They provide a space for us to connect with friends and family, share our thoughts and experiences, and stay updated on the latest news and trends. As with any form of communication, social media has jargon and abbreviations that need to be clarified. One such abbreviation that has been gaining popularity on Instagram is “KYS.” Realize the meaning of “KYS” and discuss the context in which it is typically used on Instagram....
One term that may confuse some is “WSP,” which is often used in Snapchat conversations. You’re not alone if you’ve seen “WSP” on Snapchat and are wondering what it means. What is “WSP” on Snapchat? So, what does “WSP” mean on Snapchat? There are а few different interpretations of this acronym, and the specific meaning can depend on the context in which it is used. One common interpretation of “WSP” is “wassup,” which is a casual greeting similar to “what’s up?...
Unlike the transient feelings of sadness that are normal and that everyone experiences, or even the temporary hangover or “crash” that often gets people the morning after alcohol or drug use, when substance-induced depression hits, it feels considerably worse for much longer. For some people, it involves a complete loss of interest or enjoyment in life. What Is Substance-Induced Depression? The irony of substance-induced depression is that most people take drugs to feel better, yet those same drugs make them feel worse....
While your body is being stimulated, your brain is as well. There is a constant flow of activity to and from your genitals and brain, including the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine and oxytocin. Here’s what’s happening in your brain, stage by stage, from pre-arousal (foreplay) through to post-coital snuggling. What Happens in Your Brain During Foreplay? Before things have even started really heating up, the brain and body are already coming online....
There are various levels of certification, ranging from those with a high school diploma to people who have a bachelor’s degree plus work experience. Depending on your skill level and goals, you can determine your ideal position on a treatment team. This article discusses what mental health technicians do and the training requirements needed to work in this field. What Does a Mental Health Tech Do? If you or someone you love is coping with a mental health issue, you may work with a mental health tech as part of an overall treatment plan....
Some larger companies might have providers on staff to offer therapy sessions through the EAP. However, many either offer direct payment to the provider of the employee’s choice or contract with a specific agency to offer the EAP sessions. If you are considering therapy for your mental health, you can check with your employer about EAPs as an option for accessible services at no cost to you. History of Employee Assistance Programs The first EAPs in the United States were developed in the 1930s as a resource for employees struggling with alcoholism....
The inconsistency between what people believe and how they behave motivates them to engage in actions that will help minimize feelings of discomfort. People attempt to relieve this tension in different ways, such as by rejecting, explaining away, or avoiding new information. Signs of Cognitive Dissonance Everyone experiences cognitive dissonance to some degree but that doesn’t mean that it is always easy to recognize. Some signs that what you are feeling might be related to dissonance include:...
However, nostalgia is not just about happy memories; it can also be about longing for a time when things were simpler, or for a time when we felt more connected to others. History of Nostalgia Nostalgia is a relatively new concept. The word was first coined in 1688 by Swiss physician Johannes Hofer, who defined it as a neurological illness of continually thinking about one’s homeland and longing for return....
History of the Stress-Vulnerability Model The Stress-Vulnerability Model was developed in 1977 by Zubin and Spring to explain the development of schizophrenia. After its initial introduction to the mental health world, the model extended to include a broad range of psychiatric diagnoses. Criticism of the Stress-Vulnerability Model While the Stress-Vulnerability Model has been instrumental in helping us better understand psychiatric ailments, it hasn’t been without its critics. The Term ‘Vulnerability’ Is Limiting A 2022 article published in Frontiers in Sociology found the model’s focus on vulnerability to be disempowering....
Motivation is the force that initiates, guides, and maintains goal-oriented behaviors. It is what causes us to take action, whether to grab a snack to reduce hunger or enroll in college to earn a degree. The forces that lie beneath motivation can be biological, social, emotional, or cognitive in nature. Let’s take a look at each one. William James identified a list of human instincts that he believed were essential to survival, including fear, anger, love, shame, and modesty....
