendships made those four years incredibly special. But college isn’t all sparkles and unicorns. For others, college is a completely different and often negative experience.As fun as it can be, it’s also incredibly stressful, especially when it comes time to take an exam. The bigger and...[ read more ]
The modern world offers us many conveniences. Indoor plumbing and electricity make life far more sanitary and pleasant than what our ancestors had to deal with. Technology allows us to connect with people from around the world, and we can hop in our car and go wherever we want safely and relatively quickly (unless you live in a major city...[ read more ]
