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Code-switching occurs as a form of self-protection and safety from judgment and microaggressions. Read on to learn more about code-switching, its history, how it impacts BIPOC folks, and how we can work towards creating safer spaces for all. What Is Code-Switching? Code-switching is when someone switches from their mother tongue to the standard language used by the dominant group. This doesn’t only involve those who speak other languages—it can also apply to those who have a dialect unique to their culture and upbringing....

St. Augustine, an ancient philosopher, first referred to the concept of déjà vu in 400 AD as “false memoriae,” but French philosopher Emile Boirac was the first to use the term déjà vu in 1890. The first use of the phrase in the scientific world was from F.L. Arnaud, a neurologist who proposed to use it at a meeting of the Societe Medico-Psychologique. Early research showed promise for déjà vu to be a sign that helped doctors diagnose epilepsy, but more recent research has shown it may be a matter of perception or memory....

What Is Drama Therapy? Drama therapy takes a unique approach by using drama and/or theater techniques, including improvisation, role-playing, using puppets, and acting out stories. It is an active, experiential form of creative therapy that may help you or someone you love gain self-confidence and explore new problem-solving skills. How It Works No previous experience or dramatic training is needed to participate. A registered drama therapist (RDT) facilitates this specialized type of therapy....

Enuresis usually starts between the ages of three and five, but it can start as early as age two or as late as around eight years of age. Enuresis can happen for various reasons, and there are many treatment options available to help with this condition. This article will explore what causes enuresis, how it is treated, and what you can do if your child has this problem. Symptoms of Enuresis If you are concerned that you or your child might be living with enuresis, it can be helpful to know the symptoms of this problem....

While schizophrenia significantly affects many of those who have it, those with high-functioning schizophrenia are often able to perform daily tasks more independently. Although not an official diagnosis, high-functioning schizophrenia generally refers to being able to function successfully in work or social realms in the face of symptoms of the illness. The following are criteria that must be met for a schizophrenia diagnosis per the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5):...

For example, some people may assume that someone who is transgender is gay, but in reality, a transgender person’s gender identity (the gender that they are) and sexual orientation (those they are attracted to) aren’t connected. However, both gender identity and sexual orientation are important parts of an individual’s sense of self. This article will begin by defining gender identity and describing the differences between gender identity, gender expression, and sex....

The three stages of fight-or-flight are: The alarm stage: During this stage, the central nervous system is ramped up, preparing your body to fight or flee. The resistance stage: This is the stage in which the body attempts to normalize and recover from the initial elevated fight-or-flight response. The exhaustion stage: If the first two stages occur repeatedly over time, such as when under chronic stress, this can cause the body to feel exhausted and begin to break down....

A diagnosis under the fourth edition of this manual, the DSM-IV, had five parts, called Axes. Each Axis of this multi-axial system provided a different type of information about a diagnosis. However, the multi-axial system was done away with starting with the DSM-5. Axis I: Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders Axis II: Personality Disorders and Mental Retardation (now Intellectual Development Disorder) Axis III: General Medical Conditions Axis IV: Psychosocial and Environmental Problems Axis V: Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF)...

How the TAT Works The TAT involves showing people a series of picture cards depicting a variety of ambiguous characters (that may include men, women, and/or children), scenes, and situations. They are then asked to tell as dramatic a story as they can for each picture presented, including: What has led up to the event shownWhat is happening in the sceneThe thoughts and feelings of charactersThe outcome of the story...

Understand Your Teen’s Anger Anger is an emotion that is quite often challenging for teens and at times can be overwhelming. A teen who doesn’t know how to cope with angry feelings may feel a strong desire to act directly on these feelings, even when it puts them or others at risk. Underneath anger are often difficult emotions, such as hurt, frustration or sadness that a teen tries to avoid or isn’t aware they are feeling....

ADHD is a health condition that affects the brain’s development. As a result, it can cause symptoms such as: Having difficulty focusing on tasks Getting distracted easily and leaving tasks incompleteHaving trouble staying organizedForgetting or misplacing thingsBeing unable to sit stillFeeling impatient and having trouble waiting This article explores the next steps after being diagnosed with ADHD, including treatment options and coping strategies. Coping With an ADHD Diagnosis Being diagnosed with ADHD can cause you to experience a range of emotions....

For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database. Many people don’t quite know how to talk about a suicide attempt, which can cause them to avoid discussing it altogether, says Jenna Hennessy, PhD, a licensed clinical psychologist and instructor of medical psychology (in psychiatry) at Columbia University Irving Medical Center. “Unfortunately, suicide is still a stigmatized topic and it can, understandably, bring up a lot of emotions.” However, rather than ignoring it, Dr....

Emotions can be short-lived, such as a flash of annoyance at a co-worker, or long-lasting, such as enduring sadness over the loss of a relationship. But why exactly do we experience emotions? What role do they serve? Where Do Emotions Come From? Emotions are influenced by a network of interconnected structures in the brain that make up what is known as the limbic system. Key structures including the hypothalamus, the hippocampus, the amygdala, and the limbic cortex play a pivotal role in emotions and behavioral responses....

The Importance of Reading for Children Reading is such an important part of school and learning in general, whether or not a child has ADHD. Every subject area requires that a student be able to comprehend reading material and retain that information. This involves not only understanding the words in a passage, but also remembering, organizing, analyzing, and constructing meaning from those words. When students have a poor grasp of what they read, every area of academic functioning for that student is impacted....

But, decorating for the holidays—even when you don’t feel like it—might be really good for your psychological well-being. Stringing some lights and trimming a tree could make you happier. Decorating for the holidays might even improve your social life. So if you’re thinking of skipping the decorating this year or you’re planning to throw up a few decorations at the last second, you may want to rethink that strategy. The sooner you decorate, the sooner you might start enjoying those benefits....

Though research shows that people do regret having children, it is not something people often talk about, so it can be hard to get that perspective. Plus, it’s a sensitive subject to bring up for many people, leaving you to feel alone in your wondering. You’re not alone though. Just a decade ago, more than 60% of people said they wanted children, but now it’s changed. But still, it can be hard sometimes to parse what you really want from the societal messaging....

Yet, a man who responds similarly is often said to have presented a “good take” or “welcome input.” Each of these labels perpetuates the lasting stereotype that men are level-headed and women are unruly, emotional beings incapable of restraint. A recent study from Scientific Reports looks at sex and ovarian hormones’ influences on volatility, emotional inertia, and cyclicity. For 75 days, the team followed 142 men and women to observe their regular emotions....

A recent study published in the Journal of Praxis in Higher Education examined the effects of the rapid transition to a prolonged work-from-home lifestyle. Researchers examined the experience of academics in Sweden, Finland, and Australia to better understand how working from home affects collaboration and quality of work. The findings show that while working from home provides increased flexibility, many individuals experience decreased efficiency and motivation while feeling lonelier in isolation....

“The process that I went through during the pandemic was this realization that I need to stop trying to live in service of my home and instead create a home that serves me,” said KC Davis, LPC, a therapist and author of How to Keep House While Drowning. The panel was moderated by REAL SIMPLE Editor-in-Chief Lauren Iannotti during the Weekend in Inlet Beach, Florida. Your House Does Not Have to Look Like a Magazine The interior of homes online and in magazines are the epitome of perfection....