Coulrophobia: An Overview of the Fear of Clowns
Coulrophobia can be categorized as a specific phobia, an irrational and intense fear related to a specific object or situation. Phobias tend to involve such an intense fear that they lead the individual to avoid certain situations in which they may encounter the things they fear. It even has the potential to heavily impact a…
How to Stop Enabling Grown Children
Once considered unusual, it is now quite common to encounter parents who treat an adult child like a teenager in one respect or another. Approximately half of the adults in the US aged 18 to 29 live with their parents (Fry et al., 2020). This might include having the child live at home rent-free, while the…
How Family Involvement in Addiction Treatment Can Support Recovery
Addiction is considered a family battle as it affects those addicted and everyone else around them. The whole household always carries the burden when one person struggles with substance use. However, involving family members in the treatment program can also enhance recovery. Here are three key support components that can significantly improve treatment outcomes. 1….
5 Tips for Choosing a Psychiatrist to Support Your Mental Health Journey
If you need a psychiatrist, choosing your provider is an important step in your journey to wellness. Whether you are dealing with anxiety, depression, or any other mental health issue, the professional you choose is a large part of your recovery and ultimately your quality of life. It is about more than credentials; you must…
Peter Pan Syndrome: What You Need to Know
Peter Pan syndrome is not a clinical diagnosis but rather a term that describes someone (usually male) who refuses to grow up, avoids personal and professional responsibilities, and displays a general unwillingness to face the adult world (Overprotecting Parents Can Lead Children to Develop “Peter Pan Syndrome,” 2007). There is also a related slang term…
What is Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy?
Rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT) is a therapeutic approach within cognitive behavioral therapy that follows the basic belief that the way people think impacts the way they feel and behave. Mental health practitioners using REBT work with patients to change the way they think, causing them to change and impact the way they feel and…
Is It Normal To Have A Crush On Your Therapist?
One of the things we desire in romantic relationships is to be heard and given space to express our innermost thoughts and feelings, which is a key aspect of the therapeutic relationship. Therapy sessions typically last an hour, providing ample time for clients to express their feelings and thoughts openly. This is precisely what therapists…
Is Anatidaephobia a Real Condition?
While there are many credible and crippling specific phobias, due to their irrational and intriguing nature, people have come up with a lot of impossible and non-credible specific phobias to entertain the public. Among these is anatidaephobia, the irrational fear that one is being watched by a duck. One of the most common conditions treated…
Is Success Anxiety Real?
The word “success” is most commonly linked to positive feelings resulting from some level of accomplishment. Most people strive for success in various aspects of their lives, including academics, work, relationships, health, and any other area they care about in which progress and achievement are visible. The list of potential areas for success can go…
How to Fall Back in Love With Your Partner
Throughout a long-term relationship or marriage, it’s perfectly normal for things to feel a little flat. Daily responsibilities, work-related stress, kids, the rhythm of life, and many other factors can get in the way of that heart-skipping-a-beat feeling you once had for each other. But as we all know, the honeymoon always eventually fades. This…
Effects of Positive Punishment Techniques
If you have ever done potty training for a toddler, behavior training for a dog, or even had cheat meals while dieting, you have engaged in a technique called operant conditioning. Operant conditioning is a behavior modification technique developed by B.F. Skinner, which uses reinforcement and punishment to shape behavior (Staddon & Cerutti, 2002). It’s…
6 Signs You Have Lost Your Identity
As we mature into adults and become independent from our parents, we develop a sense of self. This refers to the individual identity, values, and self-image that define who we are. This process often takes time and involves learning and accepting yourself by first discovering the way you organize your thoughts, how those thoughts affect…
What Is a Choleric Temperament?
People characterized as having a choleric temperament or personality are generally known as go-getters. They are active, quick-thinking, confident, passionate, strong-willed, and motivated to succeed. This categorization is based on the work of Hippocrates, a Greek physician who lived from 460-370 BC, who had a theory that connected the inner workings of the body to…
Understanding Asperger’s Relationships
Most married couples will tell you that it takes a lot of work to enjoy a strong relationship. But when one partner has Asperger’s Syndrome, keeping the relationship healthy and happy can become even more challenging. Asperger’s is a condition on the autism spectrum. Asperger syndrome is recognized as a distinct condition within the autism…
Why Loneliness Feels Different During High-Functioning Depression
While some already see high-functioning depression as a normal thing nowadays (and, unfortunately, it is quite normal), one shouldn’t ignore it just because it’s been folded into office culture, weekend plans, emotionally unavailable group chats prone to ghosting, and other places where this condition has found an ideal breeding ground. It can look clean. It…
Coping With Stay-At-Home Mom Depression
For many moms, staying at home with their children is ideal. Witnessing milestones firsthand, enjoying quality time, and saving on childcare costs are just a few of the benefits. However, stay-at-home parenting isn’t always all that it’s cracked up to be. Research indicates that stay-at-home moms are more likely to experience depressive symptoms, i.e., stay-at-home…
Stress vs. Frustration: What’s the Difference?
