Living With Existential Depression
Existential depression is a deeply challenging experience where individuals grapple with finding meaning in their lives and existence itself. This struggle can lead to a lack of motivation in daily life, fixation on thoughts of death and dying, indifference toward the seemingly “unfixable” state of the world, and avoidance of connections with others. While these […]
5 Types of Self-Care for Every Area of Your Life
Self-care is essential for maintaining balance and preventing burnout, as no amount of stress-relief activities can compensate if we neglect ourselves. Defined as a “multidimensional, multifaceted process of purposeful engagement in strategies that promote healthy functioning and enhance well-being,” self-care simply means ensuring our physical and emotional needs are met. It involves reconnecting with our […]
Having Trouble Meditating? A Mantra Can Help
The term mantra comes from Sanskrit, where “man” means mind and “tra” signifies tool or vehicle, making mantras a sacred set of phrases that can transport the mind to a meditative state. Originating from the ancient sound “Om,” considered the sound of creation, mantras were first recorded in Vedic Sanskrit over 3,000 years ago, as […]
How to Respond to Psychogenic Fever
Psychogenic fever is a psychosomatic condition where body temperature rises (fever) without any medical cause. Instead, psychological factors like stress, anxiety, or emotional distress are thought to trigger it. This highlights how closely mental and physical health are connected. Research in Japan examined psychogenic fever’s patterns, revealing it is most common in 13-year-olds and occurs […]
Understanding Stress and Neck Pain
Neck pain and stress are closely interconnected, forming a cycle where one often exacerbates the other. Stress triggers the release of hormones like cortisol, which can lead to muscle tension, particularly in the neck and shoulders, as the body reacts to perceived threats. This tension may cause stiffness, discomfort, or even chronic pain. Conversely, persistent […]
How to Cope With Depression and Anxiety at the Same Time
Coping with depression and anxiety simultaneously can feel like being pulled in two conflicting directions, each vying for control. Depression might whisper that you’re too exhausted to move, urging you to stay in bed and disengage, while anxiety pushes you toward overthinking and constant activity, making rest seem impossible. Studies suggest that between 20% and […]
Can You Have a Delayed Reaction to Grief?
Delayed grief occurs when the emotional response to a loss is postponed, sometimes by months or even years, instead of arising immediately. This can happen for various reasons, such as the need to stay strong for others, the shock of the loss, or life circumstances that don’t allow space for mourning. Hallmarks of delayed grief […]
This Is Your Brain on Exercise
Exercise is not only a path to physical fitness but also a powerful boost for mental health. Regular movement, whether it’s running, lifting weights, or dancing, releases endorphins that elevate mood and energy levels, while reducing stress, anxiety, and even symptoms of depression. The benefits go beyond just feeling good; exercise can also enhance mental […]
Does Conventional Wisdom Hinder Creative Thinking?
Conventional wisdom refers to widely accepted beliefs and ideas, often upheld by the majority and by expert consensus in particular fields. This shared knowledge offers the benefit of helping people quickly grasp popular viewpoints and make decisions in line with common consensus. However, it can also limit creative thinking, making it harder to explore alternative […]
The Psychological Toll of Repeat Hurricane Exposure Should Not Be Overlooked
A 2022 study revealed that frequent exposure to hurricanes can have harmful impacts on mental health. This includes not only being directly affected by the storms but also experiencing indirect effects, such as hearing about hurricanes through the media or knowing someone personally affected by them. The research, conducted by a team at the University […]