Laugh in the Face of Anxiety
Anxiety occasionally visits us all. When we give an important presentation, take a test, go on a first date or walk down a dark alley our minds and bodies naturally respond by going on high alert and attuning to the potential dangers and risks of these endeavors.
A healthy amount of anxiety prevents us from falling victim to those dangers and risks. Choosing not to go down that dark alley could be a life-saving response. But an excessive amount of anxiety can increase our risk of suffering negative consequences.
The millions of people who suffer from social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder...
Source: Psych Central - December 9, 2018 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Nichole Force, M.A. Tags: Anxiety Creativity Amygdala Humor Laughter Neuroscience Source Type: news
Depression in Men: It Looks Different Than You Might Think
There is a big emphasis in our society on men being strong and tough. They should be able to handle anything and shouldn’t struggle with emotions and feelings. They just tough it out and power through. The only problem with that is, it isn’t true. Men can’t just power through anything and the belief that you should be able to is putting you in a bad situation. When it comes to depression women are more likely to be diagnosed, but does that mean that men don’t struggle with it too?
It’s true that depression is more prevalent in women, however, that doesn’t mean that men don’t ...
Source: Psych Central - December 7, 2018 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Julie K. Jones, Ph.D., LPC Tags: Bipolar Depression Men's Issues Stigma Stress Gender Differences Source Type: news
Beware of the Dark Triad
Think of the Dark Triad of narcissism, psychopathy, and Machiavellianism as the Bermuda Triangle — it’s perilous to come near it! The traits of all three often overlap and create personality profiles that are damaging and toxic, especially when it comes to intimate relationships, where we let our guard down.
One woman was the subject of identity fraud at a time when she was very in love with her boyfriend who lived with her in her apartment. Her bank accounts and credit cards had been compromised. She was speaking regularly with the FBI and suffered extreme anxiety and emotionally stress. The authorities were unsuc...
Source: Psych Central - December 5, 2018 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Darlene Lancer, JD, MFT Tags: Abuse Narcissism Personality Dark Triad Machiavellianism Manipulation Source Type: news
When You ’ re Struggling with Self-Loathing in Bipolar Disorder
Many people with bipolar disorder struggle with self-loathing. Maybe the self-loathing starts as the depressive phase does with all sorts of awful thoughts about yourself. Because that’s how depression works: It outright lies, and inflicts pain.
You can’t do anything right. You’re an abject failure. You’re also stupid. And worthless, and no one will ever really love you for you. You are not attractive or thin or strong enough. You are weak, and you are an embarrassment.
Maybe it happens after a manic or hypomanic episode, because you feel terrible about what you did or said during that time. And the regret, rem...
Source: Psych Central - December 2, 2018 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Margarita Tartakovsky, M.S. Tags: Bipolar Disorders General Self-Esteem Self-Help Autoimmune Disease Bipolar Disorder Mood Disorder Negative Thoughts Self Hatred Self Loathing Source Type: news
Is Cold and Dark Weather a Trigger for Heavy Drinking?
There is a commonly held belief that winter conditions — that are characterized by extreme cold and low sunlight — are connected to heavy drinking.
Whenever we think of countries in Northern Europe we instantly think of sub-zero temperatures, dark clouds and polar landscapes. We also imagine its inhabitants tucked in a bar drinking their sorrows away. What creates this image is the perception that strong spirits and binge drinking are a staple of many Northern countries.
However, scientific and factual evidence shows a more nuanced picture.
Statistical Verdict
The argument that countries with a colder climate e...
