Suicidal ideation is one of the most common precursors to suicide and is characterized by thoughts about taking one’s own life. Suicidal ideation can be either passive or active. So what is passive suicidal ideation, and how does it differ from active suicidal ideation? Understanding Passive Suicidal Ideation Passive suicidal ideation is when an individual…
At some point in our lives, we have all felt the urge to do things a certain way or the need to arrange things in a precise manner. For most of us, these are temporary “quirks” that come and go. But for those with OCD, these urges and thoughts to do things in a certain…
If you’ve suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder, you’ve likely developed a handful of coping strategies. While these tools can get you through episodes and challenging moments, your body has still experienced a lot of stress. Prolonged stress can have negative effects on your health, one of which may be heart disease. Knowing the warning signs…
Imagine you are on your way to the grocery store when your chest starts to feel tight. You begin sweating and notice that you can’t seem to catch your breath. You may try to slow down your breathing, but you keep getting distracted by fearful thoughts about what’s happening to you. You wonder if you…
Obsessive-compulsive disorder, commonly abbreviated as OCD, is a common mental health illness characterized by obsessions and compulsions. Obsessions are distressing, unwanted thoughts, mental images, or urges that can cause a great deal of anxiety and emotional anguish. Conversely, compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental rituals that a person feels compelled to do to “neutralize” their…
Though post-traumatic stress disorder first appeared as an official diagnosis in the DSM-III (around 1980), PTSD is actually a mental health disorder that dates back much farther into human history. References to what we now know as PTSD can be found in ancient literature and historical texts. Learning as much as you can about PTSD…
Everyone gets sad or experiences low moods at some point in their lives. This is a normal part of life, but most people can navigate the highs and lows themselves with little external help, and their moods improve on their own. But if you’re depressed, how do you explain it? Explain Depression with Simple Truths…
It’s normal to feel anxious in certain situations, but when symptoms like nervousness or eating problems become a fixture of your daily life for months or longer, you may be suffering from an anxiety disorder. Fortunately, many common symptoms of anxiety are manageable, allowing you to regain control of your life. Know The Symptoms Do…
Psychotherapy refers to the use of scientifically validated psychological techniques to treat mental and emotional disorders. Psychotherapy operates on the premise that mental and emotional disorders are caused by dysfunctional thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. The goal of psychotherapy is to help people identify and change these dysfunctional thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Psychotherapy remains the most…
Psychotherapy is a general term used to describe the use of scientifically proven techniques to help people change negative behaviors, thoughts, and emotions. It involves talking to a trained mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker, or counselor. As a form of talk therapy, it is based on the principle that our…