Many people view cost as a significant blocker when it comes to seeking mental health care services. They believe that because they won’t be able to afford treatment, there isn’t any purpose in exploring the options available to them. This misconception is incredibly harmful and is a major contributing factor for lower-income individuals not seeking help for issues involving mental health or substance abuse. Research conducted by the National Institute of Health (NIH) states that children and families in poverty are the least likely to seek help or treatment for mental health issues, citing ac ..read more

Anticipatory anxiety puts the body into a prolonged fear response state that enhances some biological functions at the expense of others. These adaptations helped primitive humans escape threats, but the brain can’t get away from the danger that exists in the imagination.  ..read more

Gaslighting is a form of emotional abuse that hinges on creating self-doubt. When someone is being gaslit, they are made to think that their beliefs and perception of reality are untrue. Those who are being gaslit feel like what they’re experiencing isn’t real or valid, which can impact their self-esteem and self-confidence. Victims of gaslighting are often manipulated into going against their reasoning and emotions and may become dependent on the person who is doing the gaslighting ..read more

Personality trait studies use the five-factor model to describe temperament and behavior. Psychologists use this modality to describe and predict how one person’s responses to situations differ from another’s. Unlike a Myers-Briggs test, everyone has varied amounts of all five personality factors—consciousness, extraversion, neuroticism, and openness. Psychologists use significant differences in trait proportions to identify broad personality “types.” While Myers-Briggs has a unique category for everyone, most people have an “average” personality type with a healthy balance of all five factors ..read more

It is normal to have occasional mood swings, especially during times of transition, pressure, stress, or loss. However, if you’re having sudden mood swings that are intense and frequent at times when you least expect them, it can be a signal that there might be an underlying issue. If you’re experiencing mood swings that interfere with your day-to-day life or are causing problems within your work, education, or relationships, it may be time to schedule a conversation with a health professional ..read more

The winter blues can be brought on by a combination of factors such as low temperatures, short days, and psychological stressors ..read more

Erik Erikson is best known for his '8 Stages of Life' theory, a framework that explores the psychological and emotional milestones we face from infancy to old age ..read more

Alcohol use disorder, formally referred to as alcohol abuse, is a common term. Alcohol dependence and alcoholism refer to struggles that patients have with substance use ..read more

The holidays are meant to be a joyful time full of light, love, and merriment. But for people living with an addiction, the holiday season can pile on added anxiety and fears of relapse ..read more

A doctor can diagnose a patient with CPTSD or PTSD, not both. CPTSD patients express the symptoms of PTSD but also struggle to regulate their emotions and cope with low self-esteem ..read more