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Does your child like preschool and learning, but they’re still very quiet and seem to have a hard time making friends? How can you encourage them to come out of their shell a little? These are questions parents of shy preschoolers ask themselves all the time. Some Kids Are Naturally More Prone to Socialize Some kids make it look so easy. Gregarious and affable, they can work a room with the best of them, laughing, ​playing, and giving high-fives to every kid they meet....

Every Monday on The Verywell Mind Podcast, Editor-in-Chief Amy Morin, LCSW, interviews authors, experts, entrepreneurs, athletes, musicians, and other inspirational people about the strategies that help them think, feel, and do their best in life. Meet Elaine Fox Elaine Fox, PhD, is a cognitive psychologist and the Head of the School of Psychology at the University of Adelaide, Australia. Her 2012 book, “Rainy Brain, Sunny Brain,” is an international bestseller. Her newest book, “Switch Craft,” focuses on the benefits of mental agility....

Subscribe Now: Apple Podcasts / Spotify / Google Podcasts Every Monday on The Verywell Mind Podcast, Editor-in-Chief Amy Morin, LCSW, interviews experts, authors, entrepreneurs, athletes, musicians, and other inspirational people about the strategies that help them think, feel, and do their best in life. Meet Mallory Weggemann Mallory Weggemann began swimming competitively at age 7. But, in 2008, an injection that was supposed to treat her back pain left her paralyzed from the waist down....

Knowing how to ride a bike or read a book relies on implicit memory. Consciously recalling items on your to-do list involves the use of explicit memory. Implicit memory and explicit memory are both types of long-term memory. Information that you remember unconsciously and effortlessly is known as implicit memory, while information that you have to consciously work to remember is known as explicit memory. Explicit and implicit memory play important roles in shaping your ability to recall information and interact in your environment....

There isn’t a single test that can determine if you have a mental illness—or deem you 100% mentally healthy. Instead, a diagnosis of mental illness is made by a medical or mental health professional who has conducted a thorough evaluation. Reasons to Be Screened There are a number of reasons why you might need to be screened for a mental health condition. Some of these reasons include: Avoidance of social situations or normal activitiesChanges in mood or dramatic mood swingsFeeling anxious, worried, or fearfulFeelings of worthlessness, irritability, anger, frustrationLack of energy or fatigueLow mood or feelings of sadnessTrouble concentrating or confused thinkingTrouble coping with daily stress Thoughts of self-harm or suicide are one of the most serious signs of a mental health condition....

The holiday season is generally thought of as a time of joy and love, but for many people, it’s a time of loneliness. Some people live far from family and miss seeing their loved ones this time of year; others dread going to holiday parties and New Year’s Eve celebrations and end up staying home. It’s also common for people to feel emotional distance from the people they’re with, which can result in feeling lonely even when in a room full of people....

Children with ADHD can have a short attention span and may have problems being hyperactive and impulsive. That means that they may not do well at school, may have trouble making or keeping friends, and may even have problems at home and with after-school activities. Fortunately, treatments can help to control the symptoms of ADHD in most kids. These treatments typically include ADHD medications and behavioral strategies, which could be more formal, such as behavioral therapy with a child psychologist or counselor, or just simple steps that parents and teachers learn to help them get more organized, avoid distractions, and behave more appropriately....

Middle school is a transition for children, and while it can be an experience of growth and independence, it can also be difficult for children who face certain problems associated with middle school. Knowing what your child might experience or encounter during these years can help you prepare him or her, and maybe even prevent certain problems from surfacing. As always, knowledge is power. Common Challenges Faced by Middle Schoolers Below are a few typical middle school problems your child may have to face....

Phencyclidine (PCP) or phenylcyclohexyl piperidine, commonly known as angel dust, has been part of the drug scene since the 1960s. It is used as a white crystal powder or smoked as “fry,” or marijuana cigarettes dipped in PCP and embalming fluid. The effects of PCP are unpredictable, and the side effects vary widely from person to person, ranging from sensory changes to schizophrenic-like behavior to stroke. Also Known As: Some of the slang terms and street names used for PCP include Angel Dust, Hog, Rocket Fuel, DOA, Peace Pill, Supergrass, Ozone, Wack, Cliffhanger, Happy Sticks, Trank, Letha Weapon, and Kools....

