The sense of fear that comes from someone or something posing an immediate threat to your well-being or survival is a rational fear. Whether that threat is a vicious dog or a burglar with a gun, fear is meant to compel you to take actions that increase your chances of survival. When you experience extreme […]
Author Archives: Kristina Robb Dover
19
Jan
Jan
Humans are social creatures; we automatically mirror each other’s mannerisms and emotions and even brain activity during interactions, and numerous studies show correlations between happiness and social connectedness. While not everyone needs or desires the same level of socialization, it remains a key component for life satisfaction. It’s not unusual to feel uneasy about new […]
16
Jan
Jan
There are many energy and brain wellness options in the supplement aisle in drug, grocery, health, and vitamin stores. Some even tout “cures” for depression and other mental health issues. But are there over-the-counter mental health medications that may help ease some symptoms? Do they work? What are some of their effects? Overview of Over-the-Counter […]
11
Jan
Jan
Air travel is a modern marvel that puts the entire world within reach. No matter where you are, you’re just hours away from being immersed in another climate and culture. Millions of Americans fly every year, and statistically, flying is significantly safer than driving. Despite the thousands of flights that take off in the United […]
Millions of people struggle with anxiety every day. Yet, when you’re in the middle of an anxious episode, it often feels like you’re all alone. Whether you’re sitting awake at night, thoughts racing through your mind, or feeling the weight of worry in your stomach in the middle of the day, anxiety can strike at […]
09
Jan
Jan
Occasionally, you may hear about or maybe even see someone streaking nude at a sporting event or some other public activity. In these instances, the indecent exposure may seem harmless and even funny. At other times, though, the intentional act of showing one’s sexual organs in public causes harm to others, has serious personal consequences, […]
07
Jan
Jan
Trigger Warning: The topic of this article may be triggering for some readers. Caution is advised. Stories about individuals inflicting harm on themselves may be difficult to hear. But these occurrences are both a cry for help and a reminder that much more must be done to increase self-harm awareness and how people can help […]
05
Jan
Jan
Anger is a strange and complex emotion. Some experts view anger as an extension of the fight-flight-or-freeze response. By reducing other behavioral, cognitive, and psychological functions, anger allows us to face certain dangers more effectively. At the same time, too much anger can isolate someone socially, cause them to lash out at loved ones, or […]
04
Jan
Jan
Fear plays a critical role when it comes to our survival, motivating us to maintain a safe environment and minimize exposure to threats. While a certain dose of fear is healthy and beneficial, occasionally, this emotional response kicks into overdrive and becomes disruptive. In general, the more control over our environment we have, the safer […]
31
Dec
Dec
For many people who live with a mental illness, cracking the code of why their brains work the way that they do feels like the key to becoming well. Diving into personal history is often one aspect of mental health treatment, and for good reason: multiple studies demonstrate that mental illnesses tend to run in […]