Vicarious trauma, also called secondary trauma, is a type of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that occurs when people absorb the emotional weight of others’ distress. First responders, therapists, healthcare workers, and caregivers are especially vulnerable, but anyone consistently exposed to others’ suffering can be affected. As with other forms of PTSD, understanding the root of the issue and getting appropriate...[ read more ]
Between hormonal fluctuations and societal expectations, women and men have very different experiences with their mental health. Despite growing awareness, society is still working on addressing women’s issues with the nuance they require. Some institutes, hoping to improve the situation, have begun to offer women-centered care, such as specialized therapy for women’s issues. If you’re tired of being dismissed or...[ read more ]
Does your child have a hard time speaking when they feel uncomfortable? If so, they might have an anxiety disorder known as selective mutism. People with this disorder become so anxious or fearful in certain social situations that they find it difficult or even impossible to speak, despite having no issues talking when they feel more comfortable. This inability to...[ read more ]
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is often thought of as a single condition, but it varies according to the nature of the trauma and how the brain processes it. Why is this worth mentioning? Just like you might treat food poisoning differently from the flu, the different types of PTSD require a tailored approach to get you on the mend. Recognizing...[ read more ]
Family Support • Bipolar Disorder Supporting a Loved One With Bipolar Disorder Supporting a family member or close friend through mental illness can be an act of love, loyalty, and endurance. When someone you care about lives with bipolar disorder, that support can feel both deeply meaningful and unexpectedly demanding. Many people enter this role with goodwill, only to discover...[ read more ]
Mood Disorders • Psychoeducation Bipolar I and Bipolar II: Understanding the Difference Bipolar disorder is a complex mood condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Many people recognise the term, and some are living with the diagnosis themselves, yet fewer are aware that bipolar disorder is not a single, uniform experience. There are two primary forms of bipolar disorder, Bipolar...[ read more ]
Parenting Support • Psychological Reflections Thinking About Parenthood: Psychological Reflections Before You Begin Whether parenthood arrives through careful planning or unexpected timing, it marks a profound psychological shift. Becoming a parent does not simply add a role to your life. It reorganises your inner world, your relationships, your sense of time, and your understanding of responsibility and care. No one...[ read more ]
Panic attacks often strike without warning, sending someone with an anxiety disorder spiraling into a negative place. Symptoms include a racing heart, dizziness, shortness of breath, or a sense of impending doom. While this is not life-threatening, it can certainly feel like it when you’re clutching at your chest, gasping for breath! Therapy can help by addressing the underlying anxiety...[ read more ]
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) involves intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors that feel impossible to control. While medication and therapy are the most effective forms of treatment, you may not have access to these resources immediately or on an ongoing basis. If that’s the case for you, you’ll be glad to know there are still some practical strategies that can help you...[ read more ]
Despite growing awareness, many men still face stigma when it comes to seeking therapy. Cultural messages often suggest that men should “tough it out,” suppress their emotions, or solve problems alone. But emotional resilience isn’t about ignoring struggles; it’s about facing them with courage. Specialized therapy for men offers a nuanced space to explore thoughts and feelings without judgment and...[ read more ]
