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Because eating disorder symptoms are often aligned with cultural norms, it may be hard to distinguish whether a friend or loved one has an eating disorder. For example, our society considers it virtuous to “eat clean,” restrict carbs, and exercise intensively. However, these same behaviors could be symptoms of an eating disorder. No other mental health diagnosis shares this property; people do not typically wish upon themselves symptoms consistent with depression or obsessive-compulsive disorder the way they desire to have symptoms consistent with some eating disorders....

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) can be a challenge to diagnose. People consider panic attacks a hallmark of all anxiety disorders, but GAD is different in that there are generally no panic attacks associated with the condition. As a result of this misconception, without the experience of panic attacks, a person may think they are “just worrying too much.” Their struggles with constant worry may be minimized or dismissed and, in turn, not properly diagnosed or treated....

If you have bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, or another mental health disorder or mental illness that prevents you from working or maintaining employment, you may qualify for federal social security disability pay. The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides disability benefits to millions of people every year to help cover medical bills, living expenses, and other financial obligations. The benefits are paid on a monthly basis in an effort to alleviate financial strain....

From an early age, we are taught to rely on speech as a primary means of communication with other people. However, some autistic people either do not use spoken language as a means of communication, and others can stop speaking during periods of stress or burnout. They may also use limited words or struggle with stuttering. Language note: Although individual preferences exist, surveys of the autistic community consistently show that autistic people prefer identity-first language rather than person-first language (i....

The fear of change, or metathesiophobia, is a phobia that causes people to avoid changing their circumstances due to being extremely afraid of the unknown. It is sometimes associated with the fear of moving, also known as tropophobia. Why Do People Fear the Unknown? Human beings are naturally wired to fear change for several reasons. However, a fear of change may be more intense when the change is not within a person’s control....

If you are facing unexplained infertility, you may wonder if there is an ideal way to get pregnant. While there’s no straightforward answer, typically, when you can’t get pregnant, the first step is fertility testing. Then, once a cause (or causes) is found, an appropriate treatment is pursued. But what do you treat when your healthcare provider doesn’t know what’s wrong? There are several treatment options that can help you get pregnant even with unexplained infertility....

Because humans are largely social creatures, it’s natural to crave companionship and the company of others. While making and keeping friends is a vital part of your social and everyday life, after a certain age it can get a little difficult to find like-minded people who are willing to share their joys, fears, happiness, and worries with you. This may explain why finding someone who appears to have a genuine interest in spending leisurely time with you can sometimes cause excessive excitement....

Your toddler comes to you in tears, yet unable to verbally express what’s wrong. You see them scratching, so you lift their shirt and discover small red welts spreading over their skin. Concerned about what looks like an allergic reaction, you mentally tally up everything they have eaten that day. Oatmeal, berries, a glass of milk, grapes…and then you remember. They gobbled up the crab cakes you made for lunch that day....

Before the COVID-19 pandemic struck in 2020, moms across America were faced with a nearly impossible workload, often shouldering the dual burden of a full-time job with raising a family. While dads have become much more involved in recent decades, the role of motherhood is still a heavy lift. Key Takeaways Some organizations are encouraging moms to put time spent in motherhood on their resumesMany of the skills moms pick up during child-rearing can transfer successfully to a professional setting....

You are not alone if you’re breastfeeding and worried about whether you’re producing enough milk to feed your newborn. Many people worry about their breast milk supply. After all, you can’t see how much breast milk your body is making, and you can’t see how much your little one is drinking the same way you can with bottle feeding. But here’s some good news: Most breastfeeding parents can make enough breast milk for their babies....

You may have heard jokes about moms who pee their pants after having children, but is postpartum incontinence really something to laugh about? It is a serious and frustrating condition, but it doesn’t have to derail your life. Many people think that having postpartum incontinence is normal after pregnancy. While it is common, it is not necessarily normal. If you are experiencing postpartum incontinence, there are treatment options for regaining control of your bladder—and your life....

Tough physical play is part of the appeal of American football, but the risk of both short- and long-term injury, especially to the head and brain, is high. So is football safe for kids to play, or not? That depends on who you ask, and on the player, coach, and league overseeing the game. Does the coach have training in safer tackling techniques? What are the rules regarding contact during practices and games, use of safety equipment, and proper response to suspected concussions?...

What Is Selective Attrition? In psychology experiments, selective attrition describes the tendency of some people to be more likely to drop out of a study than others. This tendency can threaten the validity of a psychological experiment. When data is collected at two or more points in time during an experiment, there will naturally be people who begin a study but then find that they cannot continue. Dropping out of a study can occur for a wide variety of reasons and can occur in both experimental and longitudinal designs....

Quetiapine, also known by its brand name Seroquel, belongs to a class of medications called antipsychotics. It is widely prescribed for a variety of approved and off-label uses including anxiety, psychosis, insomnia, and depression. It has mood-stabilizing properties, so it is sometimes used for the treating of bipolar disorder or mood lability. If you stop taking Seroquel abruptly, it is important to know that there have been rare reports of mild or severe withdrawal symptoms....

Everyone has moments of negativity. We all get angry, hurt, anxious, guilty, and stressed. It’s simply not possible to get through life without those moments. Your child is going to have those moments, too. One day they might get their feelings hurt by their best friend. Perhaps their friend will say something mean to them or invite someone else to a special event. One day your child might get a C on a project or test in school instead of an A....

Sneakers meant for active use can get dirty and smelly pretty quick. Dirt and bacteria can degrade the shoe’s materials. A good sneaker cleaner can help you prolong the life of your shoes and reduce odors and germs. Sprays with included brushes or cloths can provide a deep clean and wipes are convenient if your shoes need a quick once-over. A good sneaker cleaner removes stains, revitalizes the material, and restores the shoes’ aesthetic without discoloring or damaging the shoe....

Better balance isn’t just for dancers or pro athletes. Performing exercises that train your balance can help prevent falls (especially in older adults or stroke patients), strengthen your muscles, and promote stability in your joints. There are many training tools you can add to your fitness regimen to improve your balance and overall physical health. The best balance training products are versatile, easy to store, and will support your weight....

While your teen might be too old for a birthday party that involves games and party favors, a pool party might be perfect. In fact, your teen might be willing to play games and do silly things as long as there is water involved. It can be an inexpensive way to entertain a group of teens for hours. Of course, you’ll need to take safety issues into consideration when swimming is involved, but a pool party might be the best way to celebrate your teen’s next birthday....

Snapchat is very popular among teens. It’s a phone app that allows users to send photos and videos (called snaps) to other users. However, unlike with photos or videos sent via text or email, those sent on Snapchat disappear seconds after they’re viewed. Snapchat does have some risks, so it’s important for parents to be aware of how it works. Use this guide to Snapchat to help keep your tween or teen safer online....

What Is Yoga Therapy? “Yoga therapy is a type of therapy that focuses on the integration of mind and body to enhance mental health,” says Sabrina Romanoff, PsyD, a professor and clinical psychologist in New York City. “Unlike what people tend to imagine, yoga therapy does not look like a typical yoga class. Instead, yoga therapy is usually conducted on a one-on-one basis with a therapist,” says Romanoff. This form of therapy draws on yogic principles and practices, such as physical yoga postures, meditation, breathing techniques, and relaxation exercises, to improve mental and physical well-being....