Coping mechanisms are tools we use to deal with challenging or unpleasant things. People may develop a coping mechanism to manage stress, deal with pain, or address the symptoms and challenges related to trauma or another struggle. Unfortunately, unhealthy (harmful, adverse, or negative) coping mechanisms are used more frequently than positive ones. It is important […]
Anxiety and depression are listed independently in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM); there is a solid and notable link between these mental health conditions. Although it is possible and not uncommon to receive a diagnosis of either anxiety or depression, it is also equally likely to struggle with both conditions simultaneously. […]
We have all heard the saying, “you have to love yourself before….” The phrase ends often depends on the individual providing their thoughts or the situation the advice pertains to. In truth, self-love and self-compassion are vital aspects of our mental health and overall well-being. But, unfortunately, they are something many fail to give ample […]
There are many reasons why people feel anxiety. Depending on the circumstances, anxiety can arise for positive and negative reasons. Anxiety is a natural and sometimes healthy emotion. Happy events can produce anxiety. For example, moving, starting a new job, getting married, having a baby, and buying a house. When people experience anxiety for “happy” […]
At some point, we have all interacted with someone we are sure was a narcissist. We have all met that person whose personality and behavior rub everyone around them the wrong way. But while narcissism is a word used frequently to describe people with specific personality characteristics, not everyone understands what narcissism is and whether […]
Social media provides people all over the world with a quick and easy way to connect with friends and loved ones. Each year Pew Research Center provides statistics around trends in social media use. The first surveys took place in 2005. At the time, only 5% of American adults used social media programs. Within a […]
Research by The National Institute of Mental Health indicates more than forty million American adults live with major depressive disorders each year. Major depression also impacts the lives of more than two million adolescents and teens under the age of seventeen. Depression is a commonly diagnosed and highly treatable mental illness; however, many who could […]
Asking for help is challenging for many who struggle with a chronic mental health condition. To ask for help means you must admit something is wrong. For many who struggle with disordered eating or another mental health struggle, this admission or acceptance is something they would rather not discuss or mention. Asking for help means […]
Anxiety is a normal reaction to many events in our day-to-day lives. Certain situations, people, or circumstances can lead to a minor feeling of worry or apprehension about what is to come next. These things do not need to be “bad” to produce anxiety. Any event, positive or negative, can lead to anxiety. Consider childbirth, […]
Self-love and self-compassion are key ingredients when it comes to fostering your mental (and physical) health and overall well-being.