The relationship between chronic pain and mental health: According to the American Psychiatric Association (2020), chronic pain and mental health disorders co-occur; meaning, one has the potential to exacerbate the other. Many people with chronic pain have a high chance of having a mental health disorder such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, and bipolar disorder. For…
What is Attachment Theory? Attachment Theory explains the significance of relationships and relational bonds between people. The theory posits that people have an innate desire to establish a connection with others, emphasizing the need for early attachment between infant and parent. Attachment researchers suggest the quality or style of your relationship with a primary caregiver…
Shame and guilt are both linked to disgust, embarrassment, humiliation, regret, remorse, and self-consciousness, profoundly impacting on our mental health and behavior (Lebow, 2021). These emotions are rooted in social norms and can either hinder or propel our personal growth, depending on how you address them. This guide explores the nuances of shame and guilt,…
What is Generational Trauma? Generational trauma (or intergenerational trauma) refers to the emotional, psychological, and cultural wounds that are passed down from one generation to the next, often as a result of historical events, cultural suppression, or family dynamics (Dekel and Goldblatt, 2008; Sangalang and Vang, 2017; American Psychological Association, 2023). This type of trauma,…
Over 19 million Americans struggle with substance addiction, costing the U.S. an estimated $6.6 billion in 2022 for substance use prevention along with millions and billions more appropriated funding for mental health care and state-level opioid epidemic response programs (SAMHSA). Is Addiction a Disease? Diseases are characterized as having a physiological or biological basis. They…
Relationships are complex, dynamic, and often fraught with challenges. Whether you’re navigating conflicts with your partner, struggling with communication issues, or facing external stressors, it’s natural to encounter bumps along the road. In this blog, we’ll explore practical strategies for dealing with relationship problems, fostering understanding, and building a stronger, more resilient bond with your…
Ever experienced a stomach ache during a stressful time? Or joint pain when feeling down? That’s somatization – where emotional distress takes a physical form. From everyday headaches to impairments in physical functioning, somatization can vary for each individual. It can be a temporary response to stress or a more prolonged experience affecting your overall…
Why do we grieve? Grief is a natural, universal, and adaptive response to loss. It is understood to be a universal social emotion that elicits physiological arousal, subjective feelings, expression through face or voice, and cognitive appraisals after significant loss (e.g. death). The American Psychological Association defines grief as “the anguish experienced after significant loss,…
VIEW POST ON INSTAGRAM To boost self-esteem, some might seek external validation by pleasing others and constantly presenting achievements in a positive light. When some achievement receives praise and recognition, it is attributed to a greater sense of self-worth. Unfortunately feeling insecure about self and the world can lower self-esteem, creating the perception that…
