recovering from loss grief and trauma after a wildfire

The loss of a home or cherished possessions during a wildfire can leave lasting emotional scars. Processing grief and navigating trauma are critical steps toward recovery. Here’s how to recognize the impacts and move toward healing. How Grief and Trauma Manifest After Natural Disasters like Wildfires: Grief from property loss or displacement is complex and…

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couple returns to see their home

Managing Anxiety and Preventing Relapse During Wildfires California’s wildfire season brings devastation beyond physical destruction—it profoundly impacts mental health. Anxiety, trauma, and even addiction relapse are common psychological responses to the unpredictability and intensity of these natural disasters. Besides self-medicating to cope with triggers, consuming alcohol and drugs in response to external crises can also…

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rethinking new years resolutions

2025 is here, and many of us feel the pressure to overhaul our lives, set ambitious new years resolutions, and stick with them. But what if this year, we did the opposite? Instead of starting from scratch, let’s celebrate what we’re already doing well and build on our strengths. By focusing on progress and continuity,…

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how mitochondria affects your mental health

Mitochondria, often called the “powerhouses of the cell,” are known for producing energy. But did you know these tiny organelles have a major impact on your mental health too? This emerging research sheds light on how mitochondria influence brain health, stress resilience, and emotional well-being. Emerging evidence suggests that variations in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) may…

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what are the traits of a narcissist

Narcissistic Personality Disorder According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is characterized by a pervasive pattern of grandiosity (in fantasy or behavior), a constant need for admiration, and a lack of empathy, beginning in early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts. Individuals with…

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knowing the signs of gaslighting

Gaslighting: What It Is, What It Isn’t, and Why It Matters Gaslighting is a manipulative tactic used in emotional and psychological abuse that makes victims question their own reality, instincts, and perceptions. It’s an insidious form of abuse where the perpetrator distorts the truth, making the victim feel “crazy” or incapable of trusting themselves (Shafir,…

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how to stop people pleasing

What Is People-Pleasing? People-pleasing is the emotional drive to satisfy others’ needs at the expense of your own. While helping others is generally positive, when it becomes detrimental to your health and happiness, it can lead to chronic stress, burnout, and a loss of self-identity. Often rooted in learned behaviors (Payne, 2022), people-pleasing can take…

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sexual assault survivors struggle to speak out

Statistics on Sexual Assault in the United States in 2023 According to the 2024 report by the U.S. Department of Justice, approximately 481,020 Americans aged 12 and older were victims of sexual assault or rape in 2023, showing a slight decrease from 2022’s figure of 531,810. Importantly, reporting rates have increased significantly, with 46% of…

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managing election anxiety

Election season can be a highly stressful time for many Americans. A Pew Research Center poll from early 2024 revealed that 65% of adults in the U.S. frequently feel exhausted by politics, and 55% often experience anger due to political discussions (Infield, 2024). Even among the most politically engaged, a staggering 72% report feeling chronically…

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