The quest to decipher why certain relationships thrive while others fail has developed through various concepts. Presently, attachment theory serves as a popular explanation. On platforms like TikTok, people use terms such as “anxious,” “avoidant,” and “secure” to make sense of their experiences in love, conflicts, and breakups. Attachment theory originated from the work of...
Veterans Applaud Trump’s Executive Order on Psychedelic Drugs for PTSD
President Donald Trump has authorized a significant executive order that allows research into the use of psychedelic drugs for treating PTSD and other mental health disorders. This move has received widespread support from many Americans, particularly military veterans. Former Energy Secretary Rick Perry and retired Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell are among those advocating for such...
The Importance of Building New Connections for Mental Health
Many individuals prioritize maintaining a few close friendships, yet mental health specialists emphasize that cultivating new relationships is equally vital for mental well-being. A 2023 Pew Research Center survey reveals that 53% of adults have between one and four close friends, while 38% have five or more. Alarmingly, 8% report having no close friends. Rebecca...
Challenges and Triumphs of Women with ADHD
Kate Jarvis found school straightforward during her childhood in the 1980s. Organized and a straight-A student, her mother would call her “bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.” However, puberty changed everything. Her focus waned and grades dropped. She was diagnosed with anxiety and depression in high school, struggling to fit in. Teachers often commented on her potential, causing...
Financial Strain Linked to Faster Brain Aging and Cognitive Decline
Scientists have found evidence that common financial concerns may have long-term effects on brain health. A study by University College London (UCL) researchers indicates that prolonged financial struggles can lead to accelerated brain aging and diminished memory and cognitive skills in later life. The study, published in Innovation in Aging, tracked 2,759 people born in...
Addressing Concerns About a Sister’s Relationship with Food
Dear Carolyn, The writer expresses concern over their sister Eileen’s relationship with food. From childhood, Eileen struggled with weight because of differing parental approaches to eating. While their mother promoted healthy eating and exercise, their father presented an array of sweets and junk food. Eileen often overindulged during visits with their father, leading to weight...
Practical Techniques to Manage Distress
Shireen Rizvi is a professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences and contributed to the book Real Skills for Real Life: A DBT Guide to Navigating Stress, Emotions, and Relationships. Consider the last time you felt distress. How did you manage? Did you react impulsively? Consume alcohol? Deny the situation? There are healthier methods to address...
The Complex Impact of GLP-1 Drugs on Health and Mental Well-Being
Drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy are known for their effectiveness in weight loss. However, experts caution about potential mental health risks. These GLP-1 receptor agonists not only aid in shedding pounds but also interact with brain systems related to reward, impulse control, and mood. Scott Kanoski from the University of Southern California highlights that these...
Living Through Medical Gaslighting and Finding Healing
For years, my life was plagued by mysterious symptoms like back pain, gastrointestinal issues, and extreme fatigue. Doctors repeatedly proposed explanations, attributing them to hormones or anxiety, often resulting in prescriptions for steroids or Xanax. Despite the differing details, the underlying message was consistent: the issue was my response to the symptoms, not the symptoms...
Reducing Mental Load: Strategies from Leah Ruppanner’s Latest Book
Understanding Mental Load and Gender Dynamics Leah Ruppanner, a sociologist at The University of Melbourne, delves into the concept of mental load in her new book, Drained: Reduce Your Mental Load to Do Less and Be More. Her research explores how acknowledging and measuring this load can significantly decrease it, particularly for women who tend...









