Although it’s less commonly used in contemporary mental health settings than in the 20th century, the concept of neurotic behavior is still relevant, especially in relation to anxiety-related traits. While neurotic behaviors may seem intuitive at first thought, recognizing the nuances of neurotic behavior is crucial for effectively addressing its…
Separation anxiety is a set of symptoms characterized by intense anxiety when separated from a support system or loved one. If symptoms are intense enough and begin to interfere with one’s daily life, it can be a sign of a deeper issue called separation anxiety disorder — a disorder with…
The subject of alcohol tends to elicit strong reactions. Most of us have deliberated about how much to drink, what, when, and why. We might associate alcohol with friends and fun times, or with guilt, loss, and shame. Often, our feelings are mixed. But how do you know when drinking…
Depression is a common mental health condition that has affected at least 29% of Americans at some point in their lives. As a result, mental health treatments for depression have become an essential part of coping with different types of depressive disorders. Learn more about depression symptoms, risk factors, and…
Is it normal to harbor such intense animosity towards others? It is—occasionally. Hate, with its corrosive nature, defies normalcy in its consuming grip, demanding a toll on both mind and body. This sentiment, characterized by intense malevolent feelings, often stems from perceived threats, chronic disappointment, or deep offense. However, navigating…
Hey there music lover! I’m Laura, and my ultimate goal is to provide you with a compassionate perspective on self-awareness by teaching you about its nature and giving you tips to manage it. Keep reading and I’ll fill you in as we go. Let’s get started by imagining this situation:…
Psychodynamic therapy is a cornerstone of modern psychotherapy. This approach delves into the depths of human consciousness, unearthing the hidden influences on thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. This therapeutic approach, rooted in the pioneering work of Sigmund Freud and further developed by subsequent theorists, seeks to bring unconscious processes to the…
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) uses mindfulness and cognitive strategies in harmony to tackle various mental health disorders. This therapeutic approach, inspired by the pioneering work of Aaron Beck in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), combines the strengths of CBT with the enriching power of mindfulness. MBCT seeks to enhance healthy self-reflection,…
Self-esteem significantly influences our life in many ways: It impacts our self-confidence, relationships, and ability to pursue our goals and aspirations, ultimately playing a pivotal role in our overall life satisfaction and success. This is precisely why low self-esteem can have detrimental effects on our life, leading to feelings of…
Throughout our lives, we will all face certain amounts of anxiety and fear. However, when anxiety and fear begin to control someone’s life, even keeping them from going to different places or participating in certain experiences, therapeutic intervention may be necessary. When someone is plagued by intense anxiety in safe,…
College can bring some of the most precious times, offering life-changing and beautiful opportunities. However, it can also be a stress-filled time, full of change, uncertainty, and hard work. College is unique in that you are learning to function in a new academic environment as well as learning to function…
Life can get stressful and overwhelming, and sometimes our methods of dealing with it are helpful in the short term but become more problematic over time. These unhelpful behaviors are referred to as “maladaptive behaviors” or, more specifically, actions or responses that are not suitable or effective in a given…