Source: Psych Central - November 29, 2018 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Claudiu Revnic Tags: Addictions Substance Abuse alcohol use Alcoholism heavy drinking Holiday Blues Holiday Season Public Health Winter Source Type: news
New Research on Gambling Use Disorder
“Gambling: The sure way of getting nothing from something.” – Wilson Mizner
Who doesn’t enjoy a game of chance now and then? Trying your luck on an inexpensive lottery ticket can seem innocent enough, and might even net you considerable return. Spurred on by the lure of winning the big jackpot through television, radio, Internet, newspaper and other media ads may even prompt you to spend more than you intended. And it’s not just lottery tickets that people become hooked on but other forms of gambling as well: horse racing, slot machines, card games, sports betting. It should come as no surprise, then, that gambli...
Source: Psych Central - November 28, 2018 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Suzanne Kane Tags: Addictions Substance Abuse Source Type: news
More Anxiety Experts Reveal What They Really Want Everyone to Know About Anxiety
For something so common, anxiety is still massively misunderstood. There are myths and misconceptions about everything from what anxiety disorders look and feel like to what actually helps to treat these illnesses and navigate anxiety. Which is why we asked several anxiety experts to clear things up. Below, you’ll find their illuminating insights.
Living with an anxiety disorder can be exceptionally difficult.
Many people minimize and trivialize anxiety disorders. For instance, how often have you said or heard someone say “I’m sooo OCD about my desk!” or “I’m really OCD about using hand sanitizer”?
Such comme...
Source: Psych Central - November 27, 2018 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Margarita Tartakovsky, M.S. Tags: Anxiety Cognitive-Behavioral Disorders General Psychotherapy Self-Help Stress Treatment Anxiety Disorder Treatment Anxiety Disorders Cbt exposure and response prevention therapy GAD Ocd Source Type: news
Reasons Family Members Side with Sexual Abusers
Living with the emotional effects of sexual abuse is painful enough. Unfortunately, many survivors open up about their abuse only to find that their family members’ reactions toward them are just as painful — if not more so — than the original trauma. It may shock some people to learn that family members often choose to side with sexual abuse perpetrators and against their victims, especially if the abuse was committed within the family.
I regularly hear from sexual abuse survivors who tell me the myriad ways their families scold and reject them in the aftermath of disclosure, all while favoring their abusers...
Source: Psych Central - November 24, 2018 Category: Psychiatry Authors: MIranda Pacchiana, MSW Tags: Abuse Domestic Violence PTSD Trauma Source Type: news
How to Spot a Narcissist
Narcissists can be beguiling and charismatic. In fact, one study showed that their likable veneer was only penetrable after seven meetings. But you don’t want to fall in love with one. Over time you can end up feeling ignored, uncared about, and unimportant. Typically, a narcissist’s criticism, demands, and emotional unavailability increase, while your confidence and self-esteem decrease. You’ll try harder, but despite pleas and efforts, the narcissist appears to lack consideration for your feelings and needs.
Narcissistic Personality Disorder
Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) occurs in men than women....
Source: Psych Central - November 23, 2018 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Darlene Lancer, JD, MFT Tags: Abuse Narcissism Personality Trauma Narcissistic Personality Disorder narcissistic supply Selfishness Source Type: news
Eating Disorders and the Brain
Eating disorders are biologically based brain illnesses influenced by environmental and psychological factors. Environmental risk factors for developing an eating disorder include weight and appearance pressures, media messaging, and weight bullying. Biological factors include dieting/food exposure, genetics, neurochemistry, neurobiology, and hormones (notably estrogen). Psychological factors include stress, life transitions, identity, trauma, anxiety, depression, and substance use.
While risk factors predispose certain individuals to eating disorders, precipitating factors such as significantly altering how one eats or s...
Source: Psych Central - November 21, 2018 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Jillian Lampert, Ph.D., M.P.H., R.D., L.D., F.A.E.D. Tags: Anorexia Binge Eating Bulimia Bullying Children and Teens Eating Disorders Neuroscience Psychology Women's Issues Body Dysmorphia Body Image bulimia. food addiction Source Type: news
Tips for Social Anxiety Sufferers
Do you usually feel apprehensive around others due to fear of possible embarrassment? Do you develop sweaty palms, shaky legs or feel you have butterflies in your stomach when called up to speak before an audience? Do you feel others are constantly scrutinizing your every move with a view that’s critical of you? If so, you are not alone. You have lots of company.
