Mental Health Topics

Some people are innately happy and optimistic about life; however, assuming a positive mindset also takes a bit of effort. You can be more optimistic by first remembering to smile: smile at others, at your own reflection, and even when things don’t go your way. Also, practice gratitude—take a moment…

A new study from McMaster University shows physical activity may help seniors fight depression. A group of men 65 years and older followed a 12-week exercise plan, which combined stationary bike workouts and strength training exercises. After the 12 weeks, researchers analyzed participants’ blood samples and muscular strength. The findings…

Do you know someone who becomes increasingly aggressive when they drink? I do. A friend from college was always a loose cannon at the bars. The night would start out tame enough—we’d camp out at a table, typically in the corner, and chat over a couple drinks. But after John…

The audio we listen to can change how we feel about ourselves. Researchers from the University of Oxford divided 135 participants into five groups. Each group heard a different set of audio instructions. Two of these groups listened to audio that encouraged participants to be kind to themselves. The remaining…

Quick Summary A new study “Adolescent alcohol exposure epigenetically suppresses amygdala arc enhancer RNA expression to confer adult anxiety susceptibility” from the University of Illinois at Chicago says that binge drinking in adolescence can lead to anxiety in adulthood. This still holds true for individuals who stop binge drinking while…

Sometimes, symptoms of depression are accompanied by signs of aggression, which can signify agitated depression. Agitated depression isn’t a distinct depression type, but rather a clearer explanation for cases of depression that also include acts of aggression. Symptoms include your normal depression symptoms, like depressed mood and lack of interest…

People remember more while still intoxicated than they do a week later. A University of Gothenburg study recruited 136 participants and divided them into twogroups. One group drank vodka, while the other drank juice. Participants then watched ashort film that depicted a verbal and physical altercation. Half of the participants…

A coworker or superior’s display of aggression in the workplace can feel threatening and uncomfortable; fortunately, you can follow a few steps to handle this situation properly. First, consider whether you feel unsafe—if you do feel unsafe, you should talk with human resources about the event and how it made…

Kids who grow up in green spaces are less likely to experience mental health problems later. Aarhus University researchers studied nearly one million people, comparing the amount of green space surrounding their childhood homes with the risk of developing a mental illness later in life. The study found that children…

We have long disagreed over whether aggressive behavior is inborn or learned—which has led to many research efforts, including the Bobo doll experiment. This study concluded that children become aggressive through observational learning; that is, through watching someone else conduct the same behavior. However, other studies disagree—or at least note…

Assertive and aggressive behavior are two totally different approaches to communication and, often, confrontation. But one often reaps better benefits — learn about the difference between the two and which you should turn to. What Is the Difference Between Assertive and Aggressive? In my junior year of college, I spent…

Humor can improve the client-therapist relationship and overall success in therapy. A study from The American Journal of Psychotherapy surveyed 110 clients and their therapists about the use of humor in therapy. It found that clients who reported more humor in their therapy sessions also reported greater pleasure in therapy….