Mental Health Topics

Let’s say you blew it on a first date. Or meeting your significant other’s parents didn’t go as planned. Whatever the case, a bad first impression has left you feeling hopeless. What now? Instead of ruminating over the uncomfortable encounter, follow these three steps to recover. One, calm down. You’re…

Numerous methods of therapy and spiritual practice discuss mindfulness. Dispositional mindfulness (also recognized as trait mindfulness) is a category of consciousness that has lately, been given more serious research attention. It is defined as a keen awareness and attention to our thoughts and feelings in the present moment, and the…

A study ran by a Canadian researcher found that passion can be divided into two types:  harmonious and obsessive. Dr. Robert Vallerand states that harmonious passion is present when we partake in an activity that we adore and feel pleased both throughout the activity and once we complete it.  When…

Dating can be intimidating. But if you follow a few rules, you can up your dating game and actually find romance. Here are four tips: One, plan fun dates. This first tip is simple: structure your dates around activities you actually enjoy. For example, instead of going to dinner and…

There are many practices for stress relief, like meditating, journaling, and deep breathing. But one underrated technique deserves our attention: humor!  Humor helps with stress reduction by relaxing muscles, eliminating distressing emotions, and adding perspective. Here are 3 tips for using it to your benefit: One, access your favorite quick…

Small talk can exacerbate social anxiety or simply make us feel uncomfortable; however, doing it well can aid success in our personal and professional lives. Get good at small talk by first asking questions; have a few generic questions handy to ask new friends or colleagues and tune in to…

Breaking up is hard. Breaking up when you live together is harder. Here are three steps for doing so as painlessly as possible: One, be as honest as you can during the breakup. Clearly and respectfully communicate why you want or need to end the relationship. This will lessen the…

Many people don’t respond well to criticism; however, when we learn how to accept and respond well to criticism, we can use it to our benefit. Here’s how: First, stop yourself from reacting right away. Our first response to criticism isn’t usually productive, but defensive. Then, remind yourself that most…

The other day, I was at an appointment when I overheard an employee talking with the receptionist.  The employee’s boyfriend bought her an anxiety cube. Obviously, I was intrigued when I heard her say, “anxiety,” and I questioned if she suffered with it a lot.  She answered with a reluctant,…

Matt opens the fridge for a beer after a long day. He has an overwhelming desire for the good feeling that the first sip brings him. It’s an urge that doesn’t assist Matt down the road, as it is harmful to his well-being and the relationships that mean the most…

One of my past clients had a history of bullying back in high school.  He said that terrifying other kids was one of the few times he felt empowered and tough. This particular client was abused by his father, and in order to alleviate the pain he felt, he took…

Marriage is a major commitment, and many of us wonder how we’ll ever know the time is right—a few signs can help us find clarity.  First, true love, dedication, and effort are needed to make a relationship last; if these are apparent in your relationship, you are on the right…