Posts

There is so much focus nowadays on coming out, which is the process of telling others about your sexuality or gender identity, that we don’t tend to talk much anymore about the act of being in the closet. The concept of being in the closet or closeted is an important one to be familiar with because you may encounter people in your life who are closeted. Knowing how to navigate that part of their identity will help both of you and allow you to support that person to the best of your ability....

What Is Self-Deprecation? In everyday discussions or quiet conversations by ourselves, there’s a high chance that we employ language that belittles our accomplishments. Declarations like “Oh, it’s no big deal, anyone could have done it,” or “I’m such an idiot” are commonly associated with self-deprecation because these kinds of statements contain a negative self-evaluation. Self-deprecation is a form of self-talk that reflects a cognitive state, such as low self-esteem or negative self-regard....

Relationships can be difficult at times and it’s not uncommon for couples to find themselves losing romantic feelings and facing the decision of whether to remain together or separate. If you’re in this position right now and are unsure if you want to continue the relationship, it’s important to remember that relationships can go through many different phases. Just because you have lost feelings right now, doesn’t mean that you can’t ever get them back....

You’ve probably seen countless examples of parents shaming kids online and in public. From dramatically escalating consequences—and dishing the details to anyone who’ll listen— to ‘calling out’ troubling behavior on Facebook and Instagram, publicly shaming kids can seem effective at first. It certainly gets their attention, right? But the problem is that it never works in the long run as a tool for shaping your kids’ behavior. In addition, it can have a serious and lingering impact on your parent-child relationship, not to mention their self-esteem....

Blocks are perhaps the most basic kinds of toys, but they’re anything but boring. Blocks are universally entertaining, but while your little one discovers the joys of building and stacking, they’re also learning a lot. In addition to improving motor skills, playing with blocks also enhances problem-solving abilities. This is one toy that’s been around for centuries, and it’s definitely something your child should have in their toy box. Benefits of Blocks: Even the simplest set of blocks contains the seeds of imagination, creation, and destruction....

Thought stopping is a strategy that involves blocking and replacing unwanted, distressing thoughts. The technique is sometimes used in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) as a way to halt or disrupt negative thoughts. Then, a more adaptive or helpful thought can then be substituted for the unhelpful one. Thought stopping has a long history of use in CBT. However, some research suggests that when not done correctly, it is ineffective and can often contribute to worsening anxiety or obsessive thinking....

Heart disease, lung disease, and respiratory problems are potential problems associated with air pollution. According to a new study, so is childhood obesity. Key Takeaways A new study shows that a pregnant mother’s intake of air pollutants can lead to unhealthy weight gain for her baby.Infant rapid weight gain can put a child at risk for childhood obesity and other ailments later in life.Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help counter the negative impact of air pollution....

What Is Animal-Assisted Therapy? Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is a form of therapy that includes animals in the treatment process. AAT is goal-directed and involves a therapist who guides the interaction between the animal and client. AAT relies on the unique bond between humans and animals, specifically animals with the right temperament and training for therapy. This therapeutic approach may allow people undergoing therapy to feel more comfortable, safe, and supported as they seek treatment for a mental health condition....

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD), your first question will likely be whether the condition can be cured. While there is no definitive cure for BPD, it is absolutely treatable. In fact, with the right treatment approach, you can be well on the road to recovery and remission. While remission and recovery are not necessarily a “cure,” both constitute the successful treatment of BPD....

One out of seven kids aged 10 to 19 has a mental health disorder. While symptoms can begin in early childhood, exact causes can vary, and in some cases, are not known. A history of mental health issues in the family is one strong predictor of issues in adolescents. Key Takeaways Examining the brain images of adolescents may predict if they will deal with mental health issues.A child’s brain is still developing at age 12, and the brain’s changing nature may make it more vulnerable to mental health distress....

