There is no one known cause of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) that has been identified. Evidence has shown multiple factors are usually at play, influencing development of GAD. Some factors include things like genetics, brain chemistry, family history, and life experiences. Learn more about GAD. Genetics Genetics may play a role in determining whether or…
Learned helplessness is a state people can fall into when they connect with negative stimuli as they try to get away from what is considered a dangerous situation. Most of us don’t have real danger to escape but sometimes there is abuse, trauma, neglect and harm that causes us to want to get away. The…
When a person with depression is told to get motivated, it is like telling someone to get past a very difficult thing in their life by snapping their fingers. It is not that people with depression cannot get motivated or don’t want to get well. They simply cannot function and struggle to get moving. There…
Vitamin D deficiency can be linked to many health problems, including lower back pain, heart trouble, and depression. Linking vitamin D deficiency and depression makes intuitive sense. It is produced in the body when skin is exposed to light. During winter, many people suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD) due to lack of exposure to…
Personal development is all the rage right now. Culture often celebrates those who are self-confident but new research suggests self-compassion might be better than that in an approach to success and personal development. Self-confidence makes you feel better about yourself, while self-compassion encourages you to acknowledge flaws and limitations. Learn more about self-compassion and why…
When a person survives natural disasters, are victims of abuse, or neglect, or face other trials in life, they may struggle for a time to understand the complexities of what happened. Trauma can be a major setback for people. Everyone endures hardship now and then but it is how a person responds that matters. Feeling…
Meditation is recommended as a healthy way to manage stress because it provides many health-enhancing benefits. It can reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety, relieve physical complaints like headaches, and enhance immunity to illness. To begin with meditation, it takes strategies to focus on the mindfulness piece so you can have more peace of mind.…
Impulse control disorder is often the inability to resist sudden, forceful urges to do something that may violate the rights of others or bring conflict to societal norms. These impulsive behaviors may occur repeatedly, quickly, or without consideration of consequences. Learning this skill takes time and can greatly help you in recovery. Signs and Symptoms…
Lavender is an herb that sometimes helps people relieve anxiety. One of the most used aromatherapy herbs, lavender has properties that support relaxation. Some research shows lavender as an essential oil may possess sedative properties, which may play a key role in anxiety-reducing effects. Relief According to the principles of aromatherapy, breathing in the scent…
Histrionic personality disorder (HPD) is part of a larger group of psychological disorders, called ‘Cluster B,’ personality disorders. These disorders are usually dramatic, emotional, or erratic in nature. People with HPD have a distorted mental image of the self, which is often based in self-esteem that comes from needing others’ approval. HPD can see people…