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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understanding neurodivergence

What is Neurodiversity? Research indicates that 15-20% of the world’s population has some form of neurodivergence. Neurodiversity refers to the concept that individuals experience and interact with the world around them in many different ways; there is no one “right” way of thinking, learning, and behaving. The term and concept of “neurodiversity” advocates for a…

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overcoming dissociation

Understanding Dissociation and Its Connection to Trauma Dissociation occurs when the mind distances itself from stressful or traumatic events when “actual escape is not possible” (Lanius et al., 2018). This psychological mechanism can manifest in response to a variety of mental health conditions, including: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Anxiety disorders Depression Bipolar disorder Schizophrenia Dissociation…

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boosting feel good hormones naturally

Naturally Activate Feel-Good Hormones Drug Free: Feeling down or stressed? You might be experiencing an imbalance in your “feel-good” hormones. These powerful chemicals—dopamine, serotonin, endorphins, and oxytocin—play crucial roles in your mental and emotional well-being. Illicit substances can unnaturally spike these hormones, leading to temporary highs and harmful long-term effects. However, there are safe, natural…

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the problem with pop psychology

The Risks of Oversimplifying Psychology: Why Pop Psychology Falls Short Pop psychology is short for “popular psychology”. Pop psychology refers to concepts and theories about human behavior that gain widespread acceptance and are disseminated to the public (Cuncic, 2023). These ideas often derive from valid psychological research but are simplified or adapted for mass consumption….

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understanding suicide and building awareness

Understanding Suicide: Facts and Statistics Suicide is a devastating reality affecting people across all age groups. According to the CDC and American Psychiatric Association, suicide is the second leading cause of death among individuals aged 10-14 and 25-34, and the third leading cause of death among those aged 15-24. For people aged 35-44, it ranks…

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understanding bipolar disorder

Recognizing the Signs: Is Someone You Know Bipolar? Bipolar disorder is a complex and often misunderstood mental health condition. According to the DSM-V-TR, there are three primary types of bipolar disorder, each involving distinct shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels. These moods can vary from episodes of being highly “up,” euphoric, irritable, or energized…

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what is an existential crisis

What is an Existential Crisis? An existential crisis is more than just a passing phase; it’s a deep, often troubling experience that involves persistent negative emotions and questions about the inherent meaning of life. Whether triggered by major life changes like loss, a medical diagnosis, divorce, or even the birth of a child, these crises…

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