Loss is a universal human experience, and the grief that follows is profoundly, sometimes overwhelmingly, painful. Though grieving is a natural part of healing, some people may turn to potentially harmful coping mechanisms to deal with their emotions. One of the most concerning of these is the use of drugs or alcohol. The link between…
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing is a leading evidence-based therapy. Originally developed to treat post-traumatic stress disorder, this method has evolved and broadened its reach, helping people with other mental health challenges reclaim control over their lives. But what can you expect during an EMDR session? How does it channel the power of the human…
In May 1949, Mental Health America launched Mental Health Month to raise awareness and remind people that we can take positive actions to improve people’s lives. Learn about the negative impacts of stigma related to mental health and how we can educate others and promote change. Understanding Stigma and Its Effects Stigma happens when people…
Having a narcissist in your life can be challenging. While many people have narcissistic traits like self-importance and entitlement, people who meet the official diagnostic criteria for narcissistic personality disorder are emotionally draining, manipulative and need constant admiration. Ways to Tell Someone Around You Is a Narcissist Narcissistic people have high self-esteem and crave the…
Ideally, all your relationships would be positive, affirming and leave you feeling good about yourself. Unfortunately, that isn’t always the case. Some toxic people prey on low confidence and self-esteem. In the worst-case scenario, these emotional vampires make you feel unlovable. Others gradually chip away with snide comments that make you feel bad about yourself.…
A leading characteristic of depression is a persistent sense of apathy, as if nothing you do matters and there is no joy in your life. While occasionally experiencing some level of apathy might not be cause for concern, ongoing sadness and an inability to take pleasure in things could signify that you have major depressive…
Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world, coming in second only to water. The boost that this drink provides often helps people wake up and get ready for the day. However, consuming caffeine in high doses can have an unintended effect, leading to restlessness and anxiety. This experience is relatively common…
When life gets busy or starts to feel stressful, cleaning can become less of a priority, resulting in a messy home. This is something that many people experience during difficult periods, but when is this something to be concerned about? Sometimes a messy house is simply a sign of busyness, but it can also indicate…
Mania is a condition that causes someone to display a noticeably heightened level of activity, energy and mood. If you’re experiencing a manic episode, you may feel a euphoria that puts you on top of the world. Talking quickly, sleeping very little, being easily distractible and having delusions of grandeur are also symptoms of mania.…
It’s not always easy to make positive choices in life. Sometimes, these decisions feel impossible, especially if someone feels helpless in a situation. People naturally wonder if our circumstances can be changed and become discouraged when they face hardships. However, living in a state of learned helplessness is often debilitating and can contribute to the…