It can be easy to confuse the concepts of stress and frustration. After all, at first glance, these words appear to refer to similar emotions. People utter phrases all of the time, “I’m so stressed” or “I’m so frustrated,” but what exactly do they mean? Although somewhat alike, stress and frustration are terms that refer to two completely…
Conditioned Stimulus and Its Role in Psychology
Most people have at some point heard of Pavlov’s famous dog. Ivan Pavlov was a Russian psychologist famous for his study of conditioned stimuli. He took dog food (the natural stimulus) and paired it with a bell (the neutral stimulus). The bell would be rung, and the dog would be given food. After repeating this…
CBT vs. DBT: Understanding the Difference
CBT and DBT are two of the most popular therapeutic approaches among mental health professionals worldwide. Both therapy modalities utilize a modern, solution-centered, and evidence-based approach to mental health and well-being, helping clients manage a wide range of problems such as depression, anxiety, stress, addictions, and even personality disorders. Given that they rely on the…
What is Aphantasia?
Aphantasia describes a condition in which a person is unable to recall images in their mind. When asked to think of a red apple sitting on a windowsill, most people can mentally picture what that looks like. Even when prompted, someone with aphantasia is not able to visualize the image in their mind.[1] They know…
Celebrities Who Have Struggled With Depression
Designer clothes, luxury cars, and million-dollar homes can give off the impression that celebrities have it all. But for many famous people with depression, fame and wealth are no protection against mental illness. The smiles on the red carpet and charismatic interviews with the press often hide the fact that these A-listers struggle every day…
How to Identify and Treat an Anxiety Rash
We all experience anxiety and stress from time to time. While these feelings are unpleasant, they do not necessarily manifest in our bodies. However, when they’re intense, anxiety and stress can have a substantial bearing on our physical health. Common physical symptoms of stress and anxiety include headaches, fatigue, high blood pressure, and rashes. Our bodies and…
An Overview of Aerophobia (The Fear of Flying)
Aerophobia is a type of specific phobic disorder that is characterized by dread and an intense fear of flying. Specific phobias are a category of anxiety disorders in which people experience irrational and intense fear in response to certain objects and situations. A person suffering from aerophobia will feel extremely anxious when thinking about or anticipating…
What Is a Sanguine Temperament?
Many theories about personality and general psychology were developed long ago, but still hold true today. Hippocrates, a Greek physician who lived from 460-370 BC, had a theory that connected the inner workings of the body to a person’s personality and behavior. He theorized that human feelings and behaviors are connected to an overload or…
What Is Agitated Depression?
Depression is a condition impacting nearly one-fifth of the population and presenting with a range of different symptoms across a variety of subtypes. Agitated Depression is a term used to describe a subtype of depression characterized by agitation and exhibiting symptoms such as irritability, restlessness, and anxiety during a depressive episode.[1][2] In a clinical setting,…
Psychologist vs. Psychiatrist: What’s the Difference?
While the nuanced differences between psychologists and psychiatrists are extensive, the main thing that sets them apart is that psychiatrists undergo medical training and are authorized to prescribe medication, whereas psychologists do not have medical degrees and are not authorized to prescribe medication. Aside from that, they also differ in the types of patients they…
Psychodynamic Therapy: An Overview
Perhaps one of the most well-known types of therapy, psychodynamic therapy is a therapeutic approach based on the psychoanalytic theory. It aims to help patients address mental health issues by exploring their thoughts and feelings. When you hear the word “therapy,” this is probably what you imagine. That’s because it’s the predominant therapy modality featured…
What Does Depression Feel Like?
Depression is a serious condition that may impact nearly every aspect of the day-to-day life of a sufferer. It can cause the individual to experience severe hopelessness and sadness for months at a time. Contrary to popular belief, depression is about more than just feeling unhappy; it can be a devastating condition that must be…
What is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy?
