If you’ve heard the term “persistent depressive disorder,” you may’ve wondered whether it is a phenomenon from pop psychology or a real diagnosable condition. While persistent depressive disorder (PDD) may not be as debilitating as major depressive disorder, it is a legitimate psychological disorder and one that is highly treatable. Defining Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD) […]
07
Feb
Feb
Conversations don’t always go the way we want, even if we enter them with the best intentions. Emotions can run high, we can say hurtful things, and everything can rapidly get out of hand. Often, the closer we are to the person we’re arguing with, the more intense the fallout. If one of the individuals […]
06
Feb
Feb
Have you ever been sick with a sinus infection or head cold and noticed how your brain seems stuck in neutral–or even reverse? Trying to focus on simple work tasks or remembering what someone said to you just an hour ago seems impossible. You know that if asked to add 2 and 2 while suffering […]
04
Feb
Feb
Do you think the sky is falling when you know it is not? Is your natural tendency to believe the most straightforward problems are catastrophes? You might be prone to catastrophizing. But what does catastrophizing mean, and is it a sign of mental illness? Defining Catastrophizing and Its Psychological Impact Catastrophizing in psychology refers to […]
29
Jan
Jan
Does it seem like more people are anxious and strung-out today? Anxiety and causes of chronic anxiety are commonly googled phrases about mood issues and their connection to further mental health problems. Learning about managing persistent anxiety and effective anxiety management strategies may help. Understanding Persistent Anxiety Anxiety disorders, which affect more than 280 million […]
26
Jan
Jan
Worry is an inescapable part of life. It’s normal to worry about a past-due bill, an upcoming job interview or the new sound coming from your car’s engine. In these cases, those anxious feelings motivate you to act in your best interest and fix problems before they grow. However, for many people, feelings of worry […]
25
Jan
Jan
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) produce a constellation of physical and emotional symptoms associated with menstruation. Although the exact cause of PMS and PMDD remains uncertain, research studies indicate that factors such as hormonal surges and fluctuations in brain chemistry play key roles in both disorders. Two key differences highlight the distinction […]
22
Jan
Jan
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 […]
20
Jan
Jan
Depression is a mood disorder affecting how an individual thinks and feels. Sadness and other symptoms of depression can interfere with activities such as school, work, and sleep and can also get in the way of maintaining healthy relationships. Depression is more common than you may think, and people experience different types. Some people may […]
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 […]