Federal regulations require U.S. military service members and veterans to provide child support to their custodial and non-custodial children. The rules for military personnel do not override or conflict with state rules regarding child support. Instead, they ensure compliance with payment and provide an interim guideline for calculating financial responsibilities when a legal agreement has not yet been reached. If there is a written support agreement between the military service member and the child’s other parent or when there a state court order has been in place, a military service member is required by law to provide financial support under the terms of the agreement or legal court order....

A chromosomal abnormality occurs when a fetus has either the incorrect number of chromosomes, incorrect amount of DNA within a chromosome, or chromosomes that are structurally flawed. These abnormalities may translate to the development of congenital abnormalities, disorders like Down syndrome, or possibly miscarriage. Understanding Genes and Chromosomes Your body is made up of cells. In the middle of each cell is a nucleus, and inside of the nucleus are chromosomes....

Codependency in a relationship is when each person involved is mentally, emotionally, physically, and/or spiritually reliant on the other. A codependent relationship can exist between romantic partners, but also with family members and friends. This type of dependence is common in relationships where one of the parties has an addiction, such as to alcohol or other substances. In fact, it is within the field of chemical dependency that the term codependency was born....

According to a recent study, brain regions responsible for social skills and empathy are activated when children play with dolls. This is true regardless of whether children play alone or with someone else. Key Takeaways Doll play helps children practice social skills and empathy even when playing alone.Given increased isolation due to COVID-19 restrictions, this can help lessen the risks of developmental delays in children. These findings reassure parents that even when children’s social experiences are limited, as they have been during COVID-19, that they still have an opportunity to practice and develop social skills when playing alone....

What’s An Eating Disorder? Formally classified as “feeding and eating disorders” in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), the term “eating disorders” represents a group of complex mental health conditions that can seriously impair health and social functioning. Because of the physical nature of their defining symptoms, eating disorders can cause both emotional distress and significant medical complications. They also have the highest mortality rate of any mental disorder....

COVID-19 repercussions have contributed to a national mental health crisis among children, and this includes a a rise in eating disorder (ED) symptoms. While 95% of people who have an ED are between the ages of 12 and 25, the National Eating Disorder Association reported that in the first quarter of 2021 its helpline call volume went up 53%, year over year. Key Takeaways During the pandemic, a rise in eating disorders has occurred in children....

Getting pregnant after a vasectomy reversal is possible. With micro-surgical repair, an average of 90% will regain sperm after three to six months, and an average of 73 percent will achieve pregnancy after a year. That said, success rates and time frames vary significantly depending on how many years have passed since the vasectomy, whether the couple has had a child together in the past, the skill of the surgeon, and what kind of repair is required....

When it comes to birth control, one of the most effective ways to prevent pregnancy is through the use of an intrauterine device, more commonly known as an IUD. This device, which is inserted into a person’s uterus, creates an unfavorable environment for conception and pregnancy. If you are considering an IUD—or have one already—you may be wondering how effective they are at preventing pregnancy. Here is what you need to know about IUDs, including the chances of getting pregnant while using one, as well as the associated risks if pregnancy were to occur....

Adjusting to working from home, dealing with unemployment, or doing long shifts as a frontline worker. Spending a little too much time cooped up with family, or feeling isolated from being alone. Trying to manage homeschooling and childcare, or wondering when you’ll be seeing the grandkids again. Key Takeaways Stress and anxiety are surging in the midst of COVID-19.As more people experience emotional difficulties, mental health may become more destigmatized.Employers and individuals need to take a closer look at how mental health is being viewed....

Sanskrit for “circle,” mandalas are geometric diagrams that serve as symbolic maps for sacred rituals and meditation in such religions as Hinduism and Buddhism. Thought to represent the cosmos and other deities, they’re often used as tools for a spiritual journey. Key Takeaways The mandala is both spiritually symbolic and used in art therapy to alleviate stress and increase focus. A recent study used brain-sensing technology to explore the role of mandala coloring in mindfulness practices....