What happens when your perceptions – or your interpretations of those perceptions – don’t align with what actually occurs? This is known as irrational thinking, and it can undermine your efforts to live a productive and satisfying life. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to minimize your maladaptive thought patterns and adopt a healthier perspective. How to Define Irrational Thinking Irrational thoughts are mental processes that don’t lead to logical conclusions or align with objective reality. They are sometimes also referred to as cognitive distortions.  At their most extreme, irr ..read more

If you find that your happiness increases when you spend time with your dog, cat, rabbit, or turtle, you are already aware of the connection between animals and mental health. As wonderful as that temporary mood boost can be, it is just one of many psychological benefits that animals can provide. How Do Animals Help Our Mental Health? Here are just a few examples of the many beneficial associations between animals and mental health: Companionship: Loneliness can have a profound negative impact on your mental health. The connection you forge with a cat, a dog, or another pet can be an ongoing ..read more

You get nervous every time you board a plane. You usually turn your head when having blood drawn, as you can’t stand the sight of the needle going into your arm, or the blood coming out. When you have to give a presentation, you often stay up late the night before, worried about how well the event will go. Depending on the degree of psychological distress that these experiences cause, you may be living with one of the common phobias that affect millions of Americans. What Exactly Are Phobias? Phobias are types of anxiety disorders. They are characterized by excessive worry and disproportionate ..read more

There’s no entry for Peter Pan Syndrome in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). But that doesn’t mean this condition doesn’t actually exist. Throughout the nation, thousands of young adults are struggling (and failing) to establish productive, independent lives for themselves.  What is Peter Pan Syndrome? Peter Pan Syndrome (PPS) refers to young adults, typically in their 20s or 30s, who have been unwilling or unable to accept the responsibilities of adulthood. The condition is named after the famous “boy who wouldn’t grow up” from the pl ..read more

In March 2024, several prominent news organizations covered the story of Victor Sarrah, a 58 year old man from Tennessee who has a rare condition called demon face syndrome. Experts estimate that fewer than 100 people throughout the world have this disorder, which affects their ability to accurately perceive other people’s faces. What is Demon Face Syndrome? The first thing to know about demon face syndrome is that clinicians don’t use that term (not officially, at least). The clinical name of demon face syndrome is prosopometamorphopsia. The second thing to know is, contrary to what the “demo ..read more

You don’t have to wait until you’ve reached a crisis point before you take action to improve your mental health. For many challenges, a brief mental health refresh can make a world of difference. What Does it Mean to Refresh Your Mental Health? People often think of mental health in binary, extreme terms: Either your mental health is good (in which case you don’t need to do anything) or it’s bad (and you need to get treatment). The truth is a bit more complex.  As is also the case with physical health, your mental health can fluctuate depending on a variety of internal and external factor ..read more

If you have been struggling with poor motivation, low self-esteem, or diminished confidence, incorporating daily affirmations into your life could make a world of difference. 50 Feel Good Daily Affirmations  Here are 50 examples of daily affirmations that can help you overcome negative thoughts and maintain a positive outlook on life:   I am a good person, and I deserve to be happy. I deserve the same love and support that I offer to others. I am capable of overcoming whatever obstacles I encounter today. When my actions align with my values, I cannot fail. I trust my instincts ..read more

Alice in Wonderland Syndrome is a rare disorder that can involve a variety of distressing perceptual abnormalities. The name of the disorder may make it sound dream-like or even fun – but the actual experience is far from pleasurable. What Exactly Is Alice in Wonderland Syndrome? Alice in Wonderland Syndrome (AIWS) is a neurological condition that temporarily disrupts a person’s ability to perceive themselves, their surroundings, and the passage of time. It is sometimes also referred to as dysmetropsia and Todd’s syndrome. The first two experts to describe these symptoms were American neurolog ..read more

Being the center of attention can prompt an array of emotions. Some people become nervous or embarrassed, while others enjoy the occasional opportunity to bask in the proverbial spotlight. In some extreme cases, though, a deep-seated need for the adulation of others can prompt people to engage in a variety of questionable attention-seeking behaviors. When Is Attention Seeking Considered a Disorder? Attention seeking can be annoying, off-putting, and offensive. But at what point does it cease being simply inappropriate behavior and become a symptom of a mental health condition? Attention-seekin ..read more

Schizophrenia is a complex mental health condition that is characterized by impairments in a person’s ability to perceive their environment and communicate with others. For many people who have this condition, one of the more disruptive symptoms are auditory hallucinations. About the Auditory Hallucination Symptoms of Schizophrenia Schizophrenia is associated with five distinct kinds of symptoms: Delusions Hallucinations Disorganized speech Grossly disorganized or catatonic behavior Negative symptoms To be accurately diagnosed with schizophrenia, a person must have two of the five symptoms l ..read more