You may have heard of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but have you come across post-traumatic embitterment disorder (PTED)? PTED is a condition characterized by chronic feelings of bitterness and resentment following a negative life event, such as being bullied, assaulted, or fired from a job.PTED is more likely to develop in individuals who have invested significant effort in achieving their...[ read more ]

Understanding RuminationRumination involves persistently thinking about negative experiences and feelings. Some individuals replay past events, while others worry about potential future situations. This pattern of thinking tends to snowball—certain mental health conditions, such as generalized anxiety disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder, can lead to rumination, which in turn can exacerbate the symptoms of these conditions. This often results in heightened anxiety,...[ read more ]

Divorce is often one of the most challenging experiences a person can face. It may require you to leave your family home, lose touch with couple friends, and miss out on time with your children. Almost always, it involves losing someone you once loved and the future you had envisioned together.Despite how difficult divorce can be, there are steps you...[ read more ]

The sun is shining, temperatures are climbing, and yet... you're grappling with feelings of depression. While seasonal affective disorder (SAD) typically strikes in the colder months, it can also cast a shadow during spring and summer. Whether it's SAD or another cause, here are five summer activities to uplift your spirits:Step outside for a new outdoor workout regimen like walking,...[ read more ]

Are you ready to take the proactive step of setting boundaries in your life?Boundaries are essential to maintaining relationships with friends, family members, and coworkers, as they can help build trust and respect. Once you've identified your boundaries, the next step is to articulate them to those around you. Here are some strategies to effectively communicate your boundaries:Clarity is key....[ read more ]

Struggling to catch those Z's? You're definitely not alone. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute reports that 50 to 70 million Americans grapple with sleep disorders. But fret not, as there are ways to tackle this. Regularly missing out on quality shut-eye can mess with your mood, cognitive abilities, and even put you at risk for serious health issues...[ read more ]

You've likely come across obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), a condition characterized by recurrent, unwanted thoughts and urges (obsessions) and/or repetitive behaviors (compulsions). However, did you know that certain factors can exacerbate OCD symptoms? Here are four potential triggers for OCD flare-ups:Stress and Anxiety: Heightened stress or anxiety levels often intensify the urge to engage in rituals to alleviate discomfort, making this...[ read more ]

The language we use towards ourselves carries immense power, shaping our thoughts and actions. This is where affirmations step in—they involve repeating certain phrases to oneself, fostering self-esteem, reducing stress, cultivating positivity, spurring action, and enhancing overall well-being.Curious about tapping into these benefits? Start by selecting affirmations tailored to your needs. Here are 10 suggestions:1.Embrace happiness: "I deserve to be...[ read more ]

Incorporating exercise into your daily routine offers a multifaceted approach to stress relief. When you engage in physical activity, your body releases endorphins, often referred to as the body's natural painkillers or mood elevators. These neurotransmitters interact with receptors in your brain, reducing your perception of pain and triggering positive feelings, akin to the effects of morphine.Moreover, regular exercise has...[ read more ]

You've probably heard of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a mental health issue that can stir up anxiety, flashbacks, nightmares, and other unsettling symptoms after going through a traumatic experience. But did you know that the mental health field often breaks down PTSD into five stages?Here they are:Impact: This phase hits right after experiencing something traumatic. It's when you might feel...[ read more ]