Disorders

We’ve probably all had moments where it feels like our brain is lagging like an early 2000s computer. Sometimes it’s easy to blame that brain fog on a particularly stressful week at work or a couple nights of poor sleep. Other times, the reason for your hazy mind is less…

If you’ve been online in the last few months, you’ve probably heard about “Heated Rivalry.” The Canadian series has become an unexpected smash hit with more than 10 million viewers in the U.S. alone. The show follows two professional male hockey players—Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams) and Ilya Rozanov (Connor Storrie)—who…

Mental disorders are health conditions that impact a person’s thinking, emotions, or behavior—or some combination of the three. They can cause distress and/or impair one’s ability to function, whether that be socially, occupationally, or in some other dimension of life. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), about…

Every year, nearly 30 million people in the U.S. experience a major depressive episode. It’s one of the most prevalent mental health conditions, but did you know there are different types? There are eight total, and though they might look similar, they each come with their own distinct causes and…

Imagine attending a party where every conversation feels like a performance you’re failing. Your heart races as you walk through the door. You’re convinced everyone is staring at your outfit, judging your awkward small talk, or noticing how your hands shake when you reach for a drink. After forcing yourself…

Picture this: You’re at the grocery store when someone ahead of you erupts into a screaming rage over a simple checkout delay. Or maybe it’s closer to home: A friend who seems calm one moment, then explodes into violent anger over something seemingly trivial, leaving everyone around them shaken and…

We’ve all encountered someone who seems overly self-focused—maybe they always steer conversations back to themselves or make decisions that seem pretty self-serving. It’s tempting to call that behavior “narcissistic,” especially since the term has become so common in everyday conversation. But there’s actually a crucial distinction in psychology: having narcissistic…

Hyperfixation is a unique state of mind that goes far beyond a simple hobby or interest. Unlike casual interests, hyperfixations are intense, obsessive, and persistent—often taking precedence over everyday tasks and responsibilities. While commonly linked to conditions like ADHD, hyperfixation can happen to both neurodivergent and neurotypical people, shaping how…

We all want to feel like we belong, whether it’s with friends, family, or coworkers. But since everyone’s brain, personality, and quirks are unique, there’s no single “right” way to fit in. But sometimes we find ourselves toning down or hiding parts of who we are to blend in more…

Grief is a normal human response to the pain of losing someone. It can be brutal, anguished, disorienting, maddening, enraging, and lonely.  But ultimately, most people will emerge from grief. They may feel forever changed; however, many find meaning in their lives again. Those difficult feelings eventually make way for…

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is the current diagnosis for what may also be called chronic alcoholism, alcohol addiction, alcohol abuse, dipsomania, and alcohol dependence. This comprehensive look at alcohol use disorder will provide an in-depth explanation of the disorder, its causes, diagnostic criteria, symptoms, and treatments. 

Why is there a bipolar 2 and a bipolar 1? There’s no depression 2 or depression 1. There’s no anxiety 3.0. What makes bipolar disorder (formerly known as manic depression) different? The quick answer is that people with bipolar 2 have enough variation in their symptoms from type 1 bipolar…