Do people often tell you that you see things in black and white, and miss all the shades of gray? This problem is called “all-or-nothing thinking” and can lead to real problems. Learn about the phenomenon and its consequences. All-or-nothing thinking is one of several common unhelpful ways of thinking known as cognitive distortions. All-or-nothing…
Many people experience intrusive thoughts, often in the context of obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, or anxiety disorders. They can be very disturbing. Read on to learn about the different types of intrusive thoughts and some helpful strategies. There Are Multiple Types of Unwanted Thoughts Intrusive thoughts are thoughts that you wish you didn’t have.…
Few emotional problems are as destructive as unhealthy anger. Fortunately, cognitive-behavioral therapy, or CBT, can be very helpful if your anger is hard to control. Anger is one of the basic human emotions. It’s universal – everyone feels angry at times. Anger is often labeled as a “bad” emotion. But the truth is it isn’t…
Do you tend to focus on the worst-case scenario or spend time thinking about how terribly things will go? Catastrophizing is a common component of anxiety and depression. Learn how to address it. What Is Catastrophizing? Imagine this situation: you’re running late to catch a train to visit some friends, and despite rushing to catch…
If you suffer from anxiety, you may have moments when you wonder if you’re losing your grip, or “going crazy.” For some people, this is just a passing thought. For others, however, it can become a major fear. The more the idea dominates your thought process, the more it can seem like you really are…
Fainting is always concerning and can happen for many reasons. Learn about the most common type of fainting, vasovagal syncope, and what causes it. Vasovagal Syncope Syncope is the medical term for passing out or fainting. Fainting is a relatively common experience. Around 3-3.5% of people experience fainting at some point in their life. It…
If you suffer from panic attacks or have been diagnosed with panic disorder, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) may be beneficial for you. Learn about this treatment option and how it can help. What Is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)? Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of psychotherapy that is especially effective for anxiety and insomnia but is also…
People meditate for many reasons. They want to clear their minds, to reduce stress, to get centered… but are any of these things really the goal of meditation? Not quite. Ask people what their goal is when they meditate, and you’ll hear a variety of answers. “To deal with stress.” “To calm down.” “To get…
Do you always feel like there are at least six things you should be doing? Over time, rushing from one task to the next and to the next can take a toll. The busyness and stress of life can make you feel like you’re about to explode. Mindfulness can be a powerful antidote to that…
Many people who suffer from PTSD find that the condition can affect their sex lives, sometimes for years. Fortunately, there is help for this problem. After experiencing a traumatic event, some people develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The types of events that can cause PTSD include accidents, sexual or physical assaults or abuse, natural disasters,…
If you find yourself preoccupied and fearful about having a serious illness, you may suffer from health anxiety. Fortunately, there are concrete steps you can take to (eventually) feel less anxious. What Is Health Anxiety? Health anxiety is worry or concern about having a medical condition that is disproportionate to the actual risk. Sometimes health…
It’s hard to know what to do if someone you care about is depressed — especially if they aren’t seeking help. Learn what to look out for and what you can do. Depression is more than just having a bad day — it affects people for weeks, months, or years. It’s more than just sadness.…