Dissociation is a mental process that involves disconnecting from your own thoughts, feelings, memories, or personal identity, often in response to a traumatic event. It can cause you to: Believe that the world around you is distorted or unreal Experience sudden mood swings Have trouble concentrating, remembering things, or handling intense emotions Experience anxiety or […]
Understanding Narcolepsy: Symptoms & Causes
Do you have a hard time staying awake for long periods of time, often falling asleep suddenly and without warning? If so, you might have narcolepsy, a sleep disorder that causes excessive daytime drowsiness. Below, we explore common symptoms and causes. What Are the Symptoms of Narcolepsy? As was noted above, the hallmark characteristic of […]
What Causes Shopping Addiction?
Is shopping always on your mind, whether you’re thinking about items you plan to buy or feeling guilty about previous purchases? Do you often feel a sense of euphoria after buying something, causing you to turn to shopping whenever you feel sad or stressed? Has shopping caused you to rack up credit card debt, or […]
Who Is Most Vulnerable to Anorexia?
According to the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD), approximately 9% of the U.S. population will have an eating disorder at some point in their lifetime. One of the most common eating disorders is anorexia nervosa (often referred to as just “anorexia”). Below, we explain what anorexia is and who may be […]
What Is High-Functioning Autism?
Autism spectrum disorder (commonly referred to as just “autism”) is a developmental and neurological disorder that can impact how someone behaves, communicates, interacts, and learns. Although the term “high-functioning autism” isn’t an official medical diagnosis, it’s commonly used in reference to autistic people who can speak, read, write, and perform life skills with minimal assistance. […]
What Are the Main Causes of Postpartum Depression?
Many new mothers experience the “baby blues” for a couple of weeks after giving birth—this often includes anxiety, crying, difficulty concentrating, irritability, mood swings, reduced appetite, sadness, and trouble sleeping. But if your symptoms are especially severe or persist for longer than two weeks, you might have what’s known as postpartum depression. Postpartum depression has […]
5 Summer Activities That Can Boost Your Mental Health
The sun’s out, the temperature is rising, and… you’re feeling depressed. While people typically experience the effects of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) in the fall and winter months, this condition can also cause some individuals to feel depressed in the spring and summer. Whether you have SAD or you’re feeling depressed for another reason, here […]
Understanding Post-Traumatic Embitterment Disorder (PTED)
You may have heard about post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but what about post-traumatic embitterment disorder (PTED)? PTED is a condition that produces chronic feelings of bitterness and resentment after someone experiences a negative life event (for example, being bullied, assaulted, or fired from a job). PTED may be more likely to occur if the person […]
How to Improve the Quality of Your Sleep
Do you struggle to get a good night’s sleep? If so, you’re not alone. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, about 50 to 70 million Americans have sleep disorders. Unfortunately, failing to get enough high-quality sleep on a regular basis can impact your mood, impair cognitive function, and increase your risk of […]
3 Things You Never Knew About Meditation
You’ve probably heard of meditation, a practice that focuses on clearing your mind to improve your overall well-being. But how familiar are you with it? Here are three things you never knew about meditation. 1. Meditation Has Been Around for Thousands of Years While meditation has grown increasingly popular in the United States over the […]