While occasional anxiety is normal, experiencing it as a daily routine could be a sign of an anxiety disorder. Living with constant anxiety can make the simplest of tasks seem overwhelming. However, understanding your anxiety disorder type, triggers, and any coping mechanisms that may work for you can make life more manageable. It is important…
If someone you know or you yourself have recently received a diagnosis of depression, it can be difficult to know what steps to take next. The initial step in managing any mental health condition is to begin educating yourself on important aspects such as symptoms, causes, and treatment options. By researching these topics, you can…
It turns out that meditation can help with maintaining attention and keeping your brain healthy. Researchers from Trinity College Dublin study the neurophysiological connection between meditation and attention. They found that meditative breathing affects the levels of noradrenaline in the brain. This is a chemical messenger released when we feel particularly focused, curious, or emotionally…
If you are concerned about having depression, watch out for these signs. People who are depressed often have low levels of energy and feel fatigued. This is true even if they are getting enough sleep at night. Another depression sign? Significant changes in weight. This includes either gaining or losing weight. Not sleeping 7-9 hours…
Being “trapped” in a relationship is very much a state of mind. These subconscious issues can be holding you back from leaving a failing relationship: One trap is fear. The fear of losing a significant part of your role identity, (husband, wife, partner, etc.). Another fear is always having had a partner or never living…
Shy and introverted? Anxiety can affect many people. Yet, anxiety can be more common for introverts than for those who are extroverted. Indicators of introversion and anxiety One clear sign of both challenges is continually thinking of worst-case scenarios. Another sign? Your inability to be calm when you’re with others when you feel very nervous. Do…
Have you ever found yourself stressed out, only to discover that you haven’t booked the tickets for your upcoming trip or made arrangements for your child’s party? The reason why stress affects your ability to plan often comes down to mental resources. If you are consumed by day-to-day stress, it is much harder for you…
Athletes take into consideration what they should and should not put into their bodies before a workout. The same is true for meditation. The idea behind eating before meditation is to help you calm your mind. You should avoid foods that are heavy or are going to be a drain on your digestive system. Instead,…
Often, when people struggle with depression or anxiety, they keep it to themselves. Yet, the best way to get better is by seeking help from others. Seeing a therapist allows you to get things off your chest. You share things you couldn’t say to others, even your family. Medication can, too, can help get your brain…
The back and forth of arguing only leads to more anguish. However, the Initiator-Inquirer process can help couples better manage conversations. The Initiator and “I messages” The Initiator is the person who talks about one problem, not several. They use “I messages” convey their feelings and beliefs. The Initiator avoids assigning blame to the other…