If you’ve ever felt too much in your feelings and you can’t move on from negative, intrusive thoughts, you might be experiencing rumination. People who ruminate seem to be at higher risk for multiple psychiatric disorders, including depression and anxiety. Rumination appears to be caused primarily by difficulties in shifting…
A recent study showed a connection between monthly cash gifts to low-income mothers and enhanced cognitive development in their infants. Financial well-being can contribute to healthy development in children by alleviating parental stress and the cognitive effects of toxic stress. Children who experience toxic stress are at increased risk for…
When you think of the gastrointestinal tract, you might not immediately think of emotions and mood disorders, but the worlds of GIs and psychologists are starting to collide in important ways. The all-important gut-brain axis refers to the communication pathways between the central nervous system and the enteric nervous system….
If you want to get a quick picture of what a refugee or asylum seeker might feel, put yourself in their shoes for a moment: What would you carry if you had to leave your home abruptly, perhaps forever? Everyone is one major humanitarian crisis away from refugee status, no…
Stress, poor sleep, and a shortage of alone-time can all be creativity killers–and it’s a rare artist who doesn’t feel stuck, frustrated, or burnt-out right now. But the creative brain is characterized by its ability to widen its perceptual field and invite new experiences. The creative brain draws meaning from…
Infertility is often experienced as a crisis, and women tend to carry more of its physical and emotional burden. Some coping strategies are more compatible with fertility treatment and infertility depression than others. Though psychologists usually discourage avoidant and escapist strategies, active distraction can reduce stress. More people benefit from…
There’s a difference between self-soothing and self-care. The former offers short-term relief while the latter can contribute to greater wellbeing that lasts. Self-care for parents isn’t the same as me-time or self-improvement. It’s sustainable, nourishing, and compassionate. Checking in with yourself doesn’t have to feel like another chore, and you…
Americans love to drive—70 billion hours every year are spent driving in the US with 86% of us choosing to commute to work in our personal vehicles over other forms of transportation. Despite the prevalence of our car culture, we might be driving ourselves into a corner. Driving (and even…
Even though most of us are comfortable with binge-watching a TV series, the thought of playing video games might seem out of the question. Part of our hesitancy comes from the stereotypes that we hold about gaming and those who play—but our outdated misconceptions shouldn’t hold us back from picking…
The holidays are often portrayed as a time of happiness surrounded by family and friends, but for some it can be a more difficult time. Especially in times of pandemic, when social distancing may cause physical separation, communication can become more strained causing feelings of isolation, loneliness and guilt. Within…
Opposing political views can stir up conflict in your relationship and ultimately drive a wedge between you and your partner. Before you engage in a political discussion with your partner, press pause and consider the best way to approach the conversation or if it’s worth having at all. Also, try…
Fredericksburg, VA. 10/20/2020 — Amid a jarring presidential election and an overall difficult year, US adults in counseling are feeling stressed, fearful, depressed, and/or hopeless about the election. This, according to a survey conducted by Thriveworks Counseling and completed by 275 mental health professionals. Are your clients talking about election-related…