We all want to be liked. The desire for approval, appreciation, and acceptance by others is a normal part of being human. And although some people may care less than others about the opinions of their peers, on some level everyone wants to be liked. Unfortunately, the world doesn’t work that way. There will always be people who just don’t...[ read more ]
In the wake of losing someone to suicide, there is much pain and confusion, to say the least. I want to list these five simple truths right up front for those who may need to hear them right away: It isn’t your fault. Do not be ashamed. Your grief is complicated. Healing is possible. You still have life. 1. It...[ read more ]
Todd, 38, struggled in his relationships. He shared “I don’t even know how to live in this world! I’ve been married twice. I have three children with my second wife. I don’t have a relationship with either of my kids. I hate my boss, and my colleagues don’t acknowledge me or invite me to any outside functions. I don’t know...[ read more ]
The global pandemic of coronavirus (COVID-19) is outside the normal range of how people psychologically know how to cope with stressors. We are navigating daily living in uncertain times. Combined with the recent Stay-At-Home orders in many states, this added a whole new layer of stress to people’s lives. Understandably, the isolation and lack of physical contact for people impacts...[ read more ]
Learning about suicide is important. Most individuals who end their lives (over 40,000 each year in the United States alone) struggle with mental health disorders. Knowing the signs and symptoms do not always prevent suicides but could help you protect yourself, your family and your friends. Reach out to health professionals if you are worried, and keep in mind you...[ read more ]
Patterns generally involve repetitive action, a task or behavior engaged in frequently, often without giving it much thought. Much daily behavior is fairly automatic, an activity done so many times that it feels comfortable and there’s no inherent harm in it. Or, it’s a behavior that we’re reluctant to change because of a reward associated with it. Toxic behavioral patterns...[ read more ]
In our current coronavirus epidemic, many people are feeling more and more apprehensive about family, friend’s, neighbor’s — and one’s own mortality. It’s perfectly natural, perfectly understandable. Although we know that death is an inevitable part of the life cycle, many of us have a hard time accepting it. A large part of why it’s become so difficult to make...[ read more ]
This week’s Psychology Around the Net dissects the psychology of comfort TV, tips on how to protect yourself from others’ negative energy, ways to take care of your mental health while working from home, and more. Why You Can’t Stop Streaming Seinfeld. Or Frasier. Or Bones: On the Psychology of Comfort TV: No doubt you’re familiar with comfort television, but...[ read more ]
Now, more than ever, people need tools to handle their emotions. Specifically, we need tools for calming our nervous system down and making sure we don’t take stress out on our own loved ones. Families are going to fight more when they’re cooped up. The best thing we can do for our relationships is become aware of our emotions and...[ read more ]
No-one can escape the fact that the world has changed beyond recognition in just a few short weeks. The body count continues to rise and is a stark reminder to us of how vulnerable humans can be to nature. Furthermore, usually frantically busy streets and cities are now deserted, shopping malls are closed, restaurants and bars are shut down and...[ read more ]
