There is a very old saying that says, “Don’t cut off your nose to spite your face.” This is a warning to people to not act out in anger or resentment because you only end up harming yourself. Over time, these feelings of resentment can build until the individual develops feelings of depression or anxiety.While forgiving others who have hurt...[ read more ]
Everyone worries from time to time. But if you find yourself worrying on most days for at least six months, you may have a condition known as generalized anxiety disorder. People with this disorder often worry excessively about everyday issues, such as their:HealthFamilyWorkMoneyWhat Are the Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder?The hallmark symptom of generalized anxiety disorder is constant, uncontrollable worrying....[ read more ]
Also known as “social phobia,” social anxiety disorder causes someone to intensely fear normal social interactions. This is more than shyness or a fear of public speaking—someone with social anxiety disorder excessively worries about being judged during everyday situations such as making eye contact with someone or talking to a stranger. They may be reluctant to attend school, work, a...[ read more ]
Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder that causes someone to excessively worry about leaving an environment that they consider to be safe (in many cases, their home). Oftentimes, individuals with this type of anxiety are concerned that they won’t have help available to them when necessary, or that they won’t be able to escape a dangerous or embarrassing situation. Someone who...[ read more ]
You’ve probably heard of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (more commonly referred to as “ADHD”). This very common mental disorder often causes difficulty focusing, excessive movement, and poor impulse control. But did you know that ADHD may also increase creativity?Researchers are still working to determine whether there’s a definitive link between ADHD and creativity, but many studies suggest that individuals with ADHD tend...[ read more ]
Many people throw around the term “narcissist” very casually, using it to describe an individual with high self-esteem rather than one who actually has narcissistic personality disorder. Below, we explain what narcissism is and how it differs from self-confidence.What Is Narcissism?Narcissistic personality disorder is a mental health condition characterized by an excessive need to feel important and impress other people....[ read more ]
If you’re often overwhelmed by worry, you’ve probably looked into steps you can take to relieve your anxiety, and you might have come across something known as “stress baking.” Does baking really help reduce anxious thoughts? For many people, it does! Here are a few reasons why baking can be a great stress reliever:Baking forces you to focus on step-by-step...[ read more ]
Have you considered attending group therapy? During these sessions, a therapist leads a small group of patients in discussion, encouraging them to share any issues they’re experiencing and offer each other advice. Group therapy sessions often focus on a specific issue, such as improving social skills, recovering from addiction, or coping with the loss of a loved one. While group...[ read more ]
Has one of your friends or family members been diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)? Below, we explain what OCD is, and we also offer tips for what you can do to support your loved one as they deal with this condition.What Is OCD?Obsessive-compulsive disorder causes someone to have recurring, unwanted thoughts and urges (obsessions) and/or perform repetitive actions (compulsions), often...[ read more ]
You’ve probably heard about the many benefits that nutritious foods can offer for your physical health—for example, eating a healthy diet can strengthen your bones, support your immune system, and lower your risk of developing cancer, heart disease, and various other conditions. But did you know that your diet can also affect your mental health? Below, we discuss how your...[ read more ]