Posts

Between school, homework, extracurricular activities, and the fact that teens are natural night owls, most teens aren’t getting enough sleep these days. It’s known that sleep deprivation can affect academic performance and physical health, but many don’t realize the strong impact a lack of sleep can have on teen mental health. Let’s take a closer look at the connection between sleep deprivation and mental health in teens, what can be done to address the issue, how to help your teen get more sleep, and the best ways to help them manage their mental health....

When the pandemic hit, New York City first grade teacher Stephanie Lupoli learned the power of mindfulness in her classroom. As the students whiplashed from in-person to virtual learning over and over again, she honed in on training she’d learned years ago, starting exercises with her students to help them center and regulate despite the chaos around them. Key Takeaways The U.S. Department of Education released a resource for schools outlining seven challenges and recommendations for mental health education, in light of the pandemic’s impact on children’s mental health....

Price at time of publication: $299 Therabody Theragun Prime Massage Gun The best massage guns will target tight and sore muscles to provide the benefits of massage therapy from the comfort of your home (and for a deeply discounted price). If you don’t already own one, you want to double up, or you’re looking for the perfect gift for your exercise-obsessed friend, now is the perfect time to purchase a massage gun for post-workout recovery and oh-so-satisfying relief....

What Is a Type A Personality? You may have heard people say they are “Type A.” Since researchers started studying Type A personality, beginning with cardiologists Meyer Friedman and Ray Rosenman in the 1950s, it’s become a household term. Most people now know that Type A personality characteristics have something to do with being competitive and work-obsessed, and that they can bring an increased risk of health problems. But it’s not always understood exactly what traits constitute Type A behavior, or exactly how these traits impact health and wellbeing....

Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder that causes individuals to have intense mood swings ranging from euphoric mania or hypomania to devastating depression. Narcissism, also known as narcissistic personality disorder (NPD), is an illness marked by a lack of empathy, grandiosity, and a desperate need for validation. Bipolar Disorder Symptoms The connection between bipolar disorder and narcissistic personality disorder lies in the symptoms of each condition. Someone diagnosed with bipolar disorder will experience manic or hypomanic and depressive episodes....

Do you constantly feel as though you have no control over situations or that other people are out to get you? Or do you feel as though bad things keep happening to you no matter what you do? If you find yourself blaming other people for events or situations in your life, you may be struggling with what is known as a victim mentality. People with a victim mentality feel as though bad things keep happening and the world is against them....

The term code-switching is gaining mainstream recognition both in communities of color and amongst White folks. Code-switching occurs as a form of self-protection and safety from judgment and microaggressions. Read on to learn more about code-switching, its history, how it impacts BIPOC folks, and how we can work towards creating safer spaces for all. Code-Switching The term “code-switching” refers to a behavior where BIPOC switch from one dialect to another and go from speaking in their home dialect to a different language or accent depending on who they are around....

If you work and have an autistic toddler or young child, you need childcare. Some parents are fortunate to have a relative or friend available to jump in, but for others, finding an appropriate, affordable, safe, accepting, and supportive childcare setting for an autistic child can be a challenge. But when it’s a good fit, says Michelle Haney, PhD and Henry Gund Professor of Psychology at Berry College in Georgia, after-school and daycare programs can be a great experience for children on the spectrum....

There are six million children in the United States diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Of those, 62% rely on some kind of medication to help them through their everyday lives. But one of the most popular types of medicine is scarce, leaving some families scrambling for an alternative. Key Takeaways On October 12, 2022, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a shortage of the prescription drug Adderall, commonly used to treat ADHD....

Postpartum exercise might be the last thing on your mind after giving birth, and that’s OK! But moving your body and picking up a gentle fitness routine after your baby is born can be healthy, energizing, and even mood-boosting—especially if you exercised regularly before pregnancy. Whatever your level of experience, interest, or postpartum goals, you may be wondering when you will be able to start, how to ease back in safely, and how to manage any challenges that come with postpartum exercise....

If you feel like you don’t have friends or struggle with a sense of loneliness, you’re not alone. As an adult, it might seem difficult or impossible to make new connections, but if you’re willing to put in the effort, you can certainly build new relationships. This article covers possible reasons why you’ve been unsuccessful in your attempts to make friends and how not having friends negatively impacts your mental health....

On September 16 REAL SIMPLE hosted a panel in which mental health experts and interior designers came together to discuss the intersection of your living space and your mental health. “Your Home, Your Sanctuary” presented expert insights into making your home your own haven. Key Takeaways REAL SIMPLE hosted a panel on interior design in your home and mental health.They emphasized the importance of letting go of the need for perfection....

Scavenger hunts can be more than just a great way to keep kids busy. They also build critical thinking skills, help kids and families build special memories, and they’re just plain fun. Depending on the type, scavenger hunts can also become an entertaining form of exercise, as well. Scavenger hunts are adaptable—they can be done in the house, at campgrounds, around the neighborhood, or just about anywhere else. Plus. they are an easy, creative, affordable, and adaptable activity that both kids and adults enjoy....

This Psychology 101 WebQuest and lesson plan are designed to help students learn more about the basics of psychology. It serves as a good introduction to the science of the mind and behavior. The lesson plan is adaptable, so you may choose to have students complete the assignment portion either online or offline. If you choose to have students complete the assignment online, they will need to have some knowledge of how to use blogging or online document tools....

All teens experience nervousness sometimes. Feeling tense before a date, worrying about an exam, and experiencing nerves before a big presentation is normal. But sometimes, teens experience so much anxiety that it impairs their daily functioning. Parents of anxious teenagers—as well as the teens themselves—are often desperate for help. How do you know when the anxiety rises to the level of requiring treatment? Or maybe you have concerns about whether anxiety medication is safe for this age group....

The medical term for sagging breasts is ptosis. Breast changes such as ptosis happen naturally with age. But many other factors can lead to breasts that droop. Here’s what you need to know about the causes, prevention, and treatment of sagging breasts. When Breasts Start to Sag There isn’t a specific age when you can expect your breasts to begin to sag. A person in their twenties can have droopy breasts, while someone in their forties can still have perky breasts....

A chemical pregnancy, also known as a biochemical pregnancy, is a very early miscarriage that occurs when an embryo stops developing before the fifth week of gestation, around the same time as an expected menstrual period. Chemical pregnancies account for between 8% and 33% of pregnancies that end in miscarriage and between 18% and 22% of in vitro fertilization (IVF) pregnancies. It is not a false pregnancy or a false positive on a pregnancy test, but a pregnancy that occurs before the fetus can be visibly detected on an ultrasound....

Much of the lore surrounding the coming-of-age college experience is saturated in alcohol. Young adults stepping away from parental oversight and toward a new and thrilling independence arrive on campus primed for new experiences that often involve alcohol as a social lubricant. Key Takeaways A recent study reveals college students who have returned home as a result of the pandemic have reduced their alcohol consumption.These findings suggest living with parents could provide potential long-term health benefits to individuals prone to addiction....

What exactly is acid? Acid, or lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), is an illegal recreational drug derived from a parasitic fungus that grows on rye, known as ergot. Acid is the most well-known hallucinogenic drug, and due to the extended effects of the drug, the experience of taking or “dropping” acid is known as a “trip” or “acid trip.” The History of LSD The psychoactive properties of acid were discovered almost by accident by Dr....

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterized by constant worrying and anxiety. It is a chronic and persistent illness that can have a debilitating impact on your life, including your career, education, and personal life. For many people with GAD, finding anxiety relief is a constant battle. Some with GAD self-medicate in order to soothe their nerves and get through their regular routine. This can include using harmful substances like alcohol, drugs, or nicotine....