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a rapidly growing form of psychotherapy. Created in the 1980s by Stephen Hayes, it is considered one of the “third wave” psychotherapies, which include dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and schema therapy. It is an offshoot of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and relational frame theory (RFT). In ACT, you want to get…
What Emotional Codependency Really Looks Like in Relationships With Addicts
Emotional codependency in relationships with addicts can deeply affect both partners. The addict often becomes the focal point of the relationship, while the codependent partner sacrifices their well-being to manage the addict’s behavior. Over time, this creates an unhealthy dynamic where one person struggles with self-worth and the other continues their destructive habits. The codependent…
How Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners Are Expanding Access to Mental Health Care in Underserved Communities
The United States faces a significant mental health crisis, marked by a growing demand for services that outpaces the availability of qualified professionals. This gap is particularly acute in underserved communities—including rural areas, low-income urban neighborhoods, and regions with large minority populations—where barriers like geographic distance, cost, provider shortages, and stigma create formidable obstacles to…
The Critical Role of Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners in Modern Mental Health Treatment Plans
The landscape of mental healthcare is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by increased awareness, burgeoning demand, and persistent challenges in access to care. Amidst this evolution, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs), often referred to as Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners (PNPs), have emerged as indispensable providers, playing a critical role in shaping and delivering modern mental…
What You’ll Learn in an Online Master’s in Counseling Program
The decision to become a professional counselor often stems from a deep desire to help others navigate life’s challenges and promote growth and mental well-being. A Master’s in Counseling program offers unprecedented flexibility and accessibility without compromising the quality and depth of education required for this demanding yet rewarding profession. But what exactly does such…
How Earning an MSW Online Can Help You Support Mental Health in Your Community
For those passionate about making a tangible difference, pursuing a Master of Social Work (MSW) provides the advanced knowledge, clinical skills, and ethical grounding necessary to become effective mental health advocates and practitioners within their own communities. The Expanding Role of Social Workers in Mental Health Care Social workers are uniquely positioned within the healthcare…
Fast-Tracking Your Mental Health Career: The Advantages of Advanced Standing MSW Programs
An MSW (Master of Social Work) is a graduate degree that allows someone to practice as a social worker. Typically, getting an MSW takes 2 years of full-time study. However, many schools offer Advanced Standing MSW programs that allow students with a BSW (Bachelor of Social Work) to complete their MSW in just 1 year….
Selective Memory: An Overview
Selective memory is a person’s tendency to remember certain pieces of information while forgetting others, often leading them to forget things like everyday tasks or events. The term is often used in the punch line of jokes, like when a spouse gets upset with their partner about forgetting to take out the trash. They might…
Can Sexual Frustration Lead to Depression?
Whether you’re single, in a relationship, married, divorced, or widowed, sex is a vital aspect of life. Any dysfunction that occurs in this area is bound to cause disappointment and frustration. Although the frustration that results from a lack of sexual activity can lead to depressive symptoms, the link between sexual frustration and depression is a…
What Is Submechanophobia?
Submechanophobia is the fear of man-made objects that are submerged underwater. People experiencing this condition are typically afraid of things like buoys, submarines, sunken ships, and other objects that sink into the ocean. Submechanophobia is among the many conditions classified under specific phobias, fears that are irrational, overwhelming, and accompanied by symptoms of severe anxiety…
Sons of Narcissistic Mothers: Do They Become Narcissistic Themselves?
