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Trauma bonding is one reason that leaving an abusive situation can feel confusing and overwhelming. It involves positive and/or loving feelings for an abuser, making the abused person feel attached to and dependent on their abuser. History of Trauma Bonding The term trauma bonding was coined by Patrick Carnes, PhD, CAS in 1997. Carnes is a specialist in addiction therapy and the founder of the International Institute for Trauma and Addiction Professionals (IITAP)....

When one encounters stressors, the body’s stress response is triggered, and a series of physiological changes take place to allow the person to fight or run. If this sounds like stress, it’s because sometimes when people talk about ‘stress’ in their life, they are really talking about stressors; stressors lead to the body’s stress response and the experience of stress. The important thing to remember, basically, is that stressors are the cause of stress....

“There are big invisible differences between us in the ability to visualise, and these are linked to differences in the ways our brain work,” Adam Zeman, professor of cognitive and behavioral neurology at the University of Exeter College of Medicine and Health, tells Verywell. Zeman led a team of researchers at the University of Exeter in England who investigated why an estimated 1–3% of people lack the ability to visualize....

Whether we come through the doors of Alcoholics Anonymous or Al-Anon Family Groups chances are we bring a lifetime of “stinking thinking” with us. Frankly, it takes a while for the “fog” to begin to lift, so that we begin to see ourselves and the world around us more clearly. If we have sincerely completed the first three steps and have truly made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him, then it is time to put that principle into action....

Ahead, we’ll explore the psychological benefits of having an orgasm. Mental Health Benefits of Having an Orgasm There are numerous mental health benefits of having an orgasm. These benefits are related to the neurochemicals released by our brains when orgasm happens. Dr. Alyssa Dweck, sexual and reproductive health expert for INTIMINA, tells us that “Orgasm provides increases and [a] release in dopamine (pleasure hormone), oxytocin (love and cuddle hormone) and endorphins (natural pain killers and well-being chemicals) in the brain....

This disorder usually begins in adolescence, with teenage girls forming a large percentage of those affected. Up to 10% of college-aged women are affected by bulimia. Because of the nature of this condition, it can be very well hidden, leading to a habit that can continue into adulthood. We’ll be examining bulimia and the symptoms of this condition. We’ll also look into the possible effects of this eating disorder, and the treatment methods popularly recommended to manage it....

Some examples of distal risk factors include: Childhood trauma and adversities: Any sort of significant childhood stress can increase the risk of developing BPD. Trauma includes parental loss, parental alcohol or substance abuse, emotional and physical abuse and neglect, and sexual abuse.Family history and genetics: If you have a first-degree relative (a parent or sibling) with BPD or a similar disorder, you are more vulnerable to developing BPD.Temperament: If you were “wired” for traits such as emotionality and shyness, this could increase your risk for BPD....

The electrodes usually stimulate the brain bilaterally, meaning that both sides of the brain are receiving stimulation. However, there are some conditions where the electrode treatment must be unilateral, meaning they are only stimulating one side of the brain. Deep brain stimulation treatment commences once the recovery process after the surgery is complete, which usually takes a few weeks. A medical provider will turn the generator on and begin the process of finding the best settings for the allocated treatment....

History of Earthing Throughout history, Indigenous societies have espoused the Earth’s healing power benefits and described it in varying ways. For example, in Chinese medicine, the term Qi—pronounced “chee”—is defined as the vital energy that fills the universe. Ancient philosopher Ge Hong said, “People reside within qi, and qi resides within people. From heaven and earth down to the ten thousand things, each one requires qi to live.” This belief and study of the earth’s natural energies could also be found in Europe in the 19th century....

Many people associate ADHD with poor concentration, disorganization, forgetfulness, and difficulties with attention. However, these are just some of the symptoms of this neurodevelopmental disorder. Also observed in those with ADHD are repeated speech patterns, otherwise known as echolalia. Types of Echolalia There are different classifications of echolalia. Two of the major groupings of this condition are immediate and delayed echolalia. Immediate and Delayed Echolalia Two types of echolalia are:...

This article discusses the symptoms of stress-induced asthma and factors that can contribute to this condition. It also covers the treatments and strategies that may help you cope with stress and asthma symptoms. Symptoms of Stress-Induced Asthma The symptoms of stress-induced asthma are the same as other types of asthma. However, such symptoms are more likely to occur when a person is experiencing stress. Common symptoms include: Chest tightness or painCoughingDifficulty breathing because of coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breathShortness of breathRapid, shallow breathingWheezing while exhaling...

Functions of the Hippocampus Research has also found that different subregions of the hippocampus play important roles in certain types of memory. Spatial Memory The rear part of the hippocampus is involved in the processing of spatial memories. Studies of London cab drivers found that navigating complex mazes of big city streets is linked to the growth of the rear region of the hippocampus. Memory Consolidation The hippocampus also plays a role in consolidating memories during sleep....

And screen time only gets longer as children get older. In 2021, tween girls spent an average of almost five hours using screens for entertainment per day while teen girls spent about eight hours per day. Like younger children, the majority of that time is spent with videos, but by the time they’re teenagers, children also dedicate about an hour and a half to social media each day. This article will explore what psychological research says about the ways media consumption impacts girls and will provide suggestions that parents, teachers, therapists, and concerned citizens can use to help girls develop healthier media habits....

Most toxic fandom activities take place via online community websites or social media, especially Twitter, although they can also be seen in other places, such as fan events and conventions. Historical Perspectives on Fandom Fan scholar Cornel Sandvoss defines fandom as “the regular, emotionally involved consumption of a given popular narrative or text.” While it’s reasonable to believe that everyone is probably a fan of something, whether it’s sports, music, movies, a celebrity, or another interest or activity, popular culture fans have historically been stigmatized by mainstream media and even psychology scholars, whose research has tended to focus on how media contributes to antisocial behaviors....

While important emotions need to be discussed, it’s not always easy to express them out, especially when it’s something as difficult as saying “I don’t love you.” Experiencing unrequited love can be a painful, heartbreaking, and sometimes embarrassing situation to live with. In some cases, you might be the recipient of genuine love but struggle with communicating that you do not feel as strongly. Other times, you may feel the beginnings of strong emotions towards a person....

As more Americans are vaccinated and restrictions are loosened or lifted entirely, people are starting to meet up again for in-person dates. You may feel that it’s too soon for you, and feel some hesitation about putting yourself back out there, which is perfectly normal. As you navigate these feelings, here is what to keep in mind about dating as we get closer to the light at the end of the tunnel....

Everyone has the right to decide what pronouns they go by, and it’s everyone else’s responsibility to use those pronouns correctly. We all want, and deserve, to feel seen. Using correct pronouns is an easy way to validate others. Let’s examine what pronouns exist to ensure you’re familiar with the range of them, then discuss why it’s so important that everyone uses correct pronouns. Commonly Used Third Person Pronouns Pronouns may convey gender, but they also can be entirely separate from gender....

This research was based on 4 studies, whereby participants rated themselves at time points in the past and future, and found that they compressed their past and future selves in comparison to their present self, which was also evidenced by scans from brain imaging technology. Given that these research findings show how perceptions of self become smaller and take up less space over time, it may help to understand how some individuals have greater difficulty remembering their decisions from the past precisely....