The longer your brain holds on to a negative event, no matter how minor, the more likely you’ll be to dismiss positive experiences—which could have a long-term impact on your mental health, according to a study in the Journal of Neuroscience. Key Takeaways Holding on to negative feelings about minor annoyances could have long-term effects on your psychological well-being, a new study suggests.That mental habit, even for a few seconds too long, might cause chronic stress over time....

Meditation is a powerful stress reliever. Here is a simple and effective form of meditation that can be useful for beginners, and can be learned easily learned. Whether you use it to prepare for physical battle or just a taxing day at the office, this quick exercise is a proven tool to help you feel relaxed, alert, and more ready for anything. Step By Step Sit in a comfortable position. While most martial artists use the ‘seiza’ (“say zah”) position, with legs beneath the buttocks with knees directly in front, many people find this position to be uncomfortable....

Breastfeeding mothers tend to forget that they need to care for themselves as well as the baby. There’s so much to think about with remembering when the baby’s last feeding was, making sure the baby’s positioning and latch are correct, and counting dirty diapers, that you can easily leave your own well-being at the doorstep. However, it’s essential to take care of your needs as well as your child’s. Here are some guidelines for self-care—including nutrition, weight loss, exercise, hygiene, and emotional health—for breastfeeding moms....

Whether you’ve got a dedicated young gamer with an eye on the latest releases, a kid who can’t wait to start texting with friends, a college-bound student who’s got essays to write, or a baby that you’d like to peek in on when you leave the house, chances are there are tech gadgets on your shopping list this holiday season. And if that’s the case, you (and your bank account) are very much in luck this Cyber Week....

What you eat after a workout plays a key part in your ability to recover from that workout and prepare you for your next one. Whether you are engaging in cardio or strength-based exercise, it is important to consume adequate amounts of fluids, carbohydrates, and protein throughout the day and after exercise in order for your muscles to properly recover. According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the American College of Sports Medicine, carbohydrates are needed to help replenish energy stores, while protein helps to repair and build muscle....

What Is the Holmes and Rahe Stress Scale? The Holmes and Rahe stress scale is a list of 43 stressful life events that can contribute to illness. The scale is used by health care professionals to help identify whether a person is experiencing a high amount of stress. This can be helpful in determining whether someone is at risk for developing an illness, or if they may benefit from stress-reduction interventions....

Undiagnosed, untreated attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can wreak havoc on your life, and it can also impact your loved ones. Each year, we recognize ADHD Awareness Month in October is a time to celebrate the progress made in ADHD education and advocacy, understand the work that still needs to be done, and raise awareness about the importance of early diagnosis and treatment. Without ADHD awareness, many children and adults continue to struggle....

Cocaine, also known as “coke” or “blow,” is a fast-acting nervous system stimulant. It is the most potent among all naturally occurring stimulants and is extracted from the leaves of the coca bush. With further processing, the coca leaves become cocaine and crack that is sold on the street. If you or a loved one are struggling with substance use or addiction, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 for information on support and treatment facilities in your area....

What Is an Alcohol Detox? Alcohol detoxing is a complicated process and could lead to medical complications. Healthcare experts often recommend doing it in a rehabilitation program or hospital. People have different reasons for opting to detox from alcohol. Alcohol Detox An “alcohol detox” is when someone stops drinking alcohol after long-term use. A detox removes any toxins from the body. You might suspect that you are beginning to develop an alcohol dependence, or you simply think it’s a healthy decision to make at this point in your life....

People who experience RSD might have difficulty regulating their emotions or healthily expressing themselves while they experience this pain. Many people with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) experience RSD. While not everyone who experiences RSD has ADHD, and not everyone with ADHD experiences RSD, it is a common phenomenon in the ADHD community. Rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD) occurs when an individual experiences intense, severe emotional pain in response to perceived rejection, criticism, or failure....

To say you’re disabled publicly can be a terrifying experience. July is Disability Pride Month, and many of those with the label—whether they see it as a positive or a negative— are exploring what it means to identify as disabled. Key Takeaways Those with invisible disabilities tend to have a roundabout route to diagnosis.Identity, especially when it comes to disability, is as much an external process as it is an internal one....