Children of narcissistic mothers can be at a higher risk of becoming narcissists themselves. While all children raised by narcissistic mothers tend to be deeply shaped by their mother’s condition, the trauma and abuse experienced by sons typically differs from that of daughters (Green et al., 2020). Below, we’ll explore the potential risks, including various…
Therapy Treatments for Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety, when severe, can be highly debilitating. Even for those who experience mild symptoms of an anxiety disorder, the effects can interfere with their daily functioning and place a burden on themselves and those who care for them. Whether it is generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety, or panic disorder, it can disrupt your life physically, mentally,…
Physical Therapy’s Role in Mental Wellness Shown Through Progress in DPT Programs
Physical therapists do much more than treat injuries and pain. These skilled professionals help people of every age group – from babies to seniors – stay active, avoid surgeries, and boost their mental health. The numbers tell a clear story about physical therapy’s impact. DPT degree programs dedicate 77% of training to classroom learning, while…
How Learning Math Improves Cognitive Function and Mental Resilience
Mathematics is a subject that either sparks enthusiasm or induces dread. It’s not just about the calculations; there’s a richer significance, brain training time. Solving equations isn’t the only benefit of math. It strengthens your mind, making you more resilient to challenges. Problem-solving, adapting, and thinking logically are becoming more important. Math helps you be…
Digital Detox: How Taking Breaks from Your Phone Can Improve Mental Health
Ding. A notification. Another one. Your phone lights up—again. Without thinking, your hand reaches for it, your eyes scan the screen, and suddenly, minutes (or hours) vanish. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. On average, people check their phones 96 times a day—that’s once every ten minutes (Asurion, 2019). And while smartphones connect us, they also…
What is Intimacy Therapy? An Overview
For a couple to seek out a fulfilling sex life and build a strong intimate relationship is natural and healthy. After all, the frequency at which couples have sex is associated with happiness, as physical and emotional intimacy are essential parts of well-being. That said, there’s more to having a satisfying intimate life with your…
Dating Someone With Depression: 23 Tips From a Therapist
Depression is one of the most common forms of mental illness. According to a National Survey on Drug Use and Health, over 8.3% of people in the United States have experienced at least one episode of major depressive disorder in the past year (2021 NSDUH Annual National Report, n.d.). Depression affects individuals in a variety…
How to Identify a Covert Narcissist
Narcissists are typically associated with the more commonly known behaviors they exhibit such as arrogance, grandiosity, lack of empathy, entitlement, manipulation, and more. While these are definitely traits of someone who might be characterized as having a narcissistic personality disorder (NPD), researchers have found that people can have a more internal presentation and continue to meet…
44 Positive Affirmations for Depression to Inspire Change
Have you ever given yourself a pep talk? You may not have realized it, but you were practicing a form of positive affirmation. Coping with depression can be discouraging and debilitating. By vocalizing positive messages of encouragement to yourself, you can improve your mood and inspire motivation internally, leading toward positive change. Affirmations are a…
What Is Engaged Listening?
When engaged in conversation, most of us focus on our own thoughts and what we will say next. This habit is actually quite distracting and gets in the way of better understanding what others are communicating. Improving in this area entails engaged listening, which refers to paying close attention to what others are saying and…
The Myers-Briggs Personality Test: An Overview
Personality has always been a hot topic for psychologists and mental health professionals who wanted to shed light on the human mind’s vast complexity. When Psychoanalyst Carl Jung developed his theories on the subject, they were considered groundbreaking and paved the way for the creation of one of the most popular personality assessment tools, the Myers-Briggs…
What to Expect from Couples Therapy
In the early months of a relationship, it can seem like nothing can go wrong. Why wouldn’t you both be head over heels for each other forever? No matter what comes up, there’s nothing you can’t get through, right? While that may indeed be true at that moment, that head-over-heels part isn’t meant to last…
7 Ways to Help Someone You’ve Hurt
When you’re in a relationship with someone, you will hurt your partner at some point. You will also be hurt by your partner at some point. Whether intentional or not, it’s hard and painful when one partner hurts the other. When you’re the one who hurt your partner, it’s a tough spot to be in….
What is EMDR Therapy?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an interactive psychotherapy technique used to help alleviate trauma-related distress by encouraging patients to focus on past traumatic memories while simultaneously experiencing bilateral stimulation (usually eye movements). The goal of this treatment is a reduction in the vividness and emotional pain associated with these memories. There are multiple…
What Is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)?
Dialectical behavioral therapy is a form of psychotherapy based on the principles of cognitive behavioral therapy that focuses on mindfulness and acceptance. In addition to identifying and challenging irrational thinking patterns, DBT encourages patients to accept themselves and their reality and focus on the present moment. DBT was developed in the 1980s by Dr. Marsha Linehan….
What Is Crippling Depression?
Millions of people are diagnosed with depression every year. Depression has a range of different presentations, which are often categorized by severity and symptoms. Crippling depression is a term used to describe a type of depression that is characterized by depressive symptoms that are so severe they limit the person’s ability to function normally and…
What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)?
