After experiencing a traumatic or emotionally scarring event, the fear, pain, and helplessness felt in that moment can linger and affect someone’s life in the weeks and months after it happens. This reaction is completely understandable, as events like those are extremely harmful and can certainly change the life of…
Antidepressants are a widely prescribed class of medication that works to treat the symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other conditions. Two types of antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), are some of the most popular. SSRIs and SNRIs both work by increasing the amounts of…
Almost everyone has had times when they burst into tears and they have to ask themselves, “Why am I crying?” Emotions can seem to hit randomly with no clear reason behind them, which can leave you confused, surprised, or even frustrated. However, emotions are a product of situations, conditions, or…
It is entirely natural to experience a range of emotions after a traumatic event. Most people recover from these initial reactions and feelings within a few weeks. However, if you have ongoing problems, there could be something else going on, like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This practical guide will help…
This past year, you (and fellow Thriveworks.com readers) read our articles 3,920,946 times — for a total of 2,940,710 minutes or 49,011 hours! That’s a lot of reading and learning about your mental health. We couldn’t think of a better way to spend your time — but we did wonder…
Every person has challenges. As does every couple and every family. Together, that’s a lot of challenges! Which is why marriage and family therapy exists. Licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFTs) are mental health professionals who are trained in psychotherapy and family systems. They’re able to help people through the…
As the holiday season approaches, many of us feel happy, excited, cheerful, and… stressed. Despite the picture-perfect photos on Instagram (highlight reels) and cheery (more like cheesy) Christmas cards, holidays are stressful. Between traveling, cooking lavish meals, and making small talk with distant relatives, you’re bound to feel overwhelmed. That’s…
Personality disorders are characterized by problematic thought and behavioral patterns. Sometimes, these thoughts and behaviors appear odd or eccentric – at others, they’re dramatic and unpredictable. But with dependent personality disorder, and other cluster C personality disorders, they’re rooted in anxiety and fear. Let’s learn more about what dependent personality…
Fear is built into our biology. In fact, it keeps us safe — alerting us to danger and saying, “Hey, you need to be careful,” or, “Heads up, be ready for this.” A phobia, on the other hand, is an excessive or irrational fear. If you experience intense fear and…
Stress is unavoidable. It’s a universal response to challenges that threaten our health and well-being — some of the most common stressors being job loss, divorce, and the loss of a loved one. When confronted with a stressful event, we might feel frustrated, worried, nervous, or angry; we might lose sleep…
Just as physical health is supported by proper diet, exercise, and rest, our mental health is just as multi-faceted. Mental health consists of our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. In recognition of the importance of mental health awareness and treatment, World Mental Health Day is celebrated annually on October 10th. …
September marks the end of summer and the beginning of fall—a favorite time of year for many. Our sports teams are gearing up for action, and the holiday season draws closer. As much as there is to look forward to, there’s just as much to keep in mind: After all,…