Abandonment issues are a coping mechanism that often forms during the course of a stressful or traumatic childhood upbringing. Although abandonment issues are often formed in childhood, the full extent and damage of their long-lasting impact are often not presented until the individual attempts to form interpersonal relationships in adulthood. …
Let me paint you a picture. It’s 2 pm on a Wednesday afternoon, and you’re feeling stressed out, yet bored. You’re eating your lunch at your desk because you want to give off the impression that you’re working hard. You take a personal phone call and pretend to be speaking…
Red flags in romantic relationships are a popular subject—but what about our friendships? Friendship red flags are real and can be an indication that your friendship is toxic or at least needs some work. If you spot manipulative or controlling behavior in your friendships, it’s important that you set boundaries….
The human-animal bond is so deep-rooted and self-evident that most scientists neglected to study it for decades. We now know that the loving relationships between domesticated animals and humans are bidirectional, bestowing health benefits on both man and beast. Though only some pets are officially called emotional support animals (ESAs),…
Humans haven’t yet adapted to facing their own reflection all the time, whether they’re looking into mirrors, taking selfies, or talking to their coworkers on Zoom. People now ask cosmetic surgeons to make their faces look more like their Instagram filters. Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a serious mental health…
This year, “Hot Girl Summer” has a different meaning — in a post-pandemic world, it’s about self-assurance and self-compassion as we face what we’ve been through and acknowledge the mental challenges ahead. There are (at least) five mental obstacles that we have to navigate during our reemergence, one being anxiety:…
On the surface, the fitness guru you follow is inspirational—but they’re also driving unhealthy, relentless exercising into some of their followers. What about the diet teas or fizz drinks that everyone is drinking (according to the influencers you follow) in order to lose weight? How about the waist trainers they…
Social media is often frowned upon for its harmful impact on teens—but the truth is that there are both pros and cons to their social media use. One pro is that social media encourages friendship and interpersonal connection: It helps teens fulfill their social needs. Also, it helps kids learn…
Many of us scroll through social media on a daily basis—and our self-esteem takes a hit in the process. Why? Because social media is a highlight reel. In other words, people usually only share things like positive news and the most flattering of photos. As a result, we sometimes feel…
Various mental health trends emerge among different groups of people: for example, men are more likely to develop substance abuse than other groups. When it comes to young women, there are three significant trends that emerge: first, these individuals often have a low self-esteem and body issues. They can address…
Many of us realize that spending too much time on social media can be harmful—for example, it can damage self-esteem. Recent research explored this consequence and found a link between increased use of social networking sites and women adopting “the thin ideal.” This study analyzed over 1,800 females of various…
Anger is a natural emotion that stems from a perceived threat—to our physical or emotional wellbeing; our self-esteem or self-worth; our resources such as our finances, time or belongings; or those we love. Additionally, it’s a reaction to and a distraction from other negative feelings such as anxiety, fear, shame,…