Understanding the Difference Between PTSD and Trauma
The American Psychological Association (APA) defines trauma as “an emotional response to a terrible event like an accident, rape, or natural disaster.” It often results in anxiety, dread, and tension. Whether witnessing or personally experiencing it, these reactions are normal. Circumstances that can cause the response of trauma can be a single event or multiple […]
How Stress Can Lead to Depression
The daily challenges of life can lead to increased stress levels for adults. In our ever-changing world, stress is nearly impossible to evade. A 2020 study by the American Psychological Association (APA) showed that two in three adults (67%) have endured heightened stress levels since the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, nearly eight in ten adults stated […]
The Co-Occurring Disorders of Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)
Dealing with intense amounts of worry and/or stress can result in moments of dissociation. This condition comes as the mind’s natural coping mechanism of “pulling away” when one endures too much pressure too often. Dissociative disorders are defined as mental illnesses “characterized by an involuntary escape from reality.” This cognitive pullback looks like a “disconnection […]
What Are the Hidden Signs of Anxiety?
Everyone experiences anxiety sometimes, it is a natural human response to certain events like meeting a difficult deadline or feeling stressed about a financial situation. Feeling stressed, worried, frustrated, or overwhelmed is common during tough times. Usually, we feel anxiety in direct response to a certain situation, and when the situation has been resolved, the […]
Healthy Hobbies for Depression
Having a hobby can be a fun and exciting addition to your daily life. Learning a new skill or developing a new interest can do more than just exercise your brain. Studies have shown that healthy hobbies can actually assist in improving your overall mental health. The boost to your mental state helps alleviate conditions […]
How Does Talk Therapy Treat DID?
Dissociative identity disorder — also referred to as DID — is a severe mental health disorder. You may sometimes hear DID referred to as multiple personality disorder. Although rare, those who experience DID have two or more distinct personalities. This condition can affect how an individual navigates their daily life and how they interact with […]
How Mindfulness Can Be Used to Manage Dissociation
Living with dissociation can be like living in an alternate universe. You’re in a world where you struggle to remember what day it is and have difficulty staying present in conversations. Days and nights blend, leaving you feeling lost and confused. Dissociation is a mental process where a person disconnects from their thoughts, feelings, memories, […]
How to Help Someone Having a Manic Episode
Living with someone experiencing a manic episode can be difficult. Manic episodes can interfere with everyday life and hinder the quality of relationships. Likewise, finding help for a loved one dealing with manic episodes can be just as difficult. One may not know where or how to approach this subject in a constructive and safe […]
Living with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
Many people with borderline personality disorder (BPD) often encounter difficulty with relationships, mood swings, and abandonment issues. However, this does not mean a person with this disorder cannot live a healthy life. In fact, several people diagnosed with BPD are high-functioning individuals. Living with someone that has BPD can be extremally difficult if the condition […]
9 Effective Coping Strategies for Major Depressive Disorder
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a mental health condition characterized by a persistent depressed mood. Major depression is a common mental health disorder. The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that around 21.0 million adults in the U.S. have experienced at least one depressive episode. Symptoms of MDD include: Persistent feelings of sadness Loss of […]
