When someone lives through a traumatic event, they may begin experiencing symptoms such as anxiety, flashbacks, and nightmares. If these symptoms worsen, interfere with the person’s daily routine, or persist for an extended period of time (months or years), it’s referred to as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This mental health condition is quite common—in fact, according to statistics published by...[ read more ]

So, you’ve decided that it’s time to set some boundaries in your life. Good for you! Boundaries are essential to maintaining relationships with friends, family members, and coworkers, as they can help build trust and respect. Once you’ve decided what your boundaries are, the next step will be communicating them to those around you. Here are some tips for how...[ read more ]

Intermittent explosive disorder (IED) is a type of impulse control disorder that causes someone to frequently experience impulsive angry outbursts that are disproportionate to the event or situation that triggered them. For example, when someone with this condition becomes frustrated—even about something relatively minor—they may throw a tantrum, engage in an argument, damage property, instigate a physical fight, or otherwise...[ read more ]

As spring approaches, you might have the urge to thoroughly clean your home. Known as “spring cleaning,” this ritual commonly involves getting rid of items you no longer need and paying attention to areas that you often miss during regular cleaning sessions (for example, your baseboards, grout, and window treatments).Spring cleaning offers numerous physical benefits—in addition to providing a workout,...[ read more ]

You’ve probably heard of schizophrenia, a mental disorder that causes someone to abnormally interpret reality, changing how they think and behave. But what does schizophrenia actually feel like? Schizophrenia symptoms are commonly divided into the following four categories:Hallucinations – Someone with schizophrenia may hear, see, smell, taste, or feel things that don’t actually exist. The voices heard are often annoying,...[ read more ]

Narcissistic personality disorder—a mental health condition characterized by an excessive need to feel important and impress others—often causes narcissists to have an inflated sense of self-worth, lack empathy, and fantasize about possessing success, power, intelligence, and beauty. Narcissism differs from self-confidence in that it causes narcissists to view others with disdain rather than recognizing that they also have value.Unfortunately, there’s...[ read more ]

Co-parenting can present obstacles at any time of the year, but it tends to be especially difficult on birthdays, holidays, and other special occasions. Here are a few tips for how to approach your next big event:Decide on a schedule ahead of time. Chances are good that your co-parenting schedule will already be laid out in your custody agreement. If...[ read more ]

Tourette syndrome is a disorder that causes someone to uncontrollably and repeatedly produce certain sounds or perform certain movements. These are known as “tics.”What Causes Tourette Syndrome?Researchers are still working to determine exactly what causes Tourette syndrome. With that said, studies suggest that this disorder may result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Males are more likely than...[ read more ]

Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) can cause a child to frequently exhibit anger, irritability, and defiance against their parents and other authority figures. Children with this disorder often argue and act spitefully or vindictively, making it difficult to maintain relationships and causing issues at home, at school, and in other areas of life.ODD Causes & Risk FactorsResearchers are still working to...[ read more ]

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of talk therapy that focuses on identifying inaccurate or negative thinking, viewing difficult situations more clearly, and responding to those situations more effectively. CBT can be administered on an individual basis or in a group setting, and in some cases, it may be combined with another form of treatment (for example, medication). When...[ read more ]