With that said, we’re outlining some common phrases that therapists tend to hear from their clients and why they might hinder your progress. “It can be cathartic to unload all your thoughts in a safe environment,” says Jennie Marie Battistin, LMFT, clinical director/founder of Hope Therapy Center in Burbank, California. “Rather than apologizing, pause and breathe. Then, consider whether you’re talking about several superficial events to avoid getting to deeper issues, or if you feel uncomfortable about a question that was asked....
Sometimes it’s hard to find the right medicine and the right dosage with the fewest side effects. With some careful adjusting, however, it’s usually possible to find a program that works. ADHD Medications There are different medication choices for ADHD. Most are stimulants, but that is not your only option. Non-stimulants can also be used. Stimulants The most commonly prescribed ADHD medications are stimulants. They may be methylphenidate-based, such as:...
If you are feeling constantly tired, the first thing you should do is see a healthcare provider for a checkup. They can take a careful history, perform a physical exam, and do any needed testing to determine the cause of your fatigue. This article discusses some of the possible causes of fatigue. If you are experiencing symptoms of fatigue, discuss them with a healthcare provider. While a lack of sleep isn’t a medical condition per se, a healthcare provider may be able to help you learn about ways to reduce your stress or prescribe medications to help you with occasional sleeplessness....
If a victim of domestic violence refuses to testify, or recants and testifies that the incident did not happen, it makes it harder to get a conviction. Instead, the abuser is released from jail, avoids consequences, and the cycle of violence is free to repeat itself. For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database. Here are some of the reasons a victim of domestic violence may recant their story....
We know about many factors that can contribute to a mental health diagnosis, but what about genetics? A recent study focused on the genetic analysis of some of the most common psychiatric conditions found that many disorders actually share a common genetic makeup. The Research Researchers from the University of Texas at Austin, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and other collaborating institutions analyzed the genetic makeup of eleven major psychiatric conditions, including bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, major depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, schizophrenia, anorexia nervosa, obsessive-compulsive disorder, ADHD, Tourette’s syndrome, problematic alcohol use, and autism....
If you enjoy doing this (or if you’re completely perplexed why anyone would enjoy this), we have some interesting news for you. It turns out that research sheds some light on why people are drawn to this type of stress relief, and it makes sense. Apparently, it’s all about replenishing our energy reserves with a little low-stress, soothing “social” time. What the Research Says Two studies published in the journal Social Psychological and Personality Science analyzed the relationship between television habits and task completion....
One of these factors is stress, which is linked to increased emotional eating. Emotional eating has many causes. The following are some of the main reasons that people with stress eat: Cortisol Cravings Stress can bring on increased levels of cortisol, known as “the stress hormone.” Cortisol has a beneficial function in the body, but excessive levels of cortisol brought on by chronic stress can cause a slew of problems in the body....
If so, you’re not alone. According to the Pew Research Center, 42% of cell phone owners in the United States feel irritated when a call or text interrupts them. Pew Research also shows that teenagers perceive calls as an intimate mode of communication, primarily reserved for people they are close to; they prefer text or social media for other communication. This article explores some reasons why you may hate talking on the phone as well as some coping strategies that could be helpful....
Some people find that their mood habitually dips in the lead-up to summer, while others may have concerns about spikes in COVID-19 cases during warmer weather. Here are some of the reasons you might experience heightened anxiety during the sunny season. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Most of us probably associate seasonal affective disorder (SAD) with winter, and indeed it’s much more common during the latter part of the year. But SAD is defined as a type of depression related to changes in seasons, and some people experience it in the spring or early summer, per the National Institute of Mental Health....
Alzheimer’s development has been linked to a number of health issues that can be present even in young people, including: High blood pressureDiabetesHigh cholesterolHigher body mass index (BMI) Having two more of these factors in adolescence, young adulthood, or midlife is associated with statistically significant risk of cognition issues later in life, including Alzheimer’s. Race as a Factor African Americans have higher rates of heart health factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes, which are all associated with more risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s....