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a hands-on treatment that helps people understand that their thoughts are directly connected to how they feel, and how they feel is directly connected to their behavior. Recognizing this can help a person realize that if they can change their automatic thoughts in negative situations (using a variety of tips,…
Social Media and the Holidays: How to Keep a Healthy Perspective
The holiday season is overwhelming on social media. Your Instagram or Facebook feed is probably filled with perfect photos of happy family times, big gifts, and beautifully decorated homes. But don’t be fooled – what you see online isn’t always the whole story. Just because someone is posting perfect holiday moments doesn’t mean they’re having…
How to Cope With Grief During the Holidays
Grief is a complicated thing. Just when you think you have a handle on it, it pops up to rear its ugly head. And, as if that isn’t hard enough, the littlest and most unexpected things can trigger it. A distinct smell, a savory taste, or the notes to a beloved song can instantly bring…
How to Cope With Nighttime Depression
Depressive symptoms can sneak up on us and attack when we least expect it. Sometimes life events are the root cause but sometimes there is no clear reason. Common symptoms of major depression disorder (MDD) include feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in usual activities. Many who suffer from depression can function adequately…
Grounding Techniques for Coping With Anxiety
If you are having a difficult time managing the symptoms of your anxiety, you are not alone. Anxiety is one of the most common mental health problems today. People experience various types of anxiety ranging from mild to severely debilitating. Anxiety is associated with many different intense emotional states. It can be difficult to focus…
8 Tips For Saving a Failing Relationship
If you’ve been involved in romantic relationships that have come to an end, you are likely familiar with that feeling you get when you realize things are going south. Maybe you and your partner spent time trying to fix the relationship to no avail. It’s difficult and even painful to watch your relationship struggle and…
What Is Spectrophobia?
Spectrophobia refers to the fear of mirrors. This fear is not limited just to the mirrors themselves, but what people see reflected back at them. Spectrophobia is classified as a specific phobia, a category of anxiety disorders in which people experience irrational fear in response to certain objects and situations. Many times, this fear can…
How Do You Know if You Have a Damaged Vagus Nerve?
The vagus nerve connects the brain to almost every major internal organ. It plays an important role in regulating physical and emotional health. This system supports the body to regulate stress responses, such as heart rate, sleep quality, and digestion. Damage to the vagus nerve can interrupt or alter these processes, causing negative health symptoms….
What Is Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a severe psychological response to a traumatic event. Those suffering from this condition experience disturbing thoughts and feelings about their trauma long after it has passed. A common condition treated by mental health professionals, PTSD can interfere with a person’s daily functioning at work and home. What Causes PTSD? Even…
Dealing With an Overbearing Mother
As an adult, dealing with an overbearing mother can feel like an impossible challenge. If you are reading this, you may be familiar with exactly what that means. She doesn’t approve of your significant other or your friends. She comments on everything from your hairstyle to your weight. She constantly adds her two cents about…
Semantic Memory: What is it and Why is it Important?
Scientists have been studying how human memory works for years to figure out how memories are stored short and long-term and what the functions and purpose of memory storage are. When we think of memory we think of how our own experiences in life get stored in our brains and how those memories of the…
Fluid Versus Crystallized Intelligence
Intelligence is one of the most talked-about subjects in psychology. What comes to mind when you think of intelligence? Is it the accumulation of facts? Or, the ability to solve complex puzzles? Intelligence is more complicated than that. There are two main types of intelligence: crystallized and fluid. In the 1940s, psychologist Raymond B. Cattell…
Depression and Anxiety Chat Rooms: An Overview
If you have experienced depression or anxiety at any time during your life, you know that it can be hard to manage alone. The symptoms can make it hard to function in your everyday life to such a degree that even getting out of bed can prove to be a difficult task, much less going…
The Benefits of a Long-Distance Relationship
We’re told that getting into a long-distance relationship is a bad idea. But research says that may not be true anymore. It’s reported that 75% of college students in relationships and 3 million adult couples live apart from their partners (Long-distance Relationships Can Form Stronger Bonds Than Face-to-face Ones, 2013b). People in long-distance relationships have…
What Is Trypophobia? Definitions, Signs, and Treatments
Trypophobia is disgust or fear of small holes or bumps, such as the holes in sliced bread, a cheese grater, strawberry seeds, honeycombs, skin problems, spotted animals, showerheads, and even some flowers. The origin of the name comes from the Greek word “trypa,” which means “hole” or “drilling.” Despite its fairly common occurrence, the American…
Is Online Premarital Counseling Effective?
Ask any married couple and they will tell you that marriage is hard work. Even the happiest couples have arguments and struggle every once in a while. But the joys that come from a loving partnership make the extra effort and compromises all worthwhile. Many couples find that premarital counseling is a beneficial and positive…
Eating Disorders: An Overview
Eating disorders are a type of illness characterized by a severe disturbance in eating behaviors and thoughts and emotions related to food and eating. People with eating disorders typically become preoccupied with food and their body weight. They also tend to experience distortions in body image. Eating disorders affect people of all ages and social…
Is Mental Illness Genetic?
Nearly one in five American adults will experience a mental health disorder during their lifetime. This includes all levels of severity, from mild to serious mental illnesses. While the US is among the countries with the highest rates of reported mental health disorders, it is by no means an outlier, as roughly 10% of the…