In the United States alone, about 40 million American adults suffer from various forms of anxiety disorders, with over 15 million adults suffering from social anxiety, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA). The problem affects men...
Source: Psych Central - November 11, 2018 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Irving Schattner, LCSW Tags: Agoraphobia Anxiety General Social Phobia anxious thoughts Loneliness making friends Social Anxiety Source Type: news
What Bipolar II Disorder Really Looks & Feels Like
Bipolar II disorder is a less severe version of bipolar I disorder.
That’s likely an assumption you’ve already come across. Maybe you read it in an article. Maybe you heard it from someone else, maybe even a mental health professional. Author Julie Kraft has heard bipolar II called “bipolar light” and “diet bipolar.”
This is a common belief, because mania is a defining feature of bipolar I disorder. And mania has devastating consequences. Empty bank accounts. Soaring debt. Lost jobs. Broken relationships. Divorce. Car accidents and injuries.
But bipolar II isn’t less severe than bipolar I. It’s different.
...
Source: Psych Central - November 10, 2018 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Margarita Tartakovsky, M.S. Tags: Bipolar Disorders General Personal Stories Self-Help Stigma Treatment being healthy with bipolar Bipolar 2 Bipolar II disorder Depression Hypomania Hypomanic Episode Major Depressive Episode managing bipolar II disorder Source Type: news
Surprising Research on Cannabis
Much of what we think we know about cannabis may soon change as a result of new research that uncovers some surprising facts. Indeed, the topic, which can be emotionally charged, is the focus of intense scientific study. Is cannabis good for you? Is it addictive? What long-term harms can use cause? The answers to these questions are multi-layered and not always clear-cut, which is why cannabis research continues with even more urgency.
FACTS ON CANNABIS ADDICTION AND DEPENDENCE
Current estimates are that one in 10 cannabis users will develop cannabis addiction or dependence. The potency of the delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol ...
Source: Psych Central - November 9, 2018 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Suzanne Kane Tags: Addictions Habits Healthy Living Memory and Perception Miscellaneous Drugs Neuroscience Substance Abuse Source Type: news
What Helps Individuals with Bipolar II Disorder Successfully Manage Their Illness
For the first three decades of Julie Kraft’s life, every day was a struggle. “From the minute I woke up to the moment my head hit the pillow each night, my mind would spin with worries and fears—most of them irrational—about the past, present and the future,” Kraft said.
“I was anxious over every aspect of normal daily life—showering, driving, shopping, paying bills, answering the phone, school drop-offs, birthday parties. There was rarely a waking moment when my mind was quiet.”
Outside of her home, Kraft did her best to hide these struggles, which only exhausted and frustrated her more. Inside, however, t...
Source: Psych Central - November 7, 2018 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Margarita Tartakovsky, M.S. Tags: Bipolar Disorders General Self-Help Treatment Bipolar II disorder Bipolar II disorder treatment managing bipolar II disorder Source Type: news
Depression Hotline Numbers
Depression isn’t just feeling down or sad for a few days in a row. Major depressive disorder is when a person feels like there is no hope, their mood is filled with sadness and emptiness, and there’s nothing anyone can do to help them. Major depression is a serious mental disorder — one that causes a person distress in every area of their life (school, work, relationships, friends, etc.).
You can reach out and call someone today on a depression hotline number. These free national hotlines are available to anyone who calls, at any time during the day (24/7), 365 days a year. You do not have to be suicidal ...
Source: Psych Central - November 6, 2018 Category: Psychiatry Authors: John M. Grohol, Psy.D. Tags: Depression Disorders Self-Help crisis helpline crisis hotline depression helpline depression hotline Depressive Disorder help for depression Major Depressive Disorder